Danielle's Desserts

Danielle's Desserts (2001 international Drive McLean, VA 22102) 
Flavors: Caramel, Double Chocolate, Red Velvet, Coconut, Sour Cream Banana Walnut, and Strawberries-n-Cream
Cost: $3.25 each
Score: 4.5

L-R; Caramel, Sour Cream Banana Walnut, Strawberries-N-Cream,
Red  Velvet, Coconut and Double Chocolate

 Recently, I was contacted by the team for Danielle's Desserts on doing a review for their cupcakes. I was thrilled because I've been following Danielle's Desserts on Twitter for sometime and assumed she focused more on elaborate desserts, and not cupcakes. Within days I had a box of six cupcake faces smiling at me! My box contained flavors ranging from fruity, salty-sweet, and traditional. 

For $3.25 each, these cupcakes were a healthy size. Although I didn't have to travel to their location in Tysons Galleria, I do know that their location is metro accessible by train and bus but driving there would probably ideal. Also, for those who do drive there, expect valet parking service which is sweet!

Each cupcake had a silky smooth texture and flavor. The frosting was a bit sweet but overall an absolute treat. Check out my breakdown for each flavor:

Caramel Cupcake with bits of toffee

Caramel
The caramel cupcake was moist, very flavorful, a bit sweet but the heath candy bits were a nice addition. The cake seemed larger than the others and reminded me of Baked & Wired's cupcakes for two. The mix of salty-sweet was great, I just wish that they would have been less sweet. 

Coconut
The coconut cupcake we essentially perfect! The cakes texture was unusually delicate while the frosting strayed away from traditional super-coconut flavor and immediate sweet-ness. It was well planned, took it's time and delivered!

Red Velvet Cupcake

Red Velvet 
It's never a secret that the Critic doesn't care for red velvet anything! *cue childhood memories* But on the chance that I am forced to review a red velvet cupcake, it's really saying something if I can enjoy it- and I did. There was a balance of sweetness with the flavorful cake which didn't rely on the over usage of cocoa powder. The color was perfect and the texture moist without overkill (slow down on the palm kernel oil, folks!). 


Sour cream Banana Walnut
My initial thought was, "I like banana but in a cupcake? What a funny name..." This cupcake reminded more of a sweet muffin as the cake was nice banana (with real banana) while the frosting was delicate, it was really there to decipher this cupcake from a muffin. In essence, it wasn't bad (I wouldn't kick it out of bed) but compared to its siblings, it wasn't that great either. 

Strawberries-n-Cream cupcake

Strawberries-N-Cream
This was my first cupcake in the bunch. It was love at first sight! The vanilla cupcake was delicate and topped with an even more delicate cream frosting with perfectly sliced strawberries adorning it. All of the components came together beautifully and it was my favorite out of the entire batch.

Double Chocolate
Chocolate, chocolate and this cupcake delivered on the promise! Although it is a double chocolate cupcake, both the frosting and the cake could their own or do the tango in tandem. I could taste the coffee (used as a softener) but it was perfect and gave that excellent punch that good chocolate (cup)cake needs. 

Overall Danielle's Desserts are a treat that shouldn't be overlooked, especially for my Virginia Cupcake Lovers! 

*The cupcakes in this review were gifted however no compensation was received in connection with this review. Nor were the views of reviewer compromised or swayed. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Georgetown Cupcake

Picture courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 

Georgetown Cupcake is offering their signature red velvet cupcakes topped with a red sweetheart fondant piece to celebrate Valentine's day. Or create your own Valentine's Day dozen by  ordering a custom assortment like my personal favorites: strawberry lava fudge and strawberry champagne. 

Want to avoid lines? Call your order ahead of time for pick-up or have it delivered locally for $10 in DC, LA, Boston, and NYC metro areas. Not in a metro area? Get overnight shipping for $20. 

Also, be sure to watch an all new episode of TLC's DC Cupcake on Thursday, February 14th at 7PM/EST. 

   

Inauguration Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake

Inauguration Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cucpake

Georgetown Cupcake has created an inauguration box to commemorate the 57th Presidential Inauguration. The box contains 3 Red Velvet cupcakes with gold fondant eagles; 3 Vanilla & Buttercream cupcakes with fondant US flags and 6 Lava Fudge cupcakes with a White House fondant topper. The inauguration box retails for $29 and will be available until January 21, 2013.

Alexandria Cupcake

Review: Alexandria Cupcake 1022 King Street, Old Town Alexandria

Flavors:  Pumpkin & Red Velvet

Cost: Single $3.00-$3.50,  Mini $1.50/each (when available)

Score: 4

Reviewed by: Ariana Graham of Shopaholic Undercover

Situated in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, in a historic boutique style townhouse, is Alexandria Cupcake. Looking at the architecture, I immediately felt at home. The inside was warm; the walls were covered in chocolate colored paint and there was a bricked fire place. The best part was this huge white lantern hanging from the ceiling overlooking a cute modern style bar table and chairs near this picturesque window. Upon walking in I expected to have a warmer welcome but sadly I did not. The staff seemed unhappy to be there, which was surprising.  

The displays of cupcakes were overwhelming; too amazing to choose just one. I counted about seven different flavors: two types of dark chocolate and vanilla bean, coconut, strawberry and red velvet. They even have specials like rosewater; Alexandria Cupcake’s signature cupcake. It’s made with a rose water glaze topped with fresh raspberry.  Other specials include PB&J, gluten-free and vegan chocolate. When asked, the staff member recommended the pumpkin cupcake; I also tried the red velvet.

While sitting at the table, I was treated to delicious cupcakes and an amazing view of Old Town. Each cupcake was moist and the icing was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. I gave both cupcakes two thumbs up for taste! 

Overall, I was impressed with Alexandria Cupcake! The inside is charming and they play jazz music in the background.  I give it a four; I would have given it a five if the staff were more inviting.  Also, they only have one table and two chairs which is not ideal for groups. It’s a short ride from King Street Metro on the King Street Trolley (which is free by the way!). I highly recommend Alexandria Cupcake on your next trip to Old Town! 

About Ariana: Ariana is the founder and editor of Shopaholic Undercover; a blog for the budget fashionista! She has a passion for fashion and absolutely loves shopping. Her blog is an outlet where she discusses personal shopping experiences to help others who want to look great but not overspend. Her goal is to show readers how to get the great looks seen in the magazines while getting a great wardrobe on a budgets. Follow her on Facebook  or Twitter @Arishopaholic. 

Sprinkles' Thanksgiving Box

Celebrate your Thanksgiving with cupcakes! Pick up one of Sprinkles' Thanksgiving Boxes complete with orange cranberry, pumpkin, red velvet and dark chocolate cupcakes adorned with turkey and maple leaf sugar decorations sealed with an EAT Turkey and Cupcakes sticker! Available from today until November 25th!

*Please note that Sprinkles will be closed on November 22nd. 

Sprinkles & The American Red Cross

American Red Cross Red Velvet Cupcake
Photo courtesy of Sprinkles

Victims of Hurricane Sandy can expect some sweet relief in the form of donations from Sprinkles Cupcakes. On Monday, November 12, 2012, Sprinkles will donate 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of their Red Cross Red Velvet cupcakes to the American Red Cross. My heart and hugs go out to all of those affected. 

SweetBuds Bakery

Sweet Buds Bakery: Food Truck servicing DC/MD/VA
Flavors: Black Forest Cake, Lemon, Raspberry Red Velvet, Spine Apple Chill
Cost: $3.00*
Score:3.8

Sweet Buds Bakery is full-service food truck and bakery serving DC, Maryland and Virginia. I first heard about them through my sister who happened upon them in Arlington, VA. She told me that the owners were really sweet people who always had her order ready and that I had to try these cupcakes! My sister is a tough sell so if she liked them, they had to be good.

Through their Facebook page, I discovered that Sweet Buds Bakery would be a vendor at the Olde Town Bowie Fall Festival; I had to jump on it. After a sizable hike through Olde Town Bowie, I found their colorful truck and a sizable line. I was immediately greeted by daughter Bianka and her mother, Pamela. Their menu was extensive with over 10 flavors on hand and priced well at $3.00 per cupcake. 

When I asked which flavors I should try Pamela said, "Honey, all my flavors are good!" You can't beat that! After a lengthy discussion with Bianka and her mom, I was given a tidy bag of cupcakes in a cup with the following flavors: black forest cake, lemon, raspberry red velvet, and spine-apple chill. She also gave me her fantastic monkey bread with rum-soaked raisins and nuts. (Side-Note: That monkey bread was amazing!! Like, I may have to start cyber-stalking their location to get more amazing! Really...)

Lemon, Red velvet and Spine-apple chill

My first treat was the black forest cake. The cake was lined with chocolate syrup to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. The flavor was rich and had me wanting more. Next up was the lemon which was pretty good. It was a typical lemon flavor but the cake was smooth and the Bavarian creme topping rounded it out. 

Wedding Cupcake Tower
Photo by Sweet Buds Bakery

The raspberry red velvet was really inventive. It was a red velvet cake, rimmed with raspberry jam and topped with Bavarian creme. The raspberry jam offset the chocolate in the red velvet creating a great flavor sensation. My final cake was the spine-apple chill which would remind me of an apple cupcake- perfect for Fall. I enjoyed the apple fruit compote mixed with the spiced apple cake although it was a tad sweet but still good.

Currently you can find the Sweet Buds Bakery truck at Fells Point in Baltimore, Arlington, VA and certain stops in D.C. 

We Take The Cake

We Take the Cake: 1021 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut 
Cost: $52 per 8 cupcakes
Score: 4.8

Reviewed by: Stephanie

Coconut and Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercrem Frosting

In early August I was approached by We Take the Cake about reviewing their cupcakes. I agreed after seeing that their signature key-lime cream cheese bundt cakes were voted one of Oprah's Favorite Things. Looking to introduce their cupcakes to a broader market, they shipped a box to me and I couldn't have been happier*.

                                          

When I received my box, I was pleasantly surprised at how lovingly my package was shrink-wrapped, boxed with dry ice, and then delicately placed in a custom FedEx box. The packaging was marvelous in traditional Key-West colors of terracotta and lime.

The box of eight are over-sized cupcakes which means that they can comfortably feed about two people when shared. The cupcakes come in four traditional flavors: chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and coconut and retail for $52 plus shipping and handling. Given that they are located in Fort Lauderdale, shipping to the D.C. area hovers around $39 dollars however they ship fresh and the same day.

The FedEx guys love me!

The We Take the Cake Box with Logo

Cutting each cupcake into fours, I dished up my plate ready to critique. I tried the vanilla cupcake first and was pleasantly surprised at how moist and flavorful it was. It bordered on perfect while the frosting left the sweetest tingle on my tongue. 

I tried the coconut cupcake next which would become my favorite. The moist coconut gave this cupcake the perfect flavor without being too sweet and the right balance of crunch with the moist cake. The actual cake was infused with subtle notes of fresh coconut denoting a coconut milk or paste used. No artificial flavors here. 

The chocolate cupcake was smooth and reminded me of a nice French pastry only in cake form topped with a silky smooth mousse. The red velvet cake was moist beyond belief and although chocolate in flavor, it was more of what I've always felt that a (southern) red velvet cake should be- effortless. 

Purple: Red Velvet Cupcakes  Pink: Vanilla Cupcakes 

Overall the price tag was justifiable as these cupcakes are beyond spectacular. These are the cupcakes that you expect to serve should Oprah come visit your home and you don't want to appear as if you've never met a billionaire before. Or they are the perfect Christmas present for the beloved relative, in-law, or Cupcake Lover in your life. Receiving a box from We Take the Cake would definitely brighten their day-and tummy. 

*The cupcakes in this review were gifted however that did not sway the views of the reviewers. No compensation was received in connection with this review. 

Make My Cake Harlem

Make My Cake: 121 Saint Nicholas Avenue New York, NY

Flavors: Strawberry, Strawberry Coconut and Red Velvet Walnut

Cost $2.50-$4.00

Score: 5

The Bounty: Large Strawberry Coconut & Red Velvet with walnuts

I remember the first time I visited Make My Cake...it was heavenly. The perfectly pink shop located on 116th and Adam Clay Powell Blvd is about a 2-3 block walk from the 2 or 3 trains (although taking the 4 would be better). Walking into the shop you immediately feel at home. Their vast selection drew me in with their signature red velvet and strawberry cupcakes that are drool-worthy.   

My favorites: strawberry cupcakes 

The day of my visit I would notice that they offered two sizes for their cupcakes:regular and large. The prices ranged from $2.50-$4.00 depending on flavor and size. I wanted to get a regular-sized cupcake in each flavor but sticking to my cupcake budget and portion size was important so I ordered one regular sized strawberry cupcake and 2 large cupcakes in red velvet walnut and strawberry-coconut. My total for all three was $10.50. My mouth was already salivating.

They serve pies, cobbler, cookies, donuts, danish, muffins, etc.

Make My Cake's customer service was excellent. The line of five people moved rather quickly as the waitstaff answered every question with a genuine smile and gave change with a prompt, "Thank you!". Their warm smiles and casual conversation made me feel like a valued customer which is important when there's a cupcake shop on every corner. Each cupcake was chosen and packaged with care and all questions were answered with accurate knowledge of both the product and the store. Further, everything was pristine clean. 

I love their packaging...a happy baker

After snapping some pics, I saw that my regular cupcake was housed in a pink bag with the cutest logo. I've always enjoyed the chubby baker reaching into the oven and pulling out freshly made goodness. It screams homemade, warmth, and care. 

The awning of Make My Cake in Harlem

Before I could devour my goodies, I was knee-deep in cupcakes from my New York trip so I had to put these babies in the refrigerator for another day :-(. I was pleased to find that my strawberry coconut was as rich, smooth, and creamy as it was the day that I bought it. Fresh strawberries were bursting from the batter and the frosting wasn't too sweet but just right. 

Make My Cake's German Chocolate cake
went up against Bobby Flay on 'Throwdown'

My red  velvet cake had a great texture and was complemented by the subtle cream cheese frosting and walnuts. My mini strawberry was a treat too. Even though it was a regular sized cupcake, I felt that it lasted longer than a traditional cupcake; something that I owe in part to the homemade nature of MMC's baked goods. 

Make My Cake is also a 30 seat bakery and cafe internet lounge 

Make My Cake in Harlem was by far my favorite experience while in New York (out of 5 shops visited with Dylan's Candy Bar running a close second). I see why New York's elite (Jay-Z, Beyonce, and others) flock to the Harlem-based hideaway. 

                                                

   
                  

                                        

Sprinkles Spooky Cupcakes & Boo Box

Photo courtesy of Sprinkles

From October 8th through October 31st, Sprinkles will be selling their Halloween Boo Box filled with vanilla milk chocolate, red velvet, black & white and caramel apple cupcakes. Each cupcake is topped with a Sprinkles ghost or Boo sugar decoration. In addition Sprinkles will be selling their Caramel Apple cupcakes until Halloween. The caramel apple cupcake is a spiced apple cake chocked with granny smith apple chunks, and topped with buttery caramel cream cheese frosting made complete with a Sprinkles Boo topper. 

Pick up yours today...or call ahead and get curbside service (eligible for orders of one dozen or more). 

Photo courtesy of Sprinkles

Crumbs Bakery: Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Crumbs Bakery (43 West 42nd Street, NY Times Square)
Flavors: Caramel Apple 
Cost: $3.85
Score: 3.0

Crumbs in Times Square

Although I disavowed Crumbs in a previous review, on this sunny afternoon in Times Square I would try them again. Walking into the petite shop I was greeted with several cupcake flavors and food choices. Although Crumbs is known for their cupcakes, they are a bakery that serves other baked goods such as danishes, mini cheesecakes, brownies, and cookies. 

Crumbs had great variety

I came across two fun cupcakes that caught my attention: the red velvet delicious (a red velvet cupcake decorated to look like an apple with a green stem) and a caramel apple cupcake (an apple spice cupcake topped with caramel and butter cream frosting with a protruding wooden stick). I decided to go with the caramel apple cupcake alone. 

Red Velvet cupcakes shaped like apples

My total was $3.85 which isn't bad for such a sizable cupcake. The young lady who waited on me was very kind. She even looked up the address for another bakery on her iPhone after ringing me up. 

Grabbing my cupcake I was a bit hesitant because everything within me wanted it to be good so that I could change my original opinion of Crumbs. They were already winning in the flavor category (I love caramel apples) so I had to put this baby to work.

Flavor of the week: Caramel Apple

Dipping my spoon into the large cake and sliding it downward revealed chunks of apple, spices, and a cream cheese frosting underneath the thick caramel. Holding it to my mouth I thought, "this better be good" and it was. The cupcake was bursting with real apple flavor complemented by the caramel. The cream cheese rounded out the fairly textured cake making it sweet and moist. The stick even acted as a sufficient anchor to the heavy cupcake. 

My treat...caramel on top with apple chunks in the middle

All in all I dug the cupcake and my experience at Crumbs was favorable. I can't say that it is one of my top five but in a pinch, I may see myself stopping by to try some of their other flavors. 

                           

Showtime's Dexter & Magnolia Bakery Make Bloody Good Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of  Magnolia Bakery

Showtime series, Dexter, is about a sociopath who kills in cold blood by night and then solves his own murders as a forensics expert by day. Creepy, right? New York's Magnolia Bakery created mini red velvet cupcakes featuring shards of sugar glass and splatters of red simple syrup as blood to debut at the show's premiere party on September 27, 2012 at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall. It looks like a very inventive cupcake to compliment the enigmatic character. The first episode of the season premiered on September 30th. 

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Baked by Melissa

Baked by Melissa (1585 Broadway; between 47th & 8th) 
Flavors: S'mores, Double Cookie, Cookies n Cream, Tie-dye, Red Velvet, PB& J
Cost: $5 for 6 minis 
Score: 4

Bag by Melissa

 Strolling through Times Square, I remembered that there was a Baked by Melissa's in the area. On a random side street, a few blocks from the metro, sits a small shop with enough room for you and perhaps 2 other adults. The stainless steel and glass store deviates from the tradition pink and whimsy fluff that you see at other shops (for the record, I like pink...whimsy...and fluff).  The tiny cupcakes sat on the glass wall like make-up at the M.A.C. counter and with as many flavors/colors to choose from. 

I was immediately greeted by one of the two staff members. It was difficult to tell if she recognized me as the Cupcake Critic or was genuinely greeting me as a customer. Nonetheless, she patiently waited as I mulled through their menu and chose 6 of their 20 exotic flavors for the day. She eloquently described every flavor and lovingly placed them in the box. 

My total for 6 minis was $5.50 which isn't so bad but the tiny two-bite treat probably totals 1 whole cupcake when put together. Because I had so many treats, I thought I'd break down each flavor as follows:

Double Cookie: This was September's flavor of the month and I loved it. Although not a chocolate person, I loved tasting the chocolate goodness within the first bite. The double cookie in the middle made this moist treat even better. 

S'mores: When compared to other cupcakes it's standard fare. I've never been a s'mores person but for those who are the cupcake doesn't disappoint. 

Cookies-n-cream: I love the winter white cake part of the cupcakes with the black and white speckled frosting. Reminiscent of a chocolate sandwich cookie in cupcake form, the delectable 2-bite treat serves the appetite and hits the spot. 

PB & J: Can't say that I'm a huge fan. The texture was kind of bread-y and with coupled with sticky peanut butter and a smear of jam, it stuck to the roof of my mouth prior to going down kind of dry. 

Red Velvet: A decent red velvet cupcake. Fairly moist with a great cream cheese frosting. Although not a red velvet cupcake-eater, I appreciate the gentle notes of chocolate found in this colorful mini-cupcake. 

Tie Dye: A bit too sweet for my taste with no real flavor to speak of but not a bad treat either. Consider it a box filler. 

Overall I enjoyed Baked by Melissa's and think that the mini-treats are perfect for a quick snack without breaking the bank or your diet. The service is friendly with locations 8 accessible locations and awesome packaging.