Celebrate the 57th Inauguration with Cupcakes

Photo credit: Chris Carlson/AP Photo

The 57th inauguration of the President of the United States is underway and, per usual, DC is soaking up all the fanfare and pandemonium. Cashing in on the celebration are cupcake shops across the DMV eager to satisfy residents and tourists alike with their sweet treats- and I'm elated! Below is a sampling of what to expect during the weekend....

Georgetown Cupcake's Inaugural Box

Cost: $29 a dozen 

Available until January 21, 2013

Photo credit: Georgetown Cupcake 

Never one to let a trend get past them, Georgetown Cupcake is capitalizing on the inauguration with their inaugural dozen featuring 3 red velvet cupcakes with gold fondant eagles; 3 vanilla and buttercream cupcakes with fondant US flags and 6 lava fudge cupcakes with a White House fondant topper. More than anything, I love that whatever Georgetown Cupcake does, they do well and have done well with an inaugural box fit for a two-term president. 

 Hello Cupcake's Very Berry Obama

Cost: $3.50 

Available on January 21, 2013

Hello Cupcake bi-partisan cupcakes /Photo credit: Hello Cupcake 

Hello Cupcake will cleverly feature the Very Berry Obama cupcake which is a vanilla cake with fresh berries and vanilla butter cream topped with patriotic sprinkles. This is one clever cupcake with a cute name. Hurry, it's only available on inauguration day. 

Curbside Cupcake's Inaugural Cupcake

Cost $3.50/cupcake

Available until January 22, 2013

Curbside Cupcake's inaugural cupcake/Photo: Curbside Cupcake

Curbside Cupcake recently debuted their inaugural cupcake which is a chocolate cake covered with a pineapple frosting and topped with a fondant Obama logo. I will assume that the pineapple frosting is a nod to his Hawaiian roots? I dig this and look forward to trying it!

Delectable Cakery's Inaugural Cupcakes

Cost $22 per dozen (with 25% off coupon)

Available until January 21, 2013

Photo credit: Delectable Cakery 

Delectable Cakery is throwing its hat into the inaugural ring with red, white and blue inauguration cupcakes or cupcakes topped with an official image of President Obama. Flavors range from vanilla, chocolate and their signature sweet potato. Cupcakes are available in packs of 12 and you can score a coupon for 25% off by visiting their site and joining their mailing list. 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Cupcake Lovers! 2012 was a year for cupcakes and to commemorate such an awesome year, I've compiled a wrap-up of the highlights from 2012.

Buzz Bakery's Arlington Location
 Copyright of The Cupcake Critic

Treats from Cupcake Blvd in Crofton, MD

The Virginia based Buzz Bakery announces a new location in Southeast D.C.'s Yard development while food trucks like Curbside Cupcake and Cupcake Blvd. set-up brick and mortar shops in Pentagon City Mall, Union Market, and Crofton, MD. 

Warren Brown's Cakelove: How to Bake Cakes from Scratch

Cakelove's Toffee Crunch Cupcakes aka My Boo!

After closing Love Cafe (a U-street staple), Cakelove's Warren Brown pens another book entitled, Cakelove in the Morning and gives a portion of their toffee crunch cupcake sales (aka, My Boo!) to Hurricakes for Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts. 

Crunkcakes display table at Treat Yo' Self
Copyright of TheCupcakeCritic.com

Olivia's Cupcake Shop
Photo courtesy of Olivia's Cupakes

L-R: Raychel and Faith, the Ladies of Crunkcakes
Copyright The Cupcake Critic

Crunkcakes (last year's winner for Best Overall) held their first 'Treat Yo Self' pop-up shop featuring several artisans and other sweet-treat makers where they introduced two new flavors featuring DC Brau Craft Beer: the Brau Rickey and the Fat Cat.  Meanwhile Olivia's Cupcakes (last year's winner for 'Best Red Velvet Cupcakes') tinkers with getting a new food truck and introduces their now famous Ciroc cupcakes.  

The Kallinis Sisters at the LA Opening of Georgetown Cupcake
Copyright of Georgetown Cupcake

The sisters behind Georgetown Cupcake are on Season three of TLC's DC Cupcakes, have a new book called Sweet Celebrations, three new stores in L.A., New York, and Boston; and a baby on the way.

Penny Karas (owner of Hello Cupcake) holding the DC Lovechild
Copyright TheCupcakeCritic.com

The Winning MacTop by The Sweet Lobby

Hello Cupcake debuted their new line of Celebration Cakes as well as an alcohol-inspired new flavor called The DC LoveChild. Not to mention that their second location in Barrack's Row turned one! Neighboring cupcake shop, The Sweet Lobby, won Cupcake Wars and introduced a new cupcake called the MacTop which combines their famous macarons on top of a cupcake. 

SweetBuds Bakery Food Truck at the Bowie Fest

Pretty Girl Cupcakery opens in Hyattsville, MD

Meanwhile new shops like The Cake Courtesan and Pretty Girl Cupcakery are welcomed in cupcake deserts like Prince George's County, MD; no longer leaving shops like The Sweet Tooth and Cakes Plus to hold down the fort. 

Sprinkles Kuwait Storefront is under wraps/ Copyright of Sprinkles

Sprinkles' Cupcake ATM/ Copyright The Huffington Post

Revolutionizing how food is served Sprinkles has been leading the pack with not one but three new Cupcake ATM's in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston...but still no word on Georgetown's phantom ATM. Adding to the empire, Sprinkles  opened two new ice cream stores with cupcake-themed flavors and they're also set to open a chain of Sprinkles Cupcakes in the Middle East with Kuwait being the first location.

Copyright of Penguin Publishing

Doron Petersan and The Cupcake Critic
Copyright The Cupcake Critic

Doron Petersan, owner of Sticky Fingers Bakery made another appearance on Cupcake Wars defending her crown after releasing her new book,  Sticky Fingers Sweets: 100 Super Secret Recipes. I gave away two signed copies earlier this year much to the delight of my readers. 

Election 2012 Cupcakes from Frosting Cupcakery
Photo courtesy of Frosting Cupcakery 

Hello Kitty and The Cupcake Critic

The Cupcake Critic in Hello Kitty Swag

This year was also an election year causing several stores like Frosting, Sprinkles, Georgetown Cupcakes and The Sweet Lobby to create Election 2012 and partisan cupcakes. Three of my lucky readers won a dozen election cupcake boxes courtesy of Sprinkles Georgetown. Getting in on the action was Hello Kitty who ran from president and set-up headquarters at the 918 F Street building. Georgetown Cupcake provided the presidential themed cupcakes for Candidate Kitty who ran on the friendship party. I shot a vlog after my own attendance at the event; and

  Slava Rubin, Founder of Indiegogo
pictured with The Cupcake Critic

The Sweet Life Tour featured local bakers like Tweets Sweets!
Copyright of TheCupcakeCritic.com

The Cupcake Critic visits Old Fashioned Radio/
Copyright of  The Cupcake Critic

On a personal note, I got to talk to K Street Kate on her show The District Dish and later visited Listen Vision studios twice for Across the Fader and Old Fashioned Radio bearing treats from Delectable Cakery- yum! The blog got a great nod from TheRoot.com and Social Media TV while I was profiled on Google+Local, HuffPost Live, DMV CEO and City Life Deals. 

Actor Isaiah Washington and The Cupcake Critic

The DC to NYC Cucpake Happy Hour

Good times at the Cupcake Happy Hour!

The highlight of the year came from my awesome Cupcake Lovers! Due to their awesome love and support I brought home not one but two Black Street Awards for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'. While in New York for the awards ceremony, I got to visit Baked by Melissa, Crumbs (Times Square), Dylan's Candy Bar, Magnolia Bakery (Hail Mary) and Make My Cake. Somewhere in there and threw a pretty cool Cupcake Happy Hour sponsored by Sweet Themez Bakery and hosted the Sweet Life Tour showcasing various DMV Bakers. Overall 2012 has been a great year for beloved cuppies. 

Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what predictions do you make for 2013? 

Plain Janes: The Best Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 2. Photo courtesy of Sweet Truths Blog 3. Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes 4. Photo courtesy of Curbside Cupcake 5. Photo copyright of The Cupcake Critic.com

Vanilla cupcakes are often the most overlooked cupcakes and regarded as simply the Plain Janes of flavor. Despite being the basis for so many other flavors, the art of the vanilla cupcake is a special one. A dash of cinnamon or a zest of lemon can make the difference in a recipe. I have compiled a list of my favorite vanilla cupcakes from local bakeries and what makes them stand out. 

1. Georgetown Cupcake's Vanilla 2: This Madagascan bourbon vanilla cupcake with vanilla cream cheese is by far my favorite vanilla cupcake. The smooth texture of the frosting coupled with the simplicity of the soft vanilla cake makes it heaven in my mouth. 

2. Sprinkles Vanilla Cupcake: Sprinkles is generally awesome but their Madagascan vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting is like a fluffy cloud sprinkling white fairy confectionery sugar dust on your tongue. 

3. Buzz Bakery's Vanilla Cupcake: The Virginia based bakery is known for its elaborate treats but they have truly put their signature on their vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. 

4. Cakes Plus' Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake: Cakes Plus' classic vanilla buttercream cupcakes can easily be termed as 'Ole Faithful'. Their vanilla buttercream is legendary with a homemade flavor that is anything but plain. 

5.  Curbside Cupcake's Vanilla Cupcake: Curbside's classic vanilla cupcake  brings the moist texture one would expect from a gourmet cupcake while giving you the homemade goodness reminiscent of mom's kitchen.

Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what's your favorite vanilla cupcake? 

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2012 Election Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of AllPosters.com

Election season is here and adding a sweet touch to the political melee are the election boxes from Georgetown Cupcake, Hello Cupcake, Sprinkles, and The Sweet Lobby! Endorse your favorite candidate by purchasing their box or remain neutral with a simple 'Vote 2012' stamp. Either way, your vote should be for cupcakes!

Georgetown Cupcake 

GC is offering non-partisan and political mascots as fondant toppers. Pick-up a box in chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Hello Cupcake 
Hello Cupcake offers political mascots on their cupcakes. 

Photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake 

Sprinkles 
Purchase the Obama or Romney box or get your box with political mascots. You can also get a non-partisan box with 'Vote 2012' toppers. All three will be available until November 11th. 

Courtesy of Sprinkles 

The Sweet Lobby
The Sweet Lobby is endorsing cupcakes and macarons in their campaign. Pick your political candidate or a simple non-partisan 'Vote 2012'.  

Photo courtesy of  The Sweet Lobby 

           Or make your own election cupcakes with these edible image toppers

Are you registered to vote?

Speaking of voting, are you registered to vote? If not please visit the bottom left panel of The Cupcake Critic blog where you can register to vote in your state courtesy of Rock the Vote! 

Hello Cupcake Serves Up Celebration Cakes

L-R: Toasted Coconut, Carrot & Vanilla Cake

Last Tuesday, at the Barracks Row location, notable bloggers and media members gathered for the unveiling and champagne toast tasting of Hello Cupcake's new project: Celebration Cakes. 

Celebration cakes are whole cakes available to celebrate any occasion in one's life. With three different sizes (6", 8", 12", or sheet cakes), these single to multi-layered cakes can either be frosted (when purchased within 72 hours notice) or feature fondant (with 2 weeks notice). There are 7 fondant designs that include: flower, zebra, gift, damask, petal, beach and duck.

 Fondant Damask  Celebration Cake

With a range of basic and premium cake flavors; and frosting, the combination of cake pairings are endless. Expect basic fare such as: chocolate, vanilla, lemon or strawberry. But not withstanding the premium pairings of: burnt sugar buttercream, chocolate ganache, banana, cookie n cream, chocolate hazelnut and lemon, vanilla or coconut cream cheese to name a few. 

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Lemonade Cake 

While there, I tasted five of their numerous flavor choices: chocolate gluten-free, vanilla, carrot cake, toasted coconut and strawberry lemonade. All of which were wonderful however the strawberry lemonade was my favorite. The chocolate gluten-free cake reminded me of a rich chocolate fudge while the vanilla cake was far from basic with a flavor and texture reminiscent of southern pound cake. Both the toasted coconut and carrot cake were flavorful and moist, but nothing memorable (which is fair because there's only so many ways to make a coconut or carrot cake). 

Hello Cupcake owner, Penny Karas

Hello Cupcake's owner, Penny Karas, noted that this was a natural progression for the shop which exclusively features cupcakes, "People would come in and ask me if I did cakes because they wanted a cake for their wedding in addition to cupcakes." Cake prices start at $5-$6 per serving depending on the cake, frosting and fondant choices. Gluten-free and vegan cakes are also available. 

Hello Cupcake's Barracks Row Birthday Party!

Photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake

Guess who's turning 1? Hello Cupcake's Barrack's Row location will be turning 1 years old and to celebrate, they have filled the weekend with awesome events such as:

• Cupcake Pinata 
• Face Painting
• Mini Cupcake Tasting
• Cupcake Decorating Mini Workshop
• illy Coffee Tasting: Try coffee, teas and espresso beverages

Yummy Hello Cupcakes 

When: May 18th-20th 

Where: 705 8th Street SE, DC

Time: 12PM-6PM

Also, Hello Cupcake will be donating $1 to Capitol Hill Arts Workshop on any cupcake order over a half-dozen. Don't forget to spin their prize wheel for free cupcakes, coffee and discounts! 

For more info visit www.HelloCupcakeOnline.com

Cupcakes @ Barracks Row Taste of the 8th

The Sweet Lobby  (Copyright of The Cupcake Critic)

Penny Karas, Owner of Hello Cupcake 

When: Saturday April 28th, 2012

Where: Barracks Row (Metro accessible by Eastern Market Metro)

Time: 1-4 PM

Hello Cupcake and The Sweet Lobby will be some of the featured participants in Barracks Row Taste of the 8th. In addition 20 of Barracks Row's finest restaurants and shops will be featured with ticket sales benefiting Barracks Row Main Street; an organization committed to revitalizing and maintaining Barracks Row. Tickets are $5 for a single ticket and $20 for 5 tickets. To learn more or to buy tickets visit http://www.barracksrow.org/.

It's Cherry Blossom (Cupcakes) Season!

Photos courtesy of The Nat'l Cherry Blossom Festival

                         
It's Cherry Blossom season here in DC and everyone is a buzz! This year commemorates the 100 year anniversary of the cherry blossoms and their placement near the tidal basin. To celebrate, cupcakeries are debuting their own cherry blossom inspired cupcakes. 


Baked and Wired: Vanilla cake with maraschino cherries mixed in the batter and topped with a cherry-flavored buttercream ($3.50).

Cherry Blossom Cupcake on the Left (Photo Courtesy of Jess Harper)

Buzz Bakery: ($3.75) Lemon chiffon cake with a sour cherry curd filling. Green tea Italian butter cream frosting with fondant cherry blossom decoration.

Photo Courtesy of Buzz Bakery

Crumbs: ($4.50) Vanilla cake filled with cherry preserves, topped with our signature vanilla cream cheese frosting mixed with cherries and a candied cherry.

Georgetown Cupcakes:  Classic madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake baked with fresh cherries and topped with a vanilla cream cheese frosting and a fondant cherry blossom. (Price $2.75)

  (Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake)

Hello Cupcake: Meyer lemon cake with a filling of French cherry preserves topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting and a handmade fondant cherry blossom. (Price $3.50)

Cherry Blossom Cupcake (Photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake)

Sprinkles: Made with loads of sweet, pureed cherries in both the cake and frosting. (Price $3.50)

Sprinkles Cherry Blossom Cupcake (Photo Courtesy of Sprinkles)
  

Sticky Fingers Bakery: ($4.00) Vanilla cupcake with tart cherry filling, almond creme frosting and toasted almonds

Photo courtesy of Sticky Fingers Bakery

Looking for more things to do? Cherry Blossom events will be going on between now and April 27th. Visit www.NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org for more info and events!