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. 

Review: Best Buns

Location: Best Buns Bread Company, 4010 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA

Flavors: Chocolate with Toffee Frosting and Triple Lemon

Cost: $3.00  

Score: 4

Reviewed by: Kristy Samone

I love the atmosphere of Shirlington and part of that is due to cute places like Best Buns. It's where I go to buy monkey bread to give to friends when I'm a dinner guest and the home of great dog biscuits. However, what Best Buns is really known for are its cupcakes. Now, they aren't super fancy cupcakes - quite the contrary - but they are good-basic-cupcakes. 

L-R: Choc/Toffee and Lemon

Known for large cupcakes, but not unique flavors you have the choice of: chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter, ganache, cream cheese, or coconut frosting. And other varieties such as: red velvet, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or vanilla cupcakes with chocolate or vanilla frosting. 

The Triple Lemon was divine which is a must for lemon lovers. It tasted like I was biting into a sweet lemon. The chocolate cupcake with toffee frosting was super dense, like an uber thick chocolate cake, but the icing was quite light (made me think of Heath). Please note that side street and garage parking are plentiful. Enjoy!

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Word On The Street: Haagen Daz Sells Cupcakes

So...the word on the cupcake street is that the Haagen Daz in Pentagon City Mall is selling cupcakes! The tip (and pic) came from a member of the Critic's cupcake-loving community. They haven't had the cupcakes themselves but suggest that the cupcakes hold the freshness and authenticity muster. 
Haagen Daz's assortment ranges from: sweet potato, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate turtle, Candied lemon and strawberry creme. Ummm...sounds tempting. Looks like The Critic may be making a trip to Pentagon City soon! 

The Butterscotch Shop

Mini Lemonade Cupcakes/ Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop

Review:  The Butterscotch Shop 

Location: Online/ Waldorf Farmer's Market 

Flavors: 14 Karot, What is that velvet?, Lemonade, Glory, and Sprinkle Me

Price: $20 per dozen

Score: 4.8

One of the challenges that bakers face is recreating the ‘magic’ with each batch.  Perfection gets sold while less-than-perfect gets tossed so; it’s a rare treat when you come across cupcakes that merge commercial uniformity with homemade goodness. To put it plainly, The Butterscotch Shop is the bomb!

Glory Pound Cake Cupcakes  /Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop 

On a sunny Saturday morning, I would be gifted a box of six cupcakes containing five flavors:  14 Karot, What is that velvet?, Lemonade, Glory, and Sprinkle Me. I coordinated a meeting with owner Brandiss Smith, to pick-up cupcakes from her booth at the annual BowieFest. Meeting Brandiss and her husband was an absolute pleasure and I watched as each customer was treated with patience and kid gloves.

Lemonade Sunflower Cupcake/ Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop 

Driving home with my cupcakes on the passenger side was so tempting but I refrained. Once I opened my cupcake container I immediately went for the lemonade cupcake which was the outlier in the group. The cake was crumbly and dense like it was a day old. The frosting was creamy but lifeless and didn't compliment the cake.

What is that Velvet? Cupcakes/ Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop

With a website that boasts over 20 different flavors and a dozen retailing for $20 (plus a small delivery fee), I knew that there was goodness somewhere in my container of cupcakes. I didn’t lose hope. I chose the Glory cupcake next and was instantly in heaven! The cupcake was blissful with a slight icing drizzle. The texture was moist but with the expected density of a pound cake.

Eager, I went for the What is that Velvet? cupcake which also had a moist texture and the perfect chocolate flavor. The icing was cream cheese, I believe, but it tasted like heaven on my tongue.  

Sprinkle Me Cupcakes/ Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop

Next up was the Sprinkle Me cupcake which was my favorite cupcake of the bunch. The texture was ultra-moist and flavorful. In fact, Butterscotch’s frosting is a true winner!  The homemade goodness is like nothing I’ve ever tasted on a commercial-grade cupcake. It reminded me of my grandmother's recipes which are hard to replicate (I know because I’ve tried).  Kudos to The Butterscotch Shop for that!

14 Karot Cupcake/ Photo Courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop

My final cupcake was the 14 Karot cupcake. What I loved most is that the cupcake wasn’t overrun with nuts or raisins which can get stuck in my teeth. Instead, biting into the carrot cake cupcake was delightfully moist, spiced to perfection, and that signature frosting acted as the bow on my cupcake present.

Look at all the sprinkles!/Photo courtesy of The Butterscotch Shop

Overall The Butterscotch Shop is amazing and there aren’t enough adjectives to describe how much I enjoyed these cupcakes. The best thing that you can do is visit them every Saturday at the Waldorf Farmer’s market from 9AM until 1 PM. Or place an order online and see for yourself the cupcake-goodness.

Happy Eating Cupcake Lovers!

*The cupcakes in this review were gifted however that did not persuade the thoughts of the reviewer. 

Sweet Themez

Sweet Themez Sign (Photo courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

                      

 Location: Sweet Themez 2318 18th Street NW, Adams Morgan

Flavors: Lemon and Pound cake

Cost: $2.75

Score: 4.8

Located in the effervescent neighborhood of Adams Morgan, sits a delectable cupcake shop named Sweet Themez. The basement bakery offers up cupcakes and cake pops in flavors ranging from pound cake to peanut butter crunch and sweet potato.  In total, they have 15 daily flavors and 10 seasonal flavors (not including their gluten-free and vegan options).  

Several cupcake flavors! (Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

Sitting a half mile from the DuPont Circle Metro station, taking the bus there would be ideal.  Parking in Adams Morgan is difficult but I found a space a block away.  Walking into the petite shop, I was immediately greeted by the store clerk. He was more than eager to take my order and had the calmness one would expect from your local bartender; telling him all your tales of woe and saying, “Barkeep…more pound cake please and keep’em coming”. He was cooler than cool.



              

                               Counter filled with cake pops (Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)



Despite having so many options, I took the simple road and ordered the pound cake with butter cream frosting and raspberry swirl. It sounds complicated but trust me, it was oh so heavenly.  My secondary choice was my standard lemon.  My total for the two cupcakes was only $5.50! When I asked for a bag, the clerkpulled out a reusable bag that comes in a small carrying case and unfolds into a full shopping bag. That bag fascinated me like a two year-old playing with their mother’s pots.

My American Express Reusable Bag (Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

I was even more surprised that they are open until 1AM (or until they run out), Thursday through Saturday! It reminded me of the many inebriated nights out when me and my friends, or my date, desperately desired a cupcake but knew we wouldn’t be able to score anything at such an ungodly hour. Problem. Solved.    

Eating these cupcakes made me happy. Traditionally pound cake isn’t served with frosting; maybe a fruit compote or powdered sugar but not frosting. The use of frosting fascinated me however this cupcake explained it all in one bite. The butter cream frosting quietly vindicated itself as it merged with the cake’s traditionally dense nature.  The raspberry jam converged with the notes of lemon and held up the overall flavor like a perfectly wrapped bow at Christmas. My present was the music this cupcake was making in my mouth.

(L-R) Lemon Cupcake & Poundcake Cupcake (Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

The lemon cupcake was good as well. The texture was appropriate and the flavor was just right. However my only hang-up was that the frosting was more of a pudding than an actual butter cream base. However it didn’t deter me at all. Overall, Sweet Themez has found a deep place in my heart and I will be back again, and again, and again. Happy Eating Cupcake Lovers!

Sweet Themez Outdoor Sign (Photos courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)





Bakeocracy

Review: Bakeocracy

Location: Alexandria, VA (pick-up or delivery only)

Flavors: Coconut, Lemon and Red Velvet

Price: $20 /dozen

Score: 3.9

As the cupcake craze moves forward and the tummies of Americans grow larger, even professionals are getting in on the action. Enter Bakeocracy, the baking democracy and its owner, Fern Simmons. Fern is a very spirited woman who practices law during the day and bakes yummy cupcakes by night.

(Photo Courtesy of Bakeocracy)

I first heard about Bakeocracy when they reached out to me on Twitter (@DCCupcakeCritic). After several tweets from avid Bakeocracy followers, I too wanted in on the action. According to their website they offer 12 flavors ranging from vanilla to key-lime pie and cinnamon swirl. At $20 per dozen, pick-up is available from their Alexandria location with limited delivery in the DC area (for a small fee).

Bakeocracy Red Velvet (Photo Courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

On this Saturday afternoon, I would be treated to their coconut, lemon and red velvet flavors. Per usual, it didn’t take long for me to bite into all the cupcake goodness. Due to technical difficulties I tasted the red velvet one first. Let me tell you, it doesn’t get any better than this! The cake was good and the cream cheese frosting was perfect. I almost shed a tear when I got to the last bite.

it flipped over in the box,

Bakeocracy flavors: lemon, coconut & red velvet. (Photo Courtesy of The Cupcake Critic)

Next up were the coconut and lemon. Both cupcakes were smooth with great texture and flavor. My only complaint would be that the frosting had a cream cheese base which gave it a custard-like texture and flavor (think coconut custard or a lemon cream pie). This is simply a matter of personal opinion and in no way would I kick this cupcake off my plate.

Overall I enjoyed these cupcakes and felt my voice was heard- it is good! Cast your ballad and tell me what you think about them.

*Originally published on 12/29/2011

Cakes Plus

(L-R): Chocolate w/ vanilla frosting, Vanilla and Red Velvet

Cakes Plus

Location: 3325 Corridor Marketplace Laurel, MD

Flavors: Red Velvet, Vanilla on Vanilla, Chocolate on Vanilla and Lemon.

Price: $1.25

Score: 4

Located in Laurel, MD, it was not uncommon to see a line out the door for cupcakes from this discrete yet commercial bakery. Known for their lavish wedding cakes, I first heard about Cakes Plus in 2007 while attending a Bridal Showcase. For three consecutive years, Cakes Plus was deemed my official birthday cake bakery. Each year guests would pile their plates with cake while I fought for the left-overs. 

Vanilla Cupcake

Walking in, don’t expect to be barreled over with cheeriness; Cakes Plus keeps it simple. No long lines just fast, efficient and cost-effective service which is their hallmark. It’s been a while since I last visited so I was happy to see that they have increased their flavor choices from four to six. I purchased four of their six flavors: red velvet, lemon, vanilla and vanilla-on-chocolate.

More Lemon cupcakes

The vanilla cupcake is classic and by far my favorite. I can’t say enough about it other than they keep it simple, uncompromising and sweet; kind of like your first boyfriend. It borders between a Saturday afternoon baking project and commercial expectation. Next up was the vanilla on chocolate whose flavor was perfect and the cake moist. The vanilla frosting, which graces each of the cupcakes, was a bit commercial but it complimented the chocolate cake.

Happy to try their new flavors, the lemon cupcake is flavorful in its own way offering delightful and unpretentious. Don’t expect it to burst with citrusy flavor however do expect it to satisfy your craving for a lemon-based cupcake. Finally, the red velvet cupcake hits the nail on the head. The actual cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and red velvet flavor.

Although it’s not metro accessible per se, (the nearest metro station would be the Greenbelt station or the MARC train. From there you have to take the bus), they are conveniently located for suburbanites between Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s Counties. Further for $1.25, you get more than your money’s worth.

*Originally published on 10/19/2011

Fresh Bakery: Arundel Mills Mall

Kiosk cupcake display/ chandelier

Location: Fresh Bakery 7000 Arundel Mills Circle Hanover, MD

Flavors: Lemon, Pina-Colada, Vanilla on Chocolate

Cost: $3.50

Score: 3.8

Recently, I was given a tip from the cupcake-loving community to check out Fresh bakery; a Maryland based bakery with kiosks in Arundel Mills, Columbia and Owings Mills Mall. Feigning to hit up the new Coach store, I sojourned to Arundel Mills Mall. Located between the food court and TJ Maxx, I accidentally walked past the small vendor’s cart. Decorated with an elaborate chandelier and small jewelry boxes housing cupcakes, their décor was attractive but didn’t shout- "Cupcakes are sold here”.

Photos courtesy of Fresh Bakery

Photos courtesy of Fresh Bakery

It was a Sunday and at the end of the day so I was concerned about the selection and freshness. The cashier assured me that the goods were baked fresh that morning. Circling the kiosk I saw chocolate on chocolate, vanilla on chocolate, orange dreamsicle, lemon on lemon, pina colada and red velvet. I went with my standards: lemon, pina colada/coconut and vanilla on chocolate. My treats were housed in a simple plain white box and much to my chagrin, no pretty bag or memento.

Prior to leaving the parking lot, I tore into the pina colada cupcake which would be my favorite of the bunch! The cupcake was rich with a moist texture that was flavorful but not overpowering. The cake and the frosting didn’t fight one another but worked in harmony. Although I detected a hint of Betty Crocker box cake mix that had been doctored up, they still got my vote for the “this could have been baked in my grandmother’s kitchen” (and no one’s cupcakes will ever compare to the ones prepared in my grandmother’s kitchen).

Photo courtesy of Fresh Bakery

Photo courtesy of Fresh Bakery

Next up was the chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. I really enjoyed this cupcake as the chocolate was rich and the frosting was, as Charlie Sheen would say, ‘Winning’! I didn’t do the ‘Dougie’ but perhaps a mild Kappa shiver was in order. Finally the lemon cupcake was fresh and well, exciting (cue Kool & the Gang). Moist in texture but big on flavor without overpowering itself, and frosting that would have you wondering: “Why didn’t I get two?”

Regarding their customer service, I could only expect so much from the young lady who waited on me. It was the end of the evening and I was buying cupcakes from a kiosk in the mall. So the fact that she was on the phone for most of the transaction doesn’t really speak to the customer service but to the fact that I was buying cupcakes at a kiosk in an outlet mall. Further for $3.50 a pop and no swag bag for my loot with hints of boxed cake, I can’t give them a full 4 but may find myself back.

PS: Did I mention that their cupcakes are square? I know, cute right?

Enjoi Cupcakes

Enjoi Cupcakes

Location: Delivery (DC)

Flavors: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, lemon, kahlua and red velvet

Cost: $2.75

Score: 5

I was first acquainted with Enjoi Cupcakes while at a brunch in Baltimore. The owners of Enjoi and their mascot, The Cupcake Princess, walked in with tiers of luscious cupcakes and adorned in their insignia baby-tees. The mother and daughter duo behind these cupcakes provided me with an exorbent amount of free samples in the flavors mentioned above. One month later I would be blessed with one of their ‘Cupcakes-in-a-Jar’ which featured three cupcakes; freshness encased in a mason jar with a spoon attached. Talk about presentation!

From their mini-sized option to their full-sized portions, their variety of flavors are not frivolous but well-thought out with the taste to match. Not too sweet but a perfect mixture of texture and authentic color. My favorite Enjoi cupcake is strawberry: a coupling of strawberry cake and strawberry frosting- it’s no less than perfect. If you are a true fan of lemon then you cannot pass up the Oma's lemon cupcakes which burst with authentic flavor.

Traditionally I don't like chocolate cake or frosting but I eat theirs and ask for more. Their vanilla cupcakes offer authentic flavor and ingredients that dance harmoniously on your tongue. For those who require more kick, Enjoi also offers liquor infused cupcakes whose flavors include: rum, Kahlua ®, Bailey’s Irish Crème ® and mojito- owwww! Currently, Enjoi cupcakes are made to order with free delivery throughout DC. Deliveries require a minimum purchase of two dozen ($35). With a touch of love in each bite Enjoi cupcakes are just right.