Sprinkles CupCakes

I'm sure most of you have heard about Sprinkles Cupcakes. You know, the little cupcake shop frequently visited by celebrities like Katie Holmes. If you haven't heard about this shop then let me introduce you to the most popular cupcake shop in the LA area. If you don't believe me just take a look at that line. The only thing I've seen close to this in LA was the line at Diddy Reese, a cookie and ice cream shop (totally different concept; equally delicious).

Anywho, Sprinkles Cupcakes boasts tons of flavorful treats, the option to buy the mix, t-shirts, doggie cupcakes, and frosting shots (yes actual shots of frosting). Basically, this shop is a brand. This brand however has a lot of bad press ranging from bad cupcakes, to being overpriced. So, I decided to test it out.

Now, I have to say, that when it comes to cupcakes I'm not particularly picky. I mean, they're cupcakes... What more could I ask for. So I couldn't call these cupcakes bad. But I also wouldn't call them the best cupcakes I've ever had. They are extremely rich, so rich that sometimes it's hard to finish one. Plus you shouldn't eat that little sprinkle in the middle. It's definitely not good.

So my overall opinion: It's worth the experience. It's located in the center of Beverly Hills and has become a staple of the area. It's kind of just one of those things you have to do.

Stars: 3 out of 5: worth one shot...of frosting that is :)

Price: $$$ at 3.35 a pop these little treats certainly aren't cheap.

Here's what other people had to say about it on Yelp.

And here's the map if you want to check it out for yourself.

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Creating CupCakes

Here's a little slideshow featuring my Podcast and some pictures I took of baking cupcakes!

CupCake Videos!

Here are some great videos I found about, you guessed it, CUPCAKES!!!!

When we think of decorating cupcakes we often think of cute flowers and pastel colors, but this video shows the manly side of cupcakes.

Butch Baker Sells Cupcakes For Manly Men @ Yahoo! Video

I know I talk about cupcake wedding cakes a lot, so here is a video of a woman who makes them.

Cupcake based Wedding Cakes

This video is a simple tutorial on how to decorate cupcakes. It's a great start to any design.

CupCake Cones

Here's a fun way to dress up those cupcakes a little. Kids go crazy for these cupcake cones; I know I did as a kid! This video has the shortened way of making these cakes but you can just as easily pour the batter in the cones and cook them like normal. Try both ways and watch the kids, and young at heart adults, eat these up!

CupCakes Are Frosted, Right?

The search for cupcakes continues! This time I headed over to a place called The Frosted Cupcakery. The little-hole-in-the-wall looking place was fabulous and conveniently located just blocks from my house. I honestly think I'm in trouble with it being so close!

This shop screamed the stereotypical bakery style; it was bright blue with elegant accents, a huge bakery style display case that was well lit, and had bistro tables and chairs. But the point of cupcakes shops really are the cupcakes, and this shop got it right.

Frosted cupcakes had several fun flavors including chocolate peanut butter with a rich butterfinger frosting, orange cream, strawberry, and my favorite of the bunch pineapple coconut. I took a small bite of each one and it was like heaven in my mouth. Plus, I really enjoyed the fruity flavors. They added that hint of summer to the mix and I (literally) ate it up!

Stars: 4 out of 5: The cake was nice and fluffy and less filling with rich flavors.

Price: $$ A little pricey at $2.95 a pop.

As always take a look how other people liked The Frosted Cupcakery at Yelp.

And if you'd like to visit this place soon here's the map on how to get there!

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Podcast Episode 1

Here is episode 1 of my podcast series! Enjoy!!

Photography

Greetings CupCake lovers!!! So I made cupcakes today as part of a mini project and even took pictures! I hope you enjoy my best 3 from the "photo shoot." I used tips from Kodak to give my pictures that extra edge. Take a look!

For this image I used tip number 6 "Lock the Focus." I loved how the oil looked so streamlined when I added it to dry cupcake mixture. It took me a few tries but I managed to capture that effect!

I used tip number 4, "Move in Close," for this picture of me cracking an egg. It seems more personal to me moving in that close. I loved the way this turned out!

For my last photo I used one of the more simpler tips from Kodak: "Use a Plain Background." I love the way the freshly baked cupcakes look against the red background!

CupCake PodCasts

So I recently found something on iTunes (that has always been there but I ignored until now) that is perfect for all you cupcake lovers out there. Podcasts! They're short little episodes about various topics that you can download right onto your computer. And the best part: they're FREE!!! Now I looked for podcasts that only had to do with cupcakes, and I only found a few, but I compiled a list of podcasts that have everything to do with baked goods. If you use your imagination you can come up with your own cupcake ideas!

1. Here's my favorite: The Cupcake Show. It's exactly what it sounds like, a show about cupcakes. The episodes are usually range from 6 to 10 minutes and include fun ideas about cupcakes. It made me want to try the Key Lime Cupcakes!!

2. We all know Betty Crocker makes a mean cupcake. In this podcast I found she also makes all sorts of wonderful treats. One episode that really got my mouth watering was Calling All Chocoholics. There are some great ideas that would fit perfect with any chocolate cupcake!

3. We drink it every morning, but some of us forget that coffee is great as a dessert. The Culinary Institute of America has great ideas on how to turn coffee into a sweet treat! It made me want to add it to icing on top of a rich chocolate cupcake!

4. I know we've talked about it before: Cupcakes are all the rage when it comes to weddings. The Wedding Planning Gurus have great ideas for cakes that can easily be turned into a cupcake for your special day!

5. A fabulous tutorial podcast I found goes through steps to baking a cake...which can again be easily transfered to mini cakes. One episode in Howdini-Baking Cakes I found particularly useful was where he talked about using piping bags, which are essential in cupcake decorating.

The Learning Experience

Ok, so by now we all know my obsession with cupcakes, but I learned today that even people who don't have every cupcake cookbook, have never been to a cupcake shop, and who haven't eaten a cupcake in years still appreciate the goodness behind the cupcake.

As a thank you gift for a friend I decided to share my love for cupcakes. I surprised him by giving him and his roommates a box of freshly baked cupcakes. The light in their eyes when they tasted the sweet treat made my day. It made me remember why I love cupcakes; they're a simple little joy that always brings a smile to your face from that first bite.

This simple, yet meaningful experience taught me that I'm doing right by embarking on my search for cupcakes. So maybe I'm not ending world hunger one cupcake at a time, but I am making people smile, myself included. That's one of the most important things anyone can learn: do what you love. And I certainly love my cupcakes!

PopUp CupCakes

After a long day at work I decided to write about how cupcakes are popping up almost everywhere. The other day my boyfriend and I went to the farmers market in Hollywood, California. There we sampled fruit, veggies, juices, pies, and of course cupcakes! That's right...cupcakes are such a trend that they can even be found at a farmers market. Plus, they were organic. I included a photo of these small treats.

Each were a mini size with a bit of fruit on top of a whipped cream icing. And they were delicious! They were such a fabulous addition to a sea of wonderful food. It just goes to show you that any time, any place, and anywhere can be a great platform for cupcakes!

I've included a link to some great organic recipes that I'm just dying to try. Maybe you should try them too!!!

Additonal Resources

Cupcakes have always been a fun treat for any occasion so I've compiled a list of articles and fun ideas that prove cupcakes are hear to stay!

Apparently, cupcakes are all the newest trend that's always been around. Here's a CNN article that talks about the "new" obsession.



Instead of a traditional cake for a wedding, a hot new trend is to have hundreds of individual cakes, aka cupcakes, served at this special event.



Cupcakes have even hit the mainstream with a new TV series about two sisters and their cupcake shop.

We all know cupcake shops are cooking up a storm across the nation, but in some cities cupcake entrepreneurs are taking it to the street, literally! Check out this article about cupcake trucks. P.S. Los Angeles introduced me to this trend and I love it! Cupcakes on the go are awesome



As if cupcake trucks weren't the best way to have your favorite treat, I found a great way to transport cupcakes for any occasion. You should try these cupcakes in a jar.

The Deep Web

Finding an interesting and unique take on cupcakes can be hard to do. I mean, sure, we've seen the cookie monster cupcakes, and the cupcake wedding cakes, but honestly cupcakes are very simple little things...and very tasty. This is why I was thrilled that I found a unique site that does something interesting with these little cakes.



After searching for a while on Google I found a site that combines my love of cupcakes with my love for social media. See the little bird for those who Tweet? My personal favorite is the iphone plate of cupcakes. I'm addicted to my phone and these cupcakes!

Go to the site daddu.net and take a look at all the cute cupcake ideas for social media. It's amazing how you can combine the two most opposite things and turn it into a site!

Rock and Rollin with CupCakes

Two days ago, as you'll see on my calender to the right, I went to my my first cupcake shop! Ok, it wasn't my first one ever, but it was the first cupcake shop I'll be sharing with you. Rock and Roll Cupcakes on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood not only houses cupcakes, but also boasts it's the original home of the Cupcake Sundae. So, of course, I had to check it out.

Now, when I think of cupcake shops, I think cute little bakeries with bright fun colors similar to an old fashioned ice cream shop. In fact most of the cupcake shops I've visited are in fact cute little bakeries with bright fun colors similar to an old fashioned ice cream shop. This was not one of those shops. As you can see by the photo, this shop also boasted hotdogs, ice cream and coffee. There wasn't even an entrance, only a window to order and a few outside tables. Still, I was optimistic about the upcoming experience.

I dragged my friend along with me (and I only say dragged because he complained about coming, but he in fact did enjoy the sweet treat I spoiled him with) and we approached the window. Of course, upon seeing the double cupcake sundae (two cupcakes, two scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and sprinkles) my friend decided that was his choice and that I was to "share" it with him.



And now for my personal opinion: It was just like it sounds....GREAT! I mean really, who can go wrong with cake and ice cream? The cupcakes themselves, though a little dry (I suspect from being baked that morning) were actually pretty good. We tried a simple vanilla with chocolate frosting and a cookies and cream cupcake which was simply divine. And the service was wonderful. The guy behind the counter, who also owned the shop, even chatted with me about cupcake recipes and cookbooks. Overall it was a great experience.

Stars: 3 out of 5 - The cupcakes were good, but a little dry
Price: $ The cupcakes were under 2 dollars, which is far better than other shops in the area

From now on I'll also post other reviews from Yelp for your convenience, and also a map showing you where to go if you decide to visit this place yourself.


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The Assignment

OK...Confession time... This blog, though I am completely invested in it, excited and enthusiastic about it, is an assignment for a class. I am a journalism student at the University of Florida and my class is centered around this blog. So here is the assignment I'm required to post. And now we can get back to the cupcakes!

CupCakes CupCakes and More CupCakes....

I'm not sure exactly when I became obsessed with cupcakes, but recently I've been craving them at all hours of the day (just ask my friends). There's something about this small treat that's comforting and sweet. I'll be driving down the street and see a sign for cupcakes and I almost always have to stop, which brings me to the essence of this blog.

So there you have it: This is my journey to find my small piece of dessert heaven. The funny thing is, this isn't going to be as hard as it seems. Cupcakes, though they really never left, have made a comeback in desserts. There are countless bakeries and shops dedicated to cupcakes in the Los Angeles area, and I want to find as many of them as I can!

I'll be sharing everything that happens in my quest to find these delicious treat, plus every detail you need in searching for these shops yourself. Ratings, prices, location, and of course taste! I'll also share tips and recipes from my favorite cupcake books. Oh yes, they do exist. In fact I'll leave you with a link to a book I recently purchased which hales 125 Best CupCake Recipes. I know it's a book of recipes, but I simply can't put it down! It's filled with unique and delicious recipes for the cakes and frosting plus tips on how to make your cupcakes look picturesque.