(Cupcake) Velveting

I'll never really understand the "red velvet craze." People go nuts for it. Is it chocolate? Is it vanilla? Who knows? (Actually I do: A "classic" red velvet cake is made with cocoa powder and apple cider vinegar which together create a chemical reaction, turning the batter a brownish-red color.) 

I'd go for a rich vanilla cupcake or a smooth chocolate one before going red, yet, today we trekked through the frosty Chicago cold in the search for the best red velvet cake to order for an upcoming birthday. We only made it to a few bakeries but it was interesting to compare one cake flavor across the board. I admit, I won't be having red velvet for a good long while after eating so much of it in one sitting, but, congratulations to our winner of the day, Sweet Sensations!

Contestants: Swirlz, Sweet Sensations, Sweet Mandy B's, Molly's, and Bake.

Interested in visiting these bakeries? Locate 'em here!

National Cupcake Week: Swirlz

Happy (UK) National Cupcake Week!

Swirlz Cupcakes: Delicious, creative, unique combinations for all occasions, holidays, and everyday. 
Location: Lincoln Park [map]

L: Chocolate PB Silk
R: Today's Surprise

Today's Surprise: Chocolate crunch cake with caramel filling and light, Irish cream frosting. 
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite: 5
Moisture: 2

Chocolate Peanut Butter Silk: Chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse filling, and a fluffy peanut butter buttercream frosting.
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite: 5
Moisture: 2

I picked today to go to Swirlz specifically for the 7 Layer Bar cupcake (which, sadly, they didn't have out when we went) but the two we picked were delicious and worth the trip. I love Swirlz because they continually challenge themselves--and their customers--with creative flavor combinations. Also, I'm someone who isn't a big frosting lover, so, the light, fluffy, proportioned frosting at Swirlz is perfect for me.
p.s. Sorry the cupcakes pictured above are untidy and unwrapped. I forgot to click the pic before digging in. 

National Cupcake Week: Cupcake Counter

Happy (UK) National Cupcake Week!

Cupcake Counter: Like walking directly into a family's kitchen. Seriously.
Location: Loop [map]

Chocolate Caramel ; Pumpkin

Chocolate Caramel: Chocolate cake with caramel frosting. Rich, but not like Donald Trump.
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

Pumpkin: Fantastically soft pumpkin cake (almost like pie, but not quite!) with a creamy cream cheese frosting.

Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

Blog Post #50! 

National Cupcake Week: West Town Bakery

Happy (UK) National Cupcake Week!

West Town Bakery: Generous and unique selection.
Location: West Town [map]

L: Purple Haze
R: Ring of Fire

Purple Haze: Reminded me of a Wild Berry Pop Tart filled with grape jelly.
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

Ring of Fire: Chocolate-y and super spicy! If you're not awake before you eat it, you will be after.
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

(Further descriptions to come: I have to call to make sure I have the correct details written down!)

National Cupcake Week: Sweet Mandy B's

Happy (UK) National Cupcake Week!

My cupcaking partners and I have voted on our top 5 favorite bakeries (so far) to re-visit during National Cupcake Week. First up: Sweet Mandy B's! 

I've been waiting for a chance to visit Sweet Mandy B's again. It's been way too long since I've been here and I can't wait to return in the future. Everything is crazy fresh and the store is comfortable and relaxing.

R: Cookie Monster
L: Peanut Butter & Jelly

Location: Lincoln Park [map]

Cookie Monster: Vanilla cake and chocolate frosting with a chocolate chip cookie baked into the bottom! A genuine beauty, this one is.  A delicious, fresh cake paired with a chewy cookie, with just the right amount of creamy, rich-but-not in-your-face chocolate frosting.
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

Peanut Butter and Jelly: Vanilla cake and peanut butter frosting filled with raspberry jelly. Soft cake allowing the jelly and peanut butter to take center stage. Frosting isn't too overpowering.
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite: 3
Moisture: 3

Truckin'

Summertime in the city means cupcake trucks everywhere!

Follow me on Twitter to keep up with the truck chasing: @cupcakingchi 
https://twitter.com/cupcakingchi

My top picks:
#1 Chicago Cupcake ‏ @Chicago_Cupcake
#2 Cupcakes for Courage ‏ @CourageousCakes
#3 Sweet Ride ‏ @SweetRideChi

My next targets:
Cupcake Gangsters ‏ @ccakegangsters
Royal cupcakes ‏ @Royalbakes
Sugarpie Cafe ‏ @sugarpiecafe 

Coming soon

End-of-summer grand finale of my Chicago cupcake crawl: South Side!

Skinnie Piggy

Name: Skinnie Piggy

Neighborhood: University Village / Little Italy

Address: 1214 W. Taylor Street 
Map (link above): Green Marker
Nearest El Transit Locations: Racine Blue Line

Hours: 
Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm 
Saturday 11am - 7pm 

Bake On-Site: 
Individual Cupcake Prices: $1.50-5.99

Piglets (mini): $1.50 ea or 4 for $5
Boxing/Packaging: 

Piglets (mini size): Non-fitted clam shell

Skinnie (average size): Chinese take-out box
What makes this bakery special: Skinnie Piggy offers different cupcake sizes: "Hogs" (large size) are available for pre-order, yet the "Skinnie" (average size) and "Piglet" (mini) are both also available for individual purchase on a walk-in basis. This is particularly special because the Piglet versions are identical to the Skinnie version; if a Skinnie cupcake has filling, the Piglet will, also! 

Skinnie Piggy also offers discounts when purchasing in bulk (half or full dozens) and offers a student discount. 

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

Banana Pudding Cupcake

Banana Pudding

Cake: Banana
with Banana Buttercream and filled with banana pudding

Appearance: 2
Size: Large (Skinnie)
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Price: $3.50

Top: Chocolate Salted Caramel
Bottom: Evil Twin

Evil Twin
Cake: Chocolate 
with Cream Cheese frosting and filled with cheesecake 
Appearance: 2
Size: Small (Piglet)
Bite #: 1

Moisture: 3

Chocolate Salted Caramel

Cake: Chocolate

with Salted Caramel Buttercream and filled with Salted Caramel

Appearance: 2

Size: Small (Piglet)

Bite #: 1

Moisture: 2

Additional Notes:

LOVE! Skinnie Piggy offers three sizes of cupcakes: Hog, Skinnie, and Piglet. I love when different sizes are offered in-store. I like having the opportunity to try different amazing flavors (if you go for multiple mini cupakes) without feeling over-stuffed. Like mentioned above, at Skinnie, the piglet sizes are identical to the skinnie sizes, meaning if the skinnies have filling, the piglets do too! (Some other cupcakeries don't offer filled minis.)

The Banana Pudding cupcake had rich banana cake and delicious banana pudding filling. The banana frosting tasted similar to banana Laffy Taffy (which could make or break this cupcake for some people, I'm sure). 

The Evil Twin had super rich, dark chocolate cake, smooth, rich cream cheese frosting, and tasty cheesecake filling. Salted Caramel had a subtle salty flavor and delicious, creamy, carmely frosting. 

They offer student discounts and participate in the Belly Card loyalty program.

Indoor seating.

Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage

Name: Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage

Neighborhood: University Village / Little Italy
Address: 1030 W. Taylor
Map (link above): Purple pin 
Nearest El Transit Locations: Racine Blue Line Stop

Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Bake On-Site: 
Individual Cupcake Prices: $3.35
Boxing/Packaging: Fitted clam shell
What makes this bakery special: 
Flirty Cupcakes has the dessert garage in University Village but also has a cupcake truck which can be found at different locations around the city each day!

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
The McDreamy
Cake: Chocolate

with Cream Cheese Frosting and Cream Cheese filling
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Curious George
Cake: Banana
with Salted Caramel Italian Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:
Flirty is nestled comfortably on Taylor Street along the cute shopping district. There is indoor seating within the "garage" and benches along Taylor if you want to sit outside. 
When I went, there were a few customers in the store. The experience felt a little rushed since the lady behind the counter was a little flustered.

The cupcakes tasted super fresh--these people know how to do chocolate cupcakes. The McDreamy, she said, is one of the most popular, so I went with that one and the Curious George. McDreamy is cream-cheese-city. If you like cream cheese frosting this is the cupcake for you. The Curious George had sweet, delicious chocolaty cake with salted caramel buttercream, which was smooth, thick, and had a delightfully salty kick.
At the beginning of this cupcake project (last summer), I had the pleasure of having cupcakes from Flirty's cupcake truck. While visiting the "garage" was necessary for this cupcaking project, I much prefer the experience of their cupcake truck.

Sugar Bliss [2]

My ongoing search to find the perfect pistachio cupcake continued today. As this week's Sugar Bliss seasonal flavor, it did not disappoint. Simply opening the carefully packed cupcake box gave my nostrils a delightful overdose of the fantastic nutty aroma I expect from a pistachio cupcake. Pistachio is a bold, pronounced flavor and here, you'll find it.

Pistachio
Cake: Pistachio
with Pistachio Buttercream topped with Pistachios
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 2

Fluffy, tasteful cake matched with creamy, sugary, pistachio-y frosting satisfied the taste buds. Like I said the last time I tried Sugar Bliss, the frostings are packed with flavor, but are a little too sweet for my taste. Even still, their pistachio buttercream is my favorite overall so far.

Magnolia Bakery

Name: Magnolia Bakery

Neighborhood: Loop
Address: 108 N. State St.
Map (link above): Light Blue Dotted Marker
Nearest El Transit Locations:

Washington Blue Line Stop

Lake Red Line Stop

Randolph/Wabash Stop: Brown, Pink, Green, Purple, Orange Lines
Hours:
Mon - Thur: 7:30am - 9:00pm
Friday: 7:30 am - midnight
Saturday: 8:00am - midnight
Sunday 8:00am - 8:00pm

Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $3.25 - 4.00
Boxing/Packaging: box with inserts
What makes this bakery special: Magnolia is famous worldwide for their cupcakes and signature frosting swirl. Also, Magnolia is certified Kosher and donates daily to local food pantries.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Pistachio
Cake: Pistachio
with Pistachio Meringue Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Vanilla
Cake: Vanilla
with Vanilla Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 2

Additional Notes:
The quest to find a perfect pistachio cupcake perhaps has come to an end. Magnolia's pistachio cupcakes are absolutely fantastic: lingering, rich nutty flavor, moist cake, and creamy frosting.
The vanilla cupcake had almost an overdose of delicious buttercream frosting which was paired with a light, buttery cake.
Magnolia swirls their cupcakes individually by hand and it takes sometimes weeks to perfect it. Each cupcake is carefully prepared to be devoured.
The store is cozy and warm with indoor and outdoor seating. Finding it is a little difficult because the mall it is in, Block 37, doesn't look like a mall (more like a huge business-y spaceship). From the outside the Magnolia sign is hard to see, so just look for Sephora or Puma and you'll know you're basically there.
Coffee/espresso.

Twisted Baker

Name: Twisted Baker
Neighborhood: Old Town
Address: 1543 N Wells
Map (link above): purple marker
Nearest El Transit Locations:
Sedgwick Brown and Purple Line Stop
Hours:
Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun  8am - 7pm
Fri - Sat  8am - 10pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $2.75
Boxing/Packaging: box with inserts
What makes this bakery special: Each cupcake is frosted to order--right there, right when you want it. No hard frosting or stale cupcakes siting in a display case here! (I even like that there is a sign that says "display only" so you know that you're getting the real [fresh] deal. Nice touch!)
Also, on Thursdays cupcakes are buy three, get one FREE!

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Key Lime
Cake: Vanilla
with Lime Cream Cheese Frosting and Key Lime Filling
Appearance: 2
Size: Average

L: Key Lime
R: Choc Cheesecake

Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Chocolate Cheesecake
Cake: Dark Chocolate
with Swirled Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting and a layer of Cheesecake Filling 
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:
I can't even begin to describe how deliciously rich these cupcakes were. Their cupcakes are the perfect (PERFECT) example of how a traditional cake (e.g. vanilla or chocolate) can be made into a spectacular dessert. Sometimes bakeries get too overzealous mixing cake flavors with frostings, fillings, and other counterparts. Here, you'll find a delicious, rich traditional cake (I'm talking both the vanilla and the chocolate cupcakes I bought) paired to perfection with delicious fillings and flavor-punching frostings.
The Key Lime, I think, was the "perfectest perfect" example of what I describe above. It was amazing: rich, lime-y, sweet. (I may have to re-visit this post at a later date, when I'm not overdosed cupcake goodness.)
The Chocolate Cheesecake had super rich chocolate cake, a full layer (LAYER) of cheesecake gently hidden beneath the chocolate-and-cream-cheese-swirl-of-frosting. Absolutely fantastic.
My first favorite part about the Twisted experience (as mentioned above) is that the cupcakes are frosted immediately once you place your order. This can mean only one thing: the cupcakes here are fresh (I MEAN FRESH, PEOPLE) and ready to be devoured.
My second favorite part about the experience was when, upon learning I was a Twisted cupcake virgin, a staff member said, "You're in for a treat!" and I thought, you sure seem confident...but we'll see. Turns out she really meant it and I love being genuinely satisfied.
Twisted Baker has indoor seating and a lunch menu.
Coffee / espresso.

Rowie's Bakery

Name: Rowie's Bakery
Neighborhood: Budlong Woods / West Ridge
Address: 5664 N. Lincoln
Map (link above): pink pin
Nearest El Transit Locations:
Western Brown Line Stop
(then take the Lincoln Bus or Western Bus and walk)
Francisco Brown Line Stop (then walk)
Hours:
Tue - Fri  10am - 7pm
Saturday  10am - 5pm
Sunday  10am - 4pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $1.99-2.25
Boxing/Packaging: fitted clam shell
What makes this bakery special: Strong Philippine influence! Their products use elements of Philippine desserts (such as pandan and ube) to create a fun, unique, cultural cupcake experience.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Buco Pandan
Cake: Buco Pandan (light coconut and pandan flavor)
with Buco Pandan frosting
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 2

Pistachio
Cake: Pistachio chiffon
with Pistachio frosting
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 2

Additional Notes:

I had been waiting for the perfect time to visit Rowie's--and this was near perfect. I was intrigued by the strong Philippine influence and couldn't wait to try the Ube and the Buco Pandan flavors, which are traditional Philippine dessert tastes. In addition, I wanted to plan my trip north on a day when they would also have pistachio cupcakes on the menu. Unfortunately, the particular time in the morning which I happened to drop in, the ube cupcakes weren't out yet, but there were French macaroons available in "ube" flavor, so I snatched a few of them up for the opportunity to try a new, unique flavor. 
Perhaps before I visit next time, though, I'll have had a chance to try ube, therefore going in with a better idea of what I'm tasting for. This goes for the buco pandan cupcake as well. It was delicious, yes, but I'm not sure I know what specifically I was tasting. I'll need to know the "traditional" buco pandan taste first. Both the buco pandan and the pistachio cupcake had a very subtle flavor, "foam-like" chiffon cake consistency, and very smooth, light and creamy frosting.
Cupcakes here are made fresh each day, throughout the day (exemplified by ube cupcakes not being available until the afternoon on the day I visited).
Also, in an effort to experience as many new flavors/concepts as possible from this trip, I tried a delicious bowl of champorado, a Philippine hot chocolate-and-rice porridge. If that sounds slightly strange to you, I recommend you try it anyway. I'm not one for rice pudding, yet champorado is a much different dessert.
The store is tiny but cozy and has a few indoor seats.
I'll be sure to return for a chance to try the ube and the green tea cupcakes!

A Taste of Heaven

Name: A Taste of Heaven

Neighborhood: Andersonville
Address: 5401 N Clark St
Map (link above): blue dotted pin
Nearest El Transit Locations: 
Berwyn Red Line Stop
Hours:
Mon - Thur  7am - 10pm
Fri - Sat  7am - 11pm
Sunday  8am - 10pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $2.75
Boxing/Packaging: Cups with lids
What makes this bakery special: They have a substantial, homemade-fresh, assortment of unique cupcake flavors. 

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

Nutella
Cake: Nutella
with
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Lemon Meringue

Cake: Lemon
with Meringue icing filled with lemon curd
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:

After the disappointing Nutella cupcake at Molly's I was hesitant to try the one here at A Taste of Heaven. With some convincing, I gave it a shot--and will never regret it! This cupcake is exactly the dream Nutella cupcake I've been wanting: rich, moist cake, extremely light and fluffy frosting with [almonds?] on top. ABSOLUTELY FRIGGIN' DELICIOUS! A Taste of Heaven, please know that you gave me what I so badly wanted last year and it was WELL worth the wait and commute. Honestly, this was one of my absolute favorites so far. Even if you're not a huge fan of Nutella, I'd say give this cupcake a chance. The cake and frosting were absolutely, well, heavenly.
The Lemon Meringue was also amazing. The cake wasn't over-powering, the lemon curd filling was packed with flavor, and the creamy frosting was delicious. This cupcake had a nice balance of cupcake sweetness and lemon tartness.
The actual storefront is kind of tiny (they're a cafe, too!). There is an indoor seating area, but if you're dropping in for cupcakes, I'd recommend you take them to go so you don't have to bother with the cramped space. The staff is super friendly and are not only willing to make suggestions, but will give an honest answer to any questions you may have.

George's Ice Cream and Sweets

Name: George's Ice Cream and Sweets

Neighborhood: Andersonville
Address: 5306 N. Clark Street
Map (link above): yellow pin
Nearest El Transit Locations: Berwyn Red Line Stop
Hours:
Mon - Thur  12pm - 10pm
Friday 12pm - 11pm
Saturday 11am - 11pm
Sunday 11am - 10pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Price: $
Boxing/Packaging: Box with inserts
What makes this bakery special: George's is what Andersonville is all about: fun, eco-concious, accepting, and laid-back. At George's, these qualities shine from the atmosphere, staff members, and products. Good customer service is a lost art and you'll be sure to find it here.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
German Chocolate
Cake: Chocolate
with Coconut pecan topping rolled in chocolate shavings
Appearance: 2
Size: Large (tall for average)
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 3

Red Velvet
Cake: Red Velvet
with Cream Cheese Frosting
Appearance: 2
Size: Large (tall for average)
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:

From past posts you may recall that I'm not a big coconut fan, therefore German chocolate is usually not something I actively seek out, and that I somehow missed the Red Velvet train and don't really see what all the fuss is about. Well, George's is apparently where I can find the German Chocolate and Red Velvet made to my liking.  Both cakes were smooth, rich, and fresh. The German, like at Sweet Sensations, was made of regular rich chocolate cake, not the lighter german as per expected. The topping was rich, chocolaty (due to the tasty and aesthetically pleasing chocolate shavings), and loaded with carmel-y goodness.  The Red Velvet...well, if all RV cupcakes were made like this I could definitely understand the RV craze better.
*NERD ALERT: RV, if you didn't know, is technically neither vanilla nor chocolate cake. In theory, it's a halfway point, made with cocoa powder which reacts with apple cider vinegar or another agent to chemically turn the batter a reddish brown.*
What I've experienced many a time in the past is a botch RV cupcake, with an unnecessary amount of red food dye and not enough cocoa powder (or perhaps lack of a decent chemical reaction) to give the traditional, pseudo-chocolaty flavor.  So, well done, George's! The rich cake exceeded my expectations and the rich cream cheese frosting paired perfectly.
The staff are all friendly and enthusiastic.  I regret not staying in and eating there.  Inside, it's spacious, hip, comfortable, and warm.  Aside from tables, there are gushy-looking arm chairs and couch(es?) to lounge in.  Next time I'm in the area, I'm going to take advantage of such a space to relax and enjoy cupcakes with coffee.
p.s. They also have vegan options!

Luscious Layers [2]

Happy Valentine's Day!

Top Left: Strawberry Champagne
Top Right: Chocolate Praline
Bottom: Chai Spice

When I came home I was surprised to find three cupcakes on the counter! Luscious Layers has lived up to my expectations once again! Fresh, delicious cupcakes after a long day of work are such a treat (especially when all three cost less than $5 total)! 

Strawberry Champagne
Cake: Champagne
with Strawberry Mousse and Strawberry Buttercream and a fondant heart
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Chai Spice
Cake: Spice
with Chai Frosting
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Chocolate Praline
Cake: Chocolate
with Chocolate Frosting Topped with Pralines
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Comments: Luscious Layers is fantastic: super affordable, extra fresh, and packed with flavor! It's obvious each cupcake is made with tender loving care.  The strawberry champagne cupcake was fabulous, with light and fluffy mousse filling that paired perfectly with the champagne cake. The chai was loaded with flavor and had just the right amount of delectable frosting.  The chocolate praline was made with rich chocolate that melts in the mouth.

Angel Food Bakery

Name: Angel Food Bakery

Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Address: 1636 West Montrose Ave
Map (link above): yellow marker
Nearest El Transit Locations: 
Montrose Brown Line stop
Hours: 
Tue - Fri  7am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $3-3.50
Boxing/Packaging: unknown (ate in)
What makes this bakery special: They have a gorgeous and extensive Easy Bake Oven collection, including many that date back to the 1950s! Possibly this is something you have to see for yourself to understand. 

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Vegan Peanut Butter
Cake: Chocolate
with Peanut Butter Frosting
Appearance: 2
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Mud Pie
Cake: Fudge
with Fudge ooey-gooey filling and homemade vanilla bean whipped cream dip
Appearance: 2
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 3

Coconut*
Cake: Coconut
with Vanilla Coconut Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 3



Additional Notes:
Angel Food is awesome! I recommend eating in because there is so much to look at in here. They have an amazing collection of Easy Bake Ovens on display around the perimeter of the dining area, some (as mentioned above) dating back to the 1950s! You'll have to actually visit yourself to understand how cool it is to see the evolution of something so seemingly childish. 
We ordered brunch to eat in, anxiously waiting for the moment to order dessert--the cupcakes were staring at us from behind the display window.  Another reason to eat in: brunch is amazing (I recommend the pot pie). Absolutely fantastic. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Old kitchen supplies turned art.

Originally, the plan was to take the cupcakes to go (which is perhaps what I'll do next time since I was Thanksgiving-Day-full by the end of this adventure) but I couldn't wait until we got home to try the vegan peanut butter cupcake.  The vegan PB had been recommended to many customers while we devoured brunch and it was worth the wait-- rich and thick peanut butter frosting matched with chocolate cake, which I swear doesn't taste any different from non-vegan cake. (Amazing!) 
Next, the Mud Pie: I'm embarrassed to admit this but I was hoping for something similar to the Lava Cakes at Domino's Pizza (for shame, I know). Instead, we got an even better, almost bittersweet, extremely rich chocolate ooey-gooey goodness paired to perfection with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream dip.  Absolutely fabulous (but suuuuuper rich).
D.E. picked the coconut cupcake.  I'm not big on the texture of coconut, but did try a little tiny piece and found it fresh baked, like everything else. This cake was moist, the frosting had coconut flakes mixed into it, and it was dipped in coconut flakes. Really, it is perfect for coconut lovers. 
Overall, the cupcakes were fresh, well-balanced (frosting-to-cake ratio), and flavor-filled. Love.
*enjoyed by cupcaking partner, D.E.

Sweet Sensations

Name: Sweet Sensations Pastry
Neighborhood: North Center / Ravenswood
Address: 1918 West Montrose Ave
Map (link above): red marker
Nearest El Transit Locations: 
Montrose Brown Line stop
Hours: 
Tue - Fri  7am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm
Bake On-Site: Yes - open kitchen
Individual Cupcake Prices: $2.25-3.50
Boxing/Packaging: Box without inserts
What makes this bakery special: The huge open kitchen, the chef/owner (Sharin), and the creative and unique cupcake flavors.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Boston Cream Pie
Cake: Vanilla
with vanilla custard filling topped with ganache and a candy snowflake
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3


German Chocolate
Cake: Chocolate
with German filling (pecan, caramel, coconut) dipped in ganache and topped with German filling
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Banana Cardamom (right)
Gingerbread Cardamom (left)

Banana Cardamom
Cake: Banana with cardamom
with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Gingerbread Cardamom
Cake: Gingerbread with cardamom
with Cream Cheese Frosting
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:
I love Sweet Sensations! The chef/owner, Sharin Nathan, and her amazing pastry chef develop a heaven close to home. They both work hard to create delicious treats and savory goodies from the finest ingredients in one of the largest open kitchens I've seen yet. I love open kitchens because not only is it fun (and oftentimes educational) to observe people at work, but it's also nice to see how things are done, how the kitchen is kept, and what the environment the food I'm about to eat came from is like.  
At Sweet Sensations, the atmosphere is comfortable and laid back.  It was fun to sit back, enjoy coffee and cupcakes, and observe the regulars come and go, each showing familiarity with Sharin and vice versa. That's pure gold star customer service right there. I've always wanted to be a regular who is greeted warmly by name and only has to say "the usual" to place my order. 
~*~*~
Flavor combinations here can be super unique (like banana cardamom) or deliciously classic.  D.E. and I couldn't narrow our flavors down so we opted for two cupcakes to split to eat in and two to split to go.  
I have to say, I'm not big on the texture of coconut and picky with coconut flavor, therefore, am not much of a german chocolate kind of girl.  For those of you who also don't really enjoy the coconut texture but like the idea of pecans and caramel (the other two components of what makes german filling what it is), these germans are the cupcake for you.  The cake was rich, ultra-moist chocolate (not the light german fluff most bakeries offer) with sweet delicious ganache.  For those of you who do enjoy german chocolate coconuty goodness, have no fear; these cupcakes are topped and filled with the ooey-gooey filling you expect and love. Still, this is ideal for those who could do without the coconut (like me!).
The Boston Cream cupcake was everything I had hoped for.  The sweet vanilla cake enveloped the rich vanilla custard filling perfectly.  Add the same delicious ganache from above and you've got perfection. Seriously, absolutely nothing was off with the Boston.
The Gingerbread Cardamom cupcake was like a dense, yet fluffy, gingerbread cookie, with subtle but noticable cardamom flavor. Think of the deliciously light cream cheese as a supporting actress--kind of overlooked, but it wouldn't be the same without it.
Lastly, the Banana Cardamom (yes, we were intrigued by the cardamom cupcakes) had the consistency of a fresh-baked banana muffin with subtle cardamom notes and a scrumptious unique chocolate cream cheese frosting! LOVE!
Overall, these cupcakes--all four of them--were obviously fresh-baked, full of flavor, and made in small batches. I now have even higher hopes for every cupcake I eat henceforth.
Indoor seating (and presumably outdoor seating in the summer--wide sidewalk).
Coffee!