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