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.

Blue Sky Bakery

Name: Blue Sky Bakery

Neighborhood: North Center
Address: 3720 N Lincoln Ave
Map (link above): Blue pin
Nearest El Transit Locations: Addison Brown Line stop
Hours:
Tue - Fri 7a - 5p
Saturday 8a - 5p
Sunday 8:30a - 1:30p
Bake On-Site: Yes - semi open kitchen
Individual Cupcake Price: $2.76 (with tax)
Boxing/Packaging: Box without inserts
What makes this bakery special: Blue Sky is a nonprofit organization which provides homeless and at-risk youth transitional employment and meaningful work experience.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Vanilla/Vanilla
Cake: Vanilla
with Vanilla Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Additional Notes:
First, I just want to say that I fully support the cause of Blue Sky Bakery. As mentioned above, they provide a wonderful employment opportunity to homeless and at-risk youth. Really, you should check out the inspirational video on the website because it's great. If only more businesses had such a program--particularly in rougher areas of the city. Still, though, this is a great start and a true inspiration to make a difference in small but significant ways. You can donate to their cause via the link on their site.
Organic ingredients are used when possible.
Their bakery has plentiful indoor seating and a cafe menu.  The display case, though, is small and the options are minimal. The frosting on my cupcake was extremely creamy and delicious and the cake had rich vanilla flavor, but overall, it was a little dry. At least my purchase went to a cause. As Blue Sky says, "Social change, powered by your appetite."

Southport Grocery

HAPPY NATIONAL VANILLA CUPCAKE DAY!

Name: Southport Grocery and Cafe

Neighborhood: Lakeview
Address: 3552 N. Southport

Map (link above): yellow dotted marker

Nearest El Transit Locations:

Southport Brown Line Stop

Hours: 

Mon - Fri  7am - 4pm
Saturday  8am - 5pm
Sunday  8am - 4pm

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Prices: $2.50

Boxing/Packaging: Box without inserts

What makes this bakery special: 

Famous throughout Chicago for their amazing homemade vanilla cupcakes, Southport is the place to go when celebrating the beauty of vanilla cake (like, say, on National Vanilla Cupcake Day). The entire second floor is a bakery kitchen where they make most of their baked goods, including cupcakes!

Cupcake Purchased and Reviewed:

 
Vanilla/Vanilla

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

Additional Notes:

Southport bakes on-site, yes, that's noted above, but here not only do they bake fresh daily in small batches but they use a special old family recipe for the cake and the amazing vanilla buttercream. This magical blend of flavors has made Southport the go-to in Chicago for vanilla cupcakes. 
The frosting is has a rich vanilla flavor, is sweet but not over-sugary, and is smooth and creamy to the palette. The cake is made from a warm, rich, thick vanilla batter with love baked right in. The simplest way to describe it is grandma's homemade vanilla cupcakes with a touch of heaven blended right in.
It can get really busy here (when I went it was packed) so plan ahead. The cafe part makes it kind of confusing to get to the grocery part, so just know that you can just walk through to the counter. Also, if you go to the cafe part, try their (also) famous "cupcake pancakes," pancakes made with cake batter. When you do, comment below and let me know how you liked them! (I haven't tried them yet.)
Espresso/coffee bar.
Indoor seating (cafe).

Cupcakes for Courage (Truck)

Name: Cupcakes for Courage
Chicagoland area
See website for weekly locations and hours

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Price: $3.25
Boxing/Packaging: Fitted clam shell

Spicy Sriracha Turtle

Cake: Mesquite Chocolate
with Fudge Buttercream and covered with homemade smoked caramel and pecans in spicy sriracha syrup
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Fun Fact: This cupcake was featured on the show Cupcake Wars!

Maple Bacon*

with Maple Buttercream with Bacon Bits on top

Turtle (Left), Vanilla/Vanilla (Middle), Maple Bacon (Right)

Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Vanilla/Vanilla*

with Vanilla Bean Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Additional Notes:

Don't let the Turtle cupcake surprise you like I did. I had forgotten the sriracha component to the cupcake and found myself appalled by it. If I had remembered that it was supposed to be spicy (due to the sriracha, of course!) then I think I would have been better prepared for such a unique experience. If you like spicy foods don't pass this one up. Seriously.
The bacon bits on the Maple Bacon* cupcake were more chewy than crispy, which gave them a strange consistency, according to my cupcaking partner, and the actual cake part of the cupcake was the best part.

Purchased on 6/30/2012 at the Holstein Park Centennial Celebration in Bucktown

* denotes that these cupcakes were enjoyed by my research partners, D.E. and M.G.G.

Swirlz Cupcakes

Name: Swirlz Cupcakes
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 705 W. Belden Ave
Map (link above): bright green marker
Nearest El Transit Locations:
Fullerton stop of the Brown, Purple, and Red Lines
Hours: 
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Price: $3.50 
Boxing/Packaging: Plastic cup with lid
What makes this bakery special:
They offer multiple gluten-free options and a vegan option every single day! 

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Pineapple Right-Side Up

Cake: Pineapple cake
with Brown Sugar Italian Buttercream and Pineapple Filling
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Pineapple (Left), Strawberry (Middle), Vanilla/Vanilla (Right) 

Gluten-Free Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry

Cake: Gluten-Free Chocolate
with Strawberry Buttercream and a layer of Chocolate Ganache and Strawberry Preserves
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Vanilla/Vanilla

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

Additional Notes:
The brown sugar frosting on the Pineapple cupcake was amazing...super light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. I could have done without the filling in the cupcake but it didn't take away from the experience.
The frosting of the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry was also super light and fluffy and the ganache on top made it really taste like a strawberry covered with chocolate. The cake, being gluten-free, was actually disappointingly less fudgy than expected but still had a rich chocolate flavor.
The vanilla frosting on the vanilla cupcake was super, super fluffy (perhaps the lightest I've had so far) and the cake was super moist with a nice strong vanilla flavor. (I think this may be my favorite vanilla cupcake so far.)
Appearance bonus: the cupcakes are iced/decorated simply, yet they are still attractive and have a signature look that makes Swirlz cupcakes recognizable.
I like that they have multiple gluten-free options for those who have allergies and/or are on gluten-free diets. I also like that they think of vegans every day too by offering a cupcake for them.
The packaging was kind of strange (plastic cups fitted over each other, see photo above) but they sure got the job done by getting the cupcakes home safe. Kudos.

The display is inviting and easy to read and the employees are eager to describe the cupcakes and answer any questions you may have. 

The store is small yet easy to find with some indoor and outdoor seating.
Great for a quick stop in.
Quick service.

"Cupcakes Make People Happy."

The Cupcake Counter

Name: The Cupcake Counter

Neighborhood: Loop

Address: 229 W Madison 

Map (link above): dark blue marker

Nearest El Transit Locations: 

Washington/Wells Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines
Washington Blue line

Hours: 

Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Prices: $3.00-3.50

Boxing/Packaging: Deep, secure box with inserts

What makes this bakery special:

A portion of the proceeds from certain cupcakes throughout the year support charitable work, such as the PB&J cupcake in May for National Foster Care Awareness Month.
Committed to green initiatives such as using 100% recyclable packaging, purchasing supplies from local vendors, and participating in a private recycling program.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed: 

Pomegranate Berry

Cake: Pomegranate Berry

with Pomegranate Berry Frosting

Vanilla/Vanilla (left) and Pomegranate Berry (right)

Appearance: 3

Size: Average

Bite #: 3

Moisture: 3 (or even an imaginary 4!)

Price: $3.00

Vanilla/Vanilla
Cake: Buttercake
with Vanilla Frosting
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3
Price: $3.00

Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice Cream Sandwich Cupcake
Cake: Chocolate*

with Vanilla Frosting                                          

Size: Average cupcake with one scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

Price: $4.00

*You can choose from any of the cupcakes!

Additional Notes:

Pomegranate Berry cake was super, super moist, fruity and had delicious berry chunks in it. The frosting was fluffy and light, which complimented the dense cake well. Overall, it tasted similar to Berry Pop Tarts.
The Ice Cream Sandwich cupcake is truly unique. You get to choose which of the cupcakes you want to have turned into an ice cream sandwich and they take the exact cupcake you chose, split it in two, add the ice cream, and hand it right over. I've never been much of a cake-and-ice-cream person but this was absolutely delicious! I will be back for another. That's a promise.
The vanilla cupcake was nice and moist (definitely can tell it was just baked fresh!) and the frosting was nice and smooth with no aftertaste, and perhaps a faint trace of lemon? Delicious regardless.
Cupcakes are baked in small batches throughout the day making them especially fresh.
Very, very tiny store...it's easy to miss (which makes it a true hidden gem) so pay attention when looking for it.
Simple shop and display but really unique, homemade products.
I recommend a quick drop in, although there is a small counter inside with a few stools. (But don't skip out on chatting with the friendly and enthusiastic staff!)

Sweet Mandy B's

Name: Sweet Mandy B's Old Fashioned Desserts

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Address: 1208 W Webster

Map (link above): light blue marker

Nearest El Transit Locations: 

Fullerton Brown and Red lines

Armitage Brown line

Hours: 

Sunday - Thursday  8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday  8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Prices: $1.25-3.50

Boxing/Packaging: Tall, fitted clam shell

What makes this bakery special: 

You're able to personally watch them ice the cupcakes fresh right in front of you.
It's tucked away in the lovely neighborhood of Lincoln Park, which gives it a homey feel and less of a commercial feeling compared to some other bakeries.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

French Toast

French Toast (left) and Vanilla/Vanilla (right)

Cake: Cinnamon Sugar

with Maple Buttercream

Size: Average

Bite #: 3

Appearance: 2

Moisture: 3

Price: $2.75

Vanilla/Vanilla
Cake: Vanilla

with Vanilla Buttercream

Size: Average

Bite #: 3

Appearance: 2

Moisture: 3

Price: $2.25                                    

Additional Notes: 

The vanilla cupcake was very rich, sweet, and moist and had a nice rich "homemade" taste to it.
The French Toast cupcake smelled and tasted just like real French toast! The maple buttercream was very smooth, rich, and fresh. The cake was simple and cinnamon-y and very fluffy.
The store is bright and colorful with helpful explanatory signage. The cupcake selection is on both sides of the register (which is in the center of the counter) so don't forget to take a peek on the other side, too. 

Further down the counter by the bar stools you can sit to enjoy your cupcake while watching them ice cupcakes in front of you.
Fast service.
Good for a quick stop in or for sit-down.

Indoor and outdoor seating.

Crumbs

Name: Crumbs Bake Shop

Neighborhood: Loop

Address: 134 N LaSalle Street

Map (link above): red dotted markers

Nearest El Transit Locations: 

Clark/Lake station Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple lines

Washington Blue line

Washington/Wells Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines

Hours: 

Mon - Fri 7am - 7pm

Other Chicago Locations:

West Madison, 303 W Madison

River North, 346 N Clark

South Clark, 42 S Clark

Bake On-Site: No (have a distribution center in Chicagoland area)

Individual Cupcake Prices: $4.50 ("Signature" size) and $3 ("Classic" size)

Boxing/Packaging: Fitted Clam Shell
What makes this bakery special:

They have two cupcake sizes available for single purchase: Signature (all varieties available) and Classic (chocolate and vanilla). Their Signature size cupcakes are huge, and famous for it.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed: 

Milkshake Cupcake

Cake: Marble (Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl)

with Chocolate and Vanilla Swirled Cream Cheese and Cream Cheese Filling

Appearance: 3

Size: X-Large

Vanilla/Vanilla (right) and Milkshake cupcake (left)

Bite #: 7

Moisture: 3
Price: $4.50 (Signature)

Vanilla/Vanilla
Cake: Vanilla
with Vanilla Cream Cheese
Appearance: 1
Size: X-Large
Bite #: 7
Moisture: 2
Price: $4.50 (Signature)

Additional Notes:
These cupcakes are huge! I mean like solid cake-y softballs. For some, that may be something attractive of Crumbs, but personally I like to enjoy my cupcakes as a snack or dessert, in one sitting, instead of as a meal themselves.
The cream cheese filling of the Milkshake cupcake was strange and unexpected with an almost banana or malty flavor to it. The cake was rich and super moist,  and the vanilla swirl portion complimented the chocolate swirl portion in harmony.
The vanilla cupcake was moist, but seemed dry to the taste. The frosting was grainy (I mean, it's just sugar granules) and left a unique coating in my mouth. Overall, I liked the vanilla in the Milkshake marble cake much better.
The frosting-to-cake ratio was smaller than expected for such a large cupcake (which in my case was kind of nice because I prefer a small amount of frosting with cake anyway).
Cupcake selection is very diverse.
Quick service.
Set up for a quick drop in or you can eat at one of the many sizable indoor tables.

Sugar Bliss

Name: Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique 

Neighborhood: Loop
Address: 115 N. Wabash

Map (link above): bright purple dotted markers

Nearest El Transit Locations: 

Randolph/Wabash station Brown, Pink, Orange, Green, Purple lines

Lake station Red line

Washington station Blue line

Hours: 

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 7 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm

Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm

Other Chicago Location:

River North, 509 N. Orleans (updated 4/27/13)

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Prices: $3.50 each (regular size) and $1.50 each (mini size)

Boxing/Packaging: Deep, secure box with inserts

What makes this bakery special:

Cupcakes are available in two individual-portion sizes, mini and regular, both available for individual sale. Most regular-sized flavors are available in mini size. Score!
They also offer monthly Cupcake and Wine Tastings, where ticket holders get six mini cupcakes paired with wine. A portion of the proceeds goes to a different charity/organization each month!

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

Chocolate Peppermint

Vanilla/Vanilla (Left) and Chocolate Peppermint (Right)

Cake: Dark chocolate 

with Chocolate Peppermint Buttercream

Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Appearance: 3

Moisture: 3
Price: $3.50 (regular size)

Regular sized cupcake options: top and middle sections
Mini sized cupcake options: middle and lower sections

Vanilla/Vanilla 

Cake: Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla
with Vanilla Buttercream
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Appearance: 3
Moisture: 2
Price: $3.50 (regular size)

Additional Notes:

Buttercream on both cupcakes was airy, very sugary, slightly grainy but still smooth.
The peppermint buttercream had a pronounced mint flavor but it wasn't overpowering. The chocolate cake was very light and fluffy.
The vanilla cupcake was slightly dry but not unbearable. The frosting is what made this cupcake, even if it is a little too sugary for my personal liking. 

Small shop with some seating by the street-view window but more set up for a quick stop in. 

Quick service.

Nice full display of cupcakes and multiple options.
The door in the background of the above photo leads into the kitchen where the cupcakes are baked fresh. It's cool to be able to see that for yourself as a cupcake enthusiast (and general consumer!). 

Easy to find and close to multiple El trains.

Sweet Ride (Truck)

Name: Sweet Ride
Chicagoland area
See website for weekly locations and hours

Vanilla/Vanilla
Cake: Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Cake
with Vanilla Buttercream
Appearance: 1
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Price: $3.25
Boxing/Packaging: Fitted clam shell

Additional Notes:

Although this truck is kind of shady it is legit and adorably small. AND they were outside my school on my birthday! Score!

In Loop of Chicago