More Cupcakes

Name: More Cupcakes

Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Address: 1 E Delaware Pl.
Map (link above): yellow marker

Nearest El Transit Locations:

Chicago Red Line stop

Hours: 

Mon* - Fri 8am - 9pm

Sat 9am - 9pm

*Open Mondays for advance order pickup

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Prices: $3.50-6.00

Boxing/Packaging: Chinese take-out box with inserts!

What makes this bakery special: 

More offers not only many unique sweet flavors but offers many savory flavors, too! See? Cupcakes are for everyone! A few examples of their savory cupcakes are Artichoke Lemon Parmesan, Bacon Bourbon Peach, and BLT. (I couldn't bring myself to venture from sweetness this time around, sorry.)

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

S'More

Cake: Chocolate
with Marshmallow filling and Honey Cinnamon Buttercream
Appearance: 3
Size: Large 
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2
Price: $3.50

Salted Caramel

Cake: Yellow
with Caramel filling and Caramel Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2
Price: $3.50

Red Velvet*

Cake: Red Velvet
with Cream Cheese frosting and a red candy on top
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2
Price: $3.50

Additional Notes:

(I stopped in a few days after my visit to take this photo
of the display case at its fullest--earlier in the day.)

S'more cupcakes are tricky. I've had some before but none compare to this one. More's S'more cupcake was absolutely fantastic. Their combination of the chocolate cake with marshmallow filling topped with honey cinnamon buttercream is...well, I'm literally lost for words. I liked the chocolate cake instead of graham cake, like the s'mores cupcakes I've had before. The marshmallow filling made it feel more like I was eating a real s'more. And the buttercream was to die for! Rarely does frosting catch my attention!

The filling in the Salted Caramel was the best part. It wasn't too sticky or overpowering and moistened the surrounding cake quite nicely. The buttercream was pretty good, too. The caramel flavor was subtle, but not hidden.

"The cream cheese was delectable [on the Red Velvet*]." -C.D., one of my cupcaking partners, who plans on returning to More.

All packaged up and ready to go!

The display case is beautiful and super mod; it was designed to look like an exhibit in the Museum of Modern Art. We went to More around 6:00pm (about 3 hours before they closed) and found the flavor selection smaller than expected and nearly sold out. I advise stopping by More earlier in the day to ensure the fabulous selection is actually there to choose from.

Counter inside for standing/eating.

Best for quick stop in and take-out.

Some flavors that I want to try next time include Cappuccino, Chocolate Champagne, and White Russian. Whoo! (Their menu/flavors aren't listed on the website so I picked up a seasonal product list from the store. Fyi.)

Secure inserts with notches!

You can tell a lot about a cupcakery by how they box/package cupcakes. My favorite thing about More is their care for cupcakes. At first I was nervous for the cupcakes when I saw the take-out boxes but when I realized there were inserts I was thrilled! The boxes were also secured by the seal on the outside too and the bag was nice and shallow so the wind couldn't blow them easily as I walked down the street with them. Nice touch, More!

* denotes this cupcake was enjoyed by my partner, C.D.

Molly's Cupcakes

Name: Molly's Cupcakes
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2536 N Clark St
Map (link above): orange marker 
Nearest El Transit Locations: 
Fullerton stop of Red, Purple, and Brown lines
Diversey stop of Purple and Brown lines
(And the 22 Clark bus has a stop right there!)
Hours: 
Monday: Noon - 10pm
Tue - Thu: 8am-10pm
Fri - Sat: 8am-midnight
Sunday: 9am-10pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Prices: $1.05 (mini), $2.05 ("Molly"), and $3.75 (center-filled)
Boxing/Packaging: box w/ inserts (4+ cupcakes)
What makes this bakery special:
They are famous for their center-filled cupcakes and rightfully so! They have unique combinations with generous amounts of filling.
They also have "build your own Molly cupcake" where you can choose specifics for the exact ("classic") cupcake you want and they ice it right in front of you and, further, you can personalize your toppings!

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Kahlua

Cake: Chocolate
with Kahlua Cream Filling and Coffee Buttercream
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Cookie Monster (Top Left), Kahlua (Top Right)
Ron Bennington (Bottom Left), PB Nutella (Bottom Right)

Price: $3.75

Note: This cupcake contains alcohol.

Ron Bennington

Cake: Chocolate
with Peanut Butter Filling and Ganache sprinkled with Butterscotch pieces
Appearance: 3
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Price: $3.75

Note: This is their best seller!

Peanut Butter Nutella

Cake: Peanut Butter
with Nutella Filling and Nutella Buttercream
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 2

Price: $3.75

Cookie Monster*

Cake: Vanilla Chocolate-Chip
with Cookie Dough Filling, Vanilla Buttercream, and a mini cookie
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3
Moisture: 3

Price: $3.75

Additional Notes:

The Kahlua cupcake had fantastic smooth, rich coffee buttercream that actually wasn't too overpowering and was a nice compliment to the kahlua filling. Physically, the cupcake didn't seem to be able to handle the generous amount of filling and fell apart easily (same goes for the other filled cupcakes) but this didn't take away from the delicious experience. The filling had a definite kahlua taste to it but it was in proportion to the rest of the cupcake components.

The Ron Bennington is the most popular and I knew that without the sign telling me so. The entire cupcake is perfectly proportioned out, with smooth, rich, and dense chocolate ganache and cake with creamy peanut butter filling. The butterscotch pieces on top made for a nice crunchy surprise every bite. Absolutely fantastic.

Wait, are those swings?
...YES! 

I admit, I set high expectations for the Peanut Butter Nutella cupcake and was sadly disappointed. It seemed that all of the flavors were not as pronounced as the flavors in the other cupcakes, but were still detectable. The cake tasted more like a peanut butter cookie than a cupcake and had a large crumb. Without the Nutella filling this cupcake would be nothing. 

The filling in the Cookie Monster* is what made the entire cupcake "AMAZING." The frosting was good but could have been a little thicker.

The store is actually pretty sizable for a cupcakery and has many tables indoors and outdoors.

Good for eating in or for quick drop in.

They have swings at the espresso bar. (!!!!!)

Also, I visited Molly's this past winter with my bestie (who is a huge Molly's patron!) and I got the CAKE BATTER CUPCAKE, which was absolutely fantastic! I was one of those kids who begged to lick the bowl and this cupcake brought back all those wonderful memories. I think about this cupcake often, to this day. No joke.

* denotes that this cupcake was enjoyed by my research partner, D.E.

Flirty Cupcakes (Truck)

Name: Flirty Cupcakes on Wheels
Chicagoland area
See website for weekly truck locations and hours
In addition to the truck, they also have a location (not on map...yet) at 1030 W Taylor, Mon-Sat 9am-8pm

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

PB&C
Cake: Chocolate
with chocolate cupcake filled and topped with peanut butter ganache
Appearance: 2

PB&C (Left) and Beached Coconut (Right)

Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Beached Coconut*

Cake: vanilla soaked in coconut milk 

with Coconut Buttercream and coconut flakes
Appearance: 2
Size: Average
Bite #: 3

Additional Notes:

PB&C ganache was fresh and the peanut butter filling didn't make the cake soggy a day after I purchased it. This cupcake was simple but delightful and definitely for those who love chocolate.
The Beached Coconut*, according to my partner, was delicious because the way the icing/coconut is arranged. You get a little of everything in each bite!
I'm planning on visiting their "Dessert Garage" location soon because the truck was a fun experience.
Purchased on 6/30/2012 at the Holstein Park Centennial Celebration in Bucktown

* denotes that this cupcake was enjoyed by my research partner, M.G.G.

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.