Cupcakelicious - Woodstock, Georgia

Over the Labor Day weekend, I got a chance to visit some family in Atlanta, Georgia. My family knows how obsessed I am with cupcakes, and especially with red velvet, so they made it a point to visit some cupcake bakeries during the visit.

Our first stop was at Cupcakelicious in downtown Woodstock, Georgia.

Photo via Google Images

I was hopeful for this cupcakery since it looked like it was local and not run by a big chain. I've found in my adventures that big chains tend to have the not-so-great cupcakes, while the smaller, local places are able to really dedicate the time and energy to make a good cupcake.

Cupcake Variety Pack

Upon taking a look at the variety in the display window, I was even more excited. They have a mix of traditional flavors, like red velvet and vanilla birthday cake as well as more adventurous flavors, like almond wedding cake and salty sweet caramel.

Red Velvet from Cupcakelicious

When I looked at the cupcake, however, I knew I was going to be disappointed. The cupcake was a very bright shade of pink, almost neon. The top of the cupcake looked burnt and the frosting wasn't even cream cheese! When I took my first bite, I was sad. The cupcake was dry and had absolutely no chocolate flavor.

In the end, I was sad, but I wasn't going to give up! There was a newly opened Georgetown Cupcakes in Atlanta, and I knew that was going to bring up my mood. I moved on quickly to one of the other delicious flavors Cupcakelicious had to offer and looked forward to my visit to Georgetown Cupcakes. Spoiler alert...I was not disappointed.

Price $2.99/cupcake

Cake: dry, too bright color, no chocolate

Icing: plain vanilla buttercream

Decorations: simple butter cream with cake crumbs

Overall Rating: 1/10

Website: Cupcakelicious

Cupcakes and Cocktails - Epicurean Hotel

This month, the Epicurean Hotel had a very classic menu for its Cupcakes and Cocktails event.

Cupcake Menu:

Bananas Foster bourbon banana cake, cinnamon bourbon cream cheese frosting

Jack & Coke Coca Cola chocolate cake, whiskey buttercream

Gin & Tonic gin spiked cake, lime buttercream

Chef Beth demonstrated the bananas foster cupcake. Again, she actually used the oven this time. I was really curious to see how all the pieces would come together in one cupcake. There were so many parts to this cupcake, it seemed like so much work! I was happy to wait to see the payoff...let me tell you, I was not disappointed!

Bananas Foster

I was really excited about the bananas foster cocktail. I had tried a bananas foster margarita last month at a margarita competition and I really liked the flavor. I have never tried the actual dessert, but now that I've had some version of the flavor, I know I'd enjoy it. The cocktail and the cupcake were amazing. The cupcake could actually be a muffin for breakfast if I didn't put the frosting on it. I guess that's the fat girl in me trying to make myself feel better for wanting cupcakes for breakfast!

Gin n Tonic

I was actually very nervous about the gin and tonic cupcake. I never really enjoyed the gin n tonic cocktail, even though I've only had it once or twice in my life. When the cocktail came out, I was pleasantly surprised. While it still had the classic flavor, it had a nice hint of blackberry to it. The bartender incidentally used blackberry infused gin in the cocktail recipe. The cupcake too was a pleasant surprise. The gin and tonic flavor wasn't too overpowering, making the cupcake a nice treat.

From left to right: Jack n Coke, Bananas Foster, Gin n Tonic

My favorite cupcake of the night was the Jack and coke cupcake. I was really interested to taste the cupcake because of the addition of coke in the recipe. There was a slight hint of the coke but overall it tasted like a very moist, almost devil's food chocolate cupcake. The cocktail we were given was a classic rum and coke, which is always a pleasure to have. 

Showing off my decorating skills

Getting better with each class 

I have to say, this Cupcakes and Cocktails have been one of my favorite discoveries in Tampa. It's a fun thing to do once a month and it's always nice to find fun, new experimental recipes. I consider myself to be a mad scientist with my oven. I always like to take classic recipes and change something, whether its replacing a liquid with an alcohol or using something to replace eggs or butter. Either way, I really enjoy experimenting and it's nice to not have to clean up the mess afterwards!

I'm looking forward to September's Cupcakes and Cocktails class. I can't wait to see what Chef Beth has in store for us!

Info on Cloud 9 Confections:
Made to Order Bakery
Telephone: 813.833.8002
Email: bethlukens@aol.com
Web: Cloud 9 Confections
Visit Cloud 9 Confections on Facebook.
Follow Chef Beth on Instagram @bethlukens

Fifth Annual St. Petersburg Cupcake Festival

This month I got to  visit and write about the Fifth Annual St. Petersburg Cupcake Festival for CakeSpy, one of the sweetest baking blogs on the internet!

Here's a taste of the post:

Morean Art Center Downtown St. Petersburg
Saturday August 16th, 12:00 – 3:00

After last year’s foray into the Ybor Saturday Market Cupcake Festival, I decided to check out the 2015 calendar of events in the Tampa Bay area to see if there were any other cupcake themed events going on. I was delighted to find a cupcake festival in St. Petersburg, apparently it was an annual one. I didn’t hear about it last year so I was interested and excited to attend this year.

The festival itself is a fund raiser for the Morean Art Center in downtown St. Petersburg (more info here, Morean Arts Center). Patrons of the festival could purchase tickets which were used to vote for the People’s Choice for the best cupcake. There were also designated judges who voted for the best cupcake between novice and professional bakers. Over all, there were awards for first, second, and third place from the People’s Choice as well as the judges. All the money raised went directly back to the art center.

I didn’t realize how popular this cupcake festival was when I first read about it. A few friends and I decided to head over around 12:30, thinking we’d beat the bulk of the crowd. Apparently the entire Bay Area thought to go to this event because the entrance line was out the door. While this sounds delightful, and it’s great for the art center, the space was very limited. When we finally got into the art center, it felt like a herd of cattle being ushered through the space going from table to table and grabbing what we could. Some tables had already run out of cupcakes before 1:30! 

To see how the rest of the event went, as well as who won the People's Choice and judges' pick, check out the Roundup of the St. Petersburg Cupcake Festival, Florida!

Cake Affection - Madeira Beach, Florida

On our beach adventure a few weeks ago, my friend and I happened to find another cupcake bakery, Cake Affection. It is located about a mile from Madeira Beach here in Florida.

Cake Affection display (from website)

"Cake Affection is passionate about cake! Ivy is a mother of 4 and wife of 1. As a busy mom, she knows the value of good food. Cake Affection has been honored to ba a part of special celebrations for over 15 years. We bring this experience with us when we work on your event. We aren't afraid to try new things and love a challenge. Our secret is in the daily baking of fresh cupcakes using only the industries finest gourmet ingredients like Madagascar vanilla, Black Onyx cocoa powder and chocolate imported from Switzerland and Belgium. Our retail storefront is a long standing dream realized. Every one of our custom cake creations would get feedback on how they were the "world's best cake". After years of hearing this, we worked really hard until we were able to open our first location in St. Pete/Seminole. Our shop is small and offers a modern twist on some pretty incredible edibles. Our creative cupcake menu changes daily and we have plenty to offer our walk in customers (although we recommend coming early for the best selection!) We also offer other fun handmade treats (always made in small batches) and unique gifts to make your day sweet. And yes we still offer our fabulous cakes for special events and weddings, along with dessert buffets and cupcake towers- but we book up fast. We are located off of Bay Pines Blvd, across from the Texas Roadhouse. Stop by and say hi (or give us a call so we can put a box of yummies aside for you) we promise you will taste the difference!"

Red Velvet Cupcake in a Jar on the beach

Red velvet catching some sun

 I have to say that the cupcake in a jar idea is genius. Not only is it early to travel with, but it also prevents people (like myself) from scarfing down a calorie packed treat in one sitting. This jar allows me to take a few bites, enjoy myself, and remove the onset of guilt later on!

Sometimes the simplest decorations are best

I started with the cream cheese decoration. I thought the packaging and the inner decoration was perfect! The butter cream was cream cheese and it tasted perfect. At first I didn't realize it was cream cheese butter cream, but I realized I'm so used to overly sweet cream cheese frostings I didn't realize when I had the real deal! The texture of the frosting was perfect, it was smooth and creamy. The cake also, was perfection. It was dark, making my mouth water for the cocoa flavor I was sure to find. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The cake was moist and delicious. It was a bit dense for my taste, but it was great otherwise.

The only issue I had was with the giant blob of chocolate right at the top. I wasn't expecting it so it threw me and my taste buds off bit.

I have to say though, the Tampa Bay area has a great deal of wonderful cupcakes to choose from. No matter what you're looking for, you will surely find it!

Price $3.25/cupcake; $7.50/cupcake in a jar
Cake: moist, dense, perfect chocolate flavor
Icing: smooth, creamy, cream cheese buttercream
Decorations: simple drop of butter cream with layers of buttercream in between cake layers
Overall Rating: 8/10
Website: Cake Affection

Sweet IRB - Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

The weather here in Tampa Bay has been pretty rough for the past few weeks. We finally got a break from the rain and had a couple sunny days, so a friend and I decided to hit up the beach!

We had gone to Indian Rocks Beach earlier in the summer and found a quaint little cupcake shop right on the beach, so I thought we would hit it again on our way.

Last time we visited the spot, they did not have red velvet cupcakes in stock. I initially planned to call ahead to make sure they had my beloved cupcakes in stock this time around, but alas I forgot. Lucky for me, we went early enough to find there were still some available for us.

Sweet IRB Cupcake Display

 "Sweet IRB is a southern bakery, coffee shop and cafe’ located in the middle of the Gulf Blvd Beach Communities.  Sweet IRB services includes retail/walk-in, catering (weddings, corporate events, special occasions, etc) and wholesale (coffee shops, restaurants, etc.)."

Red Velvet on the Beach

We grabbed two red velvet cupcakes and headed over to the beach to enjoy our goodies. The first thing I tried was the frosting. It was deliciously smooth and creamy, just the right texture. I just wish there wasn't so much. It may have been because the frosting melted a bit, but I felt that the frosting overpowered the cake.

I tried the cake alone and found it to be nearly perfect! The level of cocoa flavor was a little less than I would've liked, but overall the cake was moist, light, airy. The texture was perfect and if there was just a little less frosting and a little more cocoa, I think this would be the reigning champion!

So close to perfect!

So if you're ever in the area of Indian Rocks Beach, check out Sweet IRB. You will not be disappointed!

Price $2.50/each
Cake: moist, airy, near-perfect chocolate flavor
Icing: smooth, creamy, cream cheese buttercream
Decorations: none
Overall Rating: 9/10
Website: Sweet IRB

Cupcakes and Cocktails - Epicurean Hotel

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Apparently I've been really busy through the month of July...

I found out the Epicurean was hosting another Cupcakes and Cocktails class with Chef Beth from Cloud 9 Confections. This time, the theme was summer flavors:

S’mores
chocolate cake, graham cracker crust, spiked marshmallow filling, milk chocolate buttercream

Creamsicle
orange vodka cake, swirled orange and vanilla cream buttercream

Strawberrry Daiquiri
strawberry daquiri cake, rum buttercream

I noticed there weren't any red velvet flavor mixes this time around, but I didn't let that deter me. I was really curious about the taste of the strawberry daiquiri cupcake. I've tried a s'mores cupcake variation before and while the Creamsicle is a classic summer time flavor, the daiquiri is a personal summer time favorite.

Menu for Cupcakes and Cocktails Summer Edition

Chef Beth demonstrated the s'mores cupcake for us and this time she actually used the oven! During the demo, we had a great time laughing about the Kitchenaid mixer speeds as well as personal habits, like licking the bowl after putting the cupcake batter in the tins. We also had a good discussion regarding substitutions of egg whites for whole eggs. I was proud of myself for being able to enlighten Chef Beth, a much more experienced chef than me (I wouldn't even consider myself a chef, haha). I have to say, I was very happy to be in a class with someone who was so open to input and information. I truly felt respected.

Okay, off my soap box and on to the cocktails!

Chocolate Martini paired with the S'mores cupcake

Strawberry Daiquiri paired with the Strawberry Daiquiri cupcake

Dreamsicle paired with the Creamsicle cupcake

I have to say, this time around the cocktails were more than on point. They were all delicious. During the first class, I felt that the last cocktail wasn't up to snuff, especially with the egg whites in the drink. However, this time around the cocktails were amazing! Each cocktail would go perfectly alone or with the cupcake it was paired with. Each cupcake also tasted very close to the cocktail it was being paired with. Overall, the cocktail bar was raised during this class. At the end of the class, I approached Chef Beth with some ideas about future cocktail cupcakes, like a cosmopolitan cupcake, a tequila sunrise cupcake, or even a midouri sour cupcake! We'll see what her next class includes, let's hope its one of my suggestions!

From top to bottom, Creamsicle, Strawberry Daiquiri, and S'mores

Overall, this class really impressed me. Not only did the class seem less formal, but I felt that Chef Beth also had more fun. The audience was more participatory, which helped lighten the environment of the class.

I highly recommend these classes to anyone in the Tampa Bay area. They are a great monthly activity for a girl's night out or even a date night.

Info on Cloud 9 Confections:
Made to Order Bakery
Telephone: 813.833.8002
Email: bethlukens@aol.com
Web: Cloud 9 Confections
Visit Cloud 9 Confections on Facebook.
Follow Chef Beth on Instagram @bethlukens

Luli's Cupcakes - St. Augustine, Florida

I had to take another hiatus from my cupcake explorations. A trip to Bonnaroo took a bit out of me. I did have some cupcakes from Sprinkles in LA though, which helped with my cupcake withdrawals.

This past weekend I went on an impromptu trip to St. Augustine. I hadn't been to St. Augustine wince I was young, probably in elementary school, so I was very excited to go.

On the first day I was walking around checking out some of the local shops when I just happened to pass by Luli's Cupcakes. I knew I had to check it out!

Luli's Cupcakes story is just as serendipitous as my find:
"LuLi’s Cupcakes began when  owner, Janeen Damiano Sara, took an anniversary trip to San Francisco and fell in love with the array of local bakeries. The love became an idea, which quickly evolved into reality when Janeen compiled a collection of delicious recipes and opened up her store front in Uptown Saint Augustine. What began as a hopeful business dream, in seven years, has grown to encompass baked goods, special events, café eats, and boutique fashions! As much as we have grown over the years, we have maintained the belief that the finest ingredients, utmost quality and superior customer service at an affordable price is what makes a business great. We hope that you will indulge and share in our belief that cupcakes fix everything! Because, life is too short to do anything less than eat dessert first!"

I walked in and found an array of flavors in the display case. Apparently they have 17 different flavors daily along with 2 monthly specials. They also have gluten free and vegan options. Lucky for me one of those treats was a red velvet!

Red Velvet with Buttercream Frosting

The cupcake itself was light and moist. It had a great amount of chocolate flavor, almost perfect. The frosting, however, was a plain vanilla buttercream frosting. I enjoying the pecans on top. I was missing the traditional cream cheese pairing, but it was a great cupcake nonetheless.

This trip just re-invigorated me to restart my search for the perfect red velvet cupcake. I've found some other places in the Tampa area that I intend on investigating.

Onward to find the perfect red velvet cupcake!


Price $2.95/each
Cake: moist, airy, near-perfect chocolate flavor
Icing: smooth, creamy, vanilla buttercream
Decorations: simple pecans
Overall Rating: 7/10
Website: Luli's Cupcakes