Cupcake Showdown: Who Makes Them Best?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Cupcake Showdown: Who Makes Them Best?

A lowdown on who makes the best cupcakes.

142
Cupcake Showdown: Who Makes Them Best?
Georgetown Cupcake

If you know anything about me and my family, you know that we all have a sweet tooth. We are always on the lookout for something new to try. Whenever we go on vacation, we look around the area for interesting dessert places we may want to try. No, seriously we do. We have a love for all things dessert... cookies, cakes, brownies, macarons and, of course, cupcakes. Below are just four popular cupcake makers from across the country that I've had the honor of trying. Now, I'm breaking down who's got the best cupcake.

1. Coccadotts Cake Shop

Background: Located in my hometown of Albany, NY this cake shop opened its doors in 2007. After three appearances on the hit show Cupcake Wars, Coccadotts won! They are currently preparing to open their fourth store which will be located in Ft. Lauderdale (the others are located in Albany and Clifton Park, NY and Myrtle Beach, SC). This place sells cupcakes, cakes, cookies and has its own food truck.

Taste: There have been times when I've eaten a cupcake from here and felt like I went to food heaven. However, there have also been times when the cupcakes just didn't hit the mark. The culprit may be changed recipes or the fact that they are trying to expand stores and may be spreading themselves too thin.

Price: $2.50 each

Presentation: Throughout the years, some of the cupcake designs have been revised or improved. Each cupcake has a unique look to it that really sets them apart. There have been a few times when the cupcakes looked like they were thrown together last minute. Overall, though, they are colorful, intriguing and really stand out.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 - If I had to sum up Coccadotts' cupcakes in one word it would have to be inconsistent. Most of the time the cupcakes look fabulous but sometimes I question whether or not there was heart or passion put into making them. I'm afraid to try other flavors since I've been disappointed with them before. However, not all of them are bad and they do offer some incredible tasting cupcakes.

2. Sprinkles Cupcakes

Background: Deemed the first cupcake bakery, this company started out in Beverly Hills, CA in 2005. They also sell cookies, ice cream and cookie dough. Since then, they have expanded across the West and South with a total of 14 locations. In 2012, they debuted the world's first ever Cupcake ATM! Of course, I had to use the ATM when I visited there and it was pretty darn cool. Also, the founder of Sprinkles, Candace Nelson, is a judge on the same show Coccadotts appeared on, Cupcake Wars. Small world, huh?

Taste: Bland and boring. The second you take a bite of the cupcake you can taste the dry cake that lacks any real flavor. Sadly, the icing isn't much better either.

Price: $3.95 each

Presentation: With a thin layer of icing on top for most of the cupcakes, they could be compared to a Hostess cupcake. While they didn't look terrible, the designs were general and you can't always tell what flavor it is.

Overall Rating: 1.5/5 - I had high hopes for these cupcakes, especially since the creator judges cupcakes! However, these cupcakes were really disappointing in flavor, price and presentation. For the cost of each cupcake, I expected a lot more but was met with dried out cake and a barely flavorful icing. It definitely wasn't worth the money or the calories. The Cupcake ATM was the most exciting attribute this bakery had.

3. Wicked Good Cupcakes

Background: This company started out in 2011 when the founders, a mother-daughter duo, opened their first store in Massachusetts. They created a "cupcake in a jar" so that they could ship their goods nationwide. In 2013, they debuted their product on the hit show Shark Tank and caught the attention and investment of Mr. Wonderful himself. Plus, cupcakes aren't the only thing that they sell; they also make cakes, brownies, pies and cheesecakes. You can get your hands on these wicked either in Quincy Market (MA), five retail locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut or online.

Taste: These cupcakes taste absolutely amazing. I don't know if it's because they are in a jar or if it's the ingredients (I vote both) but the jars are filled with rich and savory goodness. They really are wickedly good. (See what I did there?)

Price: $7.50, per jar at a location; ~$10 per jar online; Shipping: Free-$5 flat rate

Presentation: While it obviously isn't going to look like your typical cupcake (since it's, you know, in a jar) it still looks really nice. The mason jar has a cute sticker on top and can be used for additional use once you've eaten the cupcake! Plus, one jar is equivalent to roughly two cupcakes. You can easily see the layers of cake and frosting and it overall looks appealing.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 - These cupcakes take the cake! The price isn't that bad considering you get about two cupcakes per jar. Plus, I love the fact that for most orders it's a $5 flat rate shipping. It is reasonably priced and the deliciousness of these cupcakes will make you pull out your wallet in two seconds.

4. Baked by Melissa

Background: In 2009, the first shop opened in SOHO and offered a unique take on cupcakes. To help people avoid having a "post-dessert guilt trip," Baked by Melissa serves bite-size desserts that come in a variety of different flavors. These quarter-sized treats include cupcakes and macarons. In addition to the all-year-round selection of flavors, the store also has a "Mini of the Month" and seasonal collections. There are currently 14 locations spread throughout NYC that you can visit. Plus, they offer same-day delivery in Manhattan and can ship nationwide.

Taste: So.freaking.good. Even though they are tiny, these cupcakes pack in a lot of flavor. With a wide range of flavors to choose from, these mini desserts are delicious.

Price: Per cupcake, $1; Shipping: 25 pack, $25 with $14.95 standard shipping

Presentation: These cupcakes are absolutely adorable to look at! They are assembled and decorated very nicely and are easy to pick up and eat. One thing I really like is that there are so many different flavors and the decorations highlight each one.

Overall Rating: 4/5 - The only criticism I have for these cupcakes is the price. While they are quite unique and are able to be shipped, the price for these treats is just a little too steep. I understand that they use dry ice packaging to ensure freshness, but $14.95 for shipping is way too much. On the flip side, these bite-size cupcakes do taste absolutely delicious and the fact that they come in a wide variety of flavors (plus special limited-time ones) and are available for nationwide shipping make them come out towards the top.

Conclusion:

Overall, the winner from this batch of cupcakes is... Wicked Good Cupcakes! Do you agree? What are some other cupcake places that you have fallen in love with that I should try too??

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94636
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments