Favorites from the 2011 Los Angeles Cupcake Challenge

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Photo courtesy of www.drinkeattravel.com


At the beginning of this year, I swore off sugar. Crazy, you say? Okay, a little. But it was only for one month. And I knew that come February 5, I’d be assured a rich reward. I decided I would officially fall “off the wagon” at this year’s annual DRINK:EAT:PLAY Los Angeles Cupcake Challenge. What better way to return to sweets than with all the mini cupcakes I could possibly eat? Forty cupcakes and one take-home box later, I have officially rejoined the sugar-eating world. And it’s glorious. Here were some of my favorites:

My Top 5:

The Cake Shop – “Cherry Bomb.” With its short squat shape and haphazard icing, this entry wasn’t going to win any prizes for good looks. But once I took my first bite, I couldn’t help but smile. It was like a Shirley Temple explosion that reminded me of meals eaten at a bad Chinese restaurant when I was a kid. The flavor definitely overcame the sloppy presentation.

Sugar Babies Cupcakery – “PB&J.” This was clearly the year of classic childhood throwbacks. This cupcake was like the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crusts cut off. The grape jelly tasted homemade and the peanut butter cream cheese frosting was in just the right proportion to the jelly. Won my vote for best overall.

My Delight Cupcakery – “Late Night Breakfast.” In a city where Roscoe’s is an institution, this entry was bound to be a hit. All the flavors of a maple syrup waffle, topped with a generous dollop of fried chicken. Sounds gross? Don’t knock it till you try it. I even heard people say they wished it had more chicken. Won my vote for best original.

Double D Cupcakes – “D&D Root Beer Float.” This entry sparked yet another childhood memory – trips to the neighborhood creamery with my grandmother. The cake tasted like root beer and the frosting like vanilla ice cream. Each one came with a mini pirouette cookie made to look like a straw. Kudos for creative presentation.

Sugar Babies Cupcakery – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Bound to attract anyone who gets giddy at the sight of the iconic robin’s egg blue box. A perfect soft serve swirl of blue buttercream frosting, topped with a dusting of glittery sugar and candied pearls, made it almost too beautiful to eat. I say almost, because I came to discover it wasn’t all about looks with this entry – the vanilla/vanilla flavors were spot on, like your favorite birthday cake. I saw more than a few people going back for seconds. Won my vote for best traditional.

Honorable Mentions:

Jus Minis – “Josephine.”
Sweet E’s Bake Shop – “Sparkling Strawberry Champagne.”
Stephanie Sparkles – “Sweet Picnic Chevre.”

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