By Diana Peyrefitte Hilmer
The word “cupcake” just doesn’t seem to aptly define the latest culinary creations that have been taking over the baking world. You’ve seen and – more than likely – devoured these edible pieces of art. Your childhood birthday cupcakes these are not.
These gourmet cupcakes are hits at parties, weddings, corporate meetings, real estate caravans and just about any gathering that needs a sweet treat. The cupcake craze is definitely in full swing.
The last year, despite our country’s flailing economy, has seen a quick rise in the gourmet cupcake shops around Atlanta. Many local bakeries carry a variety of cupcakes for their customers, but the little shops that specialize in cupcakes seem to be thriving.
“Sales continue to increase,” says Jamie Fahey, owner of the quaint Atlanta Cupcake Factory at 624 North Highland Ave. “The community building that our bakery provides has been one of the most welcome surprises in opening our shop. My whole philosophy is caring for people, and baking goes so deep into the human experience; it’s part of our core.”
Having opened up more than three years ago, Fahey admits to having no idea the cupcake boom would be so big. She was somewhat catapulted into the cupcake business, seemingly overnight, with corporate gifting being the start of her business. Now, aside from the booked special orders for weddings and parties, she attributes the continued success of her little bakery from her loyal customers.
“These little neighborhood bakeries are extremely important to people,” she adds. “It’s almost magical what we are baking in here.”
Some of the flavors you’ll fine at Atlanta Cupcake Faotory include “Vanilla Apricot Sugar Cookie,” “Sweet Potato/Bourbon” and, my personal favorite, “Salted Caramel.”
The cupcake craze has also moved online, with the Atlanta-based Cupcake Crusade. “Our challenge is to deconstruct every popular dessert and reconstruct them into an absolutely delicious, dare I say perfect, cupcake,” says Krystle Rodriquez, owner and baker of Cupcake Crusade.
Rodriquez’s creations will soon be featured at the Hodepodge Coffee House and Gallery, which will open early in the new in East Atlanta. Some of her signature creations include “Pineapple Upside Down” and “Banana Pudding” in delectable, cupcake form.
So what makes something that has been around for so long, all of a sudden become so irresistible to people of all ages? Is it just the perfect combination of moist, flavorful cake with the luscious frosting in every bite we take? Or is it something more?
Could it be that in the minutes is takes us to consume one of these delicacies, we are transported back to a time that cupcakes meant birthday parties, fun and games, no responsibility, and no dieting? Whatever it is, one thing is for sure: cupcakes aren’t going anywhere.
Even reality shows have been blindsided by the cupcake obsession: Food Network has Cupcake Wars; DC Cupcakes can be seen on TLC, and Cupcake Girls is on the W Network.
Being a self-proclaimed cupcake aficionado, I have tasted cupcakes all around Atlanta in search of the perfect cupcake. Here are some of my favorites.
For those who adore a beautiful mountain of frosting (I’m a 60:40 frosting-to-cake ratio girl myself), Gigi’s Cupcakes (with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs) will not disappoint. Try their ‘”Candied Sweet Potato” and “Wedding Cake” and you will be saying “I do” over and over again.
Want an artsy cupcake that looks as chic as the bakery it comes from? Try Chocolate Pink in Midtown. The “Dulce de Leche” is sinfully sweet.
Venturing into Decatur for the day? Carolyn’s Cupcakes (“Moon Pie” takes me away) and Piece of Cake (three locations, Buckhead, Decatur and Roswell) bake traditional-looking, yet hallelujah-inducing cupcakes (their “White Chocolate” is divine). In Buckhead, you have a myriad of delicious choices: CamiCakes (don’t you dare leave the building without “The Elvis”); The Little Cake Bakery (try the “Marie Antoinette”… tres maqnifique); and Lenox Cupcakes in Phipps Plaza (“Chocolate Whisper”…need I say more?).
The hardest task upon entering one of these shops is what flavor to choose. Why not choose two? Or three? You are an adult now, and the rule of “only one cupcake allowed” doesn’t have to apply.
So go ahead, indulge. They’re not just for kids anymore.
Cupcake Guide
Atlanta Cupcake Factory: 624 N Highland Ave., 30306; www.theatlantacupcakefactory.com or (678) 358-9195
Buttersweet Bakery: 625 N. Central Ave., Hapeville, 30354; www.buttersweetbakery.com or (404) 767-9884
Cami Cakes: 2221 Peachtree Rd. Suite B, 30309; www.camicakes.com or (404) 748-4288
Carolyn’s Cupcakes: 2745 LaVista Road, Decatur, 30033; http://carolynscupcakes.com or (404) 343-1964
Chocolate Pink Café: 905 Juniper St., Unit 108, 30309; www.chocolatepinkcafe.com or (404) 745-9292
The Cupcake Crusade (soon to be at Hodgepodge Coffeehouse and Gallery): www.thecupcakecrusade.com or (678) 379-9927
Gigi’s Cupcakes: 3655 Roswell Road, Suite 218, 30342; www.gigiscupcakesusa.com or (404) 846-4400
Lenox Cupcakes @ Phipps Plaza: 3500 Peachtree Road, 30326; www.lenoxcupcakes.com or (404) 949-0409
Little Cake Bakery: 3792 Roswell Road, 30342; www.littlecakebakery.com or (404) 841-8856
Piece of Cake: 307-A E. College Ave, Decatur, 30030; www.pieceofcakeinc.com or (404) 378-8585
Sweet Pockets: 4338 Paces Ferry Road, 30339;
www.sweet-pockets.com or (770) 431-6611
