A few years ago, cupcakes began to take over the planet. It seemed like a new shop popped up every other day. And the fad isn’t fading; it seems that cupcakes are always en vogue. Even when other delightful delectables, like cake pops, pop onto the scene, cupcakes seem to triumph. So with a cupcakery on every corner, where can the discerning parent spend her calories wisely, or find the perfect party treats? Allow us to help you navigate your way through a myriad of fanciful flavors, delicious fillings and creamy frostings! Find out why these five are worth the trip, and just what delights await you.

For those who fancy a few flavors:
Vanilla Bake Shop
When you walk into Vanilla Bake Shop, you and your kiddos just might be tempted to press your nose right up against the glass cases. With rows and rows of delicious indulgences, you are bound to find something that you both love. Before you go to the shop, become a fan of Vanilla Bake Shop’s facebook page and you’ll be privy to the word or phrase of the day, which when repeated in the bakery, gets you one free Cupcake Baby.

We love:
Those bite-sized Cupcake Babies. Sold in sets of three, you can sample a flavor, or two or three (or six or nine…). Your kids will love that the cupcakes are just the right size for little fingers. Of course, there are regular sized cupcakes too just in case you want something more substantial.

Locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, check website for details.
Online: vanillabakeshop.com

For those who enjoy having a little variety in their life:
Crumbs Bake Shop
With 50 flavors and 4 different sizes to choose from ranging from 1 inch up to 6 inches, we guarantee that Crumbs Bake Shop has you and your kids covered. The Signature Cupcake, which measures 4 inches, might be a little big, but it’s perfect for eating half and taking the rest home — or maybe for sharing. That is, if you want to share. Not to mention that each month has an additional special flavor, like White Chocolate, Chocolate Snowball or Sea Salt Caramel. 

We love:
They get that kids can’t always make up their minds and offer “Kids Favorite Taste Pack” featuring flavors like Squiggle, Chocoloco, Devil’s Food, Candy, S’mores, Cookie Dough, Brownie, Cotton Candy, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Sprinkle, Vanilla Puff and Pink.

Locations at Hollywood & Highland, Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Malibu, Hollywood, Calabasas, and The Americana, check website for details.
Online: crumbs.com



For those who want a bit of cake with their frosting:
Frosted Cupcakery
Enter Frosted Cupcakery, and prepare to dive into a sea of buttercream and cream cheese goodness. That’s right, decadent frosting made to perfection. With flavors like chocolate, vanilla, caramel toffee, cookies and cream, peanut butter, nutella and coconut vanilla buttercream and of course, cream cheese, who needs anything else?  They apparently don’t think anyone could: you can even get shots of frosting!

We love:
They offer more than just your standard variety. Kids will adore both the Hi-Top Cupcakes (mini cupcake sandwiches filled with frosting, which you’ll also love, since the frosting doesn’t get as messy when it’s inside the cake) and the Ice Cream Cupcakes, (filled with ice cream, frosted with frosting).

Locations in Long Beach, Hollywood and Hermosa Beach, check website for details.
Online: frostedcupcakery.com

For those who like a little surprise inside:
Susie Cakes
The vintage, old school feel as you walk into Susie Cakes will take you back in time and remind you of baking cakes and whipping up frosting with your mom when you were a kid. In addition to that home baked taste, it’s a one-stop-shop for pretty party supplies. From candles to cards to gifts, Susie Cakes has your back for those times that you didn’t have time to run all over town gathering party paraphernalia.

We love:
Susie’s Signature Frosting Filled Cupcakes, which feature frosting on the top of the cupcake and in the center.

With locations in Brentwood, Calabasas, Newport Beach and Manhattan Beach, check website for details.
Online: susiecakes.com

For those who want to eat dessert in high style:
Cupcakes Couture
To say that cupcakes by Cupcakes Couture are fancy would be an understatement. In all honesty, they are almost too pretty to each (there are cupcakes that look like they are topped with a real flower, but it’s frosting). There are also Petite Cupcakes, which are just as fancy as the traditional size, just a wee bit smaller. The beautiful ones will amaze you, the funny ones (a lifelike Lorax or a cupcake Cookie Monster) will delight the kids!
We love:
Not only beautiful, but thoughtful – if you’ve a kiddo with dietary restrictions you can still enjoy these tasty treats, as many flavors are also available vegan or gluten free.

Cupcakes Couture
1120 Manhattan Avenue,
Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266
310-372-9200
Online: cupcakescouturemb.com

Where do you get your frosting fix? Let us know your favorite cupcakery!

– Wanda Ahmadi

Images courtesy of Bella Cupcake Couture via www.bellacupcakecouture.com; Toni via Happyhourmom.com; SusieCakes Bakery via Facebook; Frosted Cupcakery via facebook