My sweet tooth is back
with a vengeance! And my current apple of the eye: cupcakes! They're my perfect endings to a sumptuous meal.
I've tried the famous ones by Sonja's but there are 3 less famous cupcake stores I enjoyed more. You're in for a sweet treat!
 |
| Sonja's cupcakes in Serendra |
cup·cake /ˈkəpˌkāk/
n. A small cake baked in a cup-shaped container and typically iced
There were fewer options for cupcakes then, limited mostly to plain flavors such as chocolate, vanilla or mocha. But just as anything evolves, cupcakes have evolved too. There are tons to choose from now, drawing inspirations from just about anything.
 |
| Mango Cupcake Photo credit: Pastry Princess |
 |
Some are thematic depending on the occasion.
 |
| Halloween-inspired cupcakes are mostly covered with fondant, similar to what is used on wedding cakes. |
 |
| Captain America-inspired cupcake |
Even I am surprised with varieties people come up with these days.
Apple Toffee cupcake
Photo credit: Pastry Princess
|
  |
 |
| Vanilla cupcake with Nutella frosting Photo credit: Pastry Princess |
 |
| Photo credit: Martha Stewart's DIY Wedding Cupcake |
https://www.facebook.com/PastryPrincessCupcakes
Location: #2 Granada Street, Brgy. Valencia, New Manila
Finding this pastry store is a hunt in itself. It's located at the new shopping complex along Gilmore, just right after JT's Manukan (going to Hemady). Once you have entered the driveway, you need to make a left turn and at the end of that alley, to your right is Pastry Princess.
I have only tasted 3 of their yummy cupcakes -- Nutella, Salted Caramel and Red Velvet. And so far, all have surpassed my expectations! The dough is moist, and the sweetness of the frosting is not too empowering. My favorite so far, the red velvet cupcake because the sweet and sour taste of the cream cheese adds kick to its flavor -- and that's just the way I like it! Price range: P60-70 per cupcake. With every bite, you're sure to get your money's worth!
 |
| Nutella cupcake with Loacker wafer on top |
 |
| My favorite -- the classic red velvet |
I will surely be back for this one!
 |
| :) |
Cupcake Lab
https://www.facebook.com/CupcakeLab
Location: Level 2, The Podium in Ortigas
Thanks to Iya Villania, I met my cupcake store-soulmate. Last Christmas, I received my most memorable "food" gift from her, all in a box of Cupcake Lab.
 |
| :D |
Their creations are well-concocted, as if they've undergone several experiments before they were sold to the market. Remembering my first bite, this can literally convince me to travel all the way to Ortigas just to buy a piece! Quite expensive compared to others, but you will understand why. Each bite is a taste of heaven! Each cupcake has richness in its flavor. The frostings do not melt easily, even when placed in room temperature. Quality of dough does not change, even if you refrigerate it or not. Price range: P70-90 per piece.
 |
| Top to down: Tiramisu, Red Velvet and Semi-sweet Vanilla cupcake Photo credit: Cupcake Lab |
 |
| My ultimate fave Tiramisu cupcake! Photo credit: Cupcake Lab |
 |
| Ferrero cupcake with marble frosting Photo credit: Cupcake Lab |
Everyday Mom
along Scout Tuason, right beside the original Max's restaurant.
Open from 11am-9pm
A sweet surprise on my 29th birthday. For someone who knows me really well, my gorgeous HS friend Mitch's gift was a winner. She bought me a box of these cupcakes I haven't heard of and tasted. Since we're both adventurous, and shared the same taste with food, I knew this would be a hit! And indeed it was! I brought it to the office the next day and 2 of my office friends couldn't help finish all of the 6 cupcakes. Each with a unique taste and appeal to the palate.
 |
| Top to down: Chocolate with cream cheese, Carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting and Cafe Mocha |
The best thing about these cupcakes, the store which sells it is just 4 blocks away from my apartment! A pretty good excuse to have a date with them! And so the other day when my sweet cravings kicked in, I paid the store a visit.
And tasted all three!
The store is not spacious, but the intimacy makes you enjoy your cupcakes and company all the more! These are healthier too since they do not use butter and yet the flavors are not compromised.
Of the 3 that I have fallen in love with, this is my most favorite because of its convenience, proximity and reasonable prices. Yes, this one's a real keeper because it will only cost you P40-P45 per piece of their yummy dessert cupcakes!
What's your bet? Make that choice, and experience heaven with every bite!
Happy eating!
:)
