Anyone who knows me can tell you first hand, I am obsessed with dessert. Honestly, I have a sweet tooth that can usually only be curbed by the most sugary thing I can find. One of my favorite treats in particular is the delicious (and increasingly trendy) cupcake. It used to be that you had to pay a trip to your local bakery, or stand in line for half an hour at Magnolia to get your hands one these portable treats. But lately, cupcake shops are as prevalent as metro cards.
Here's a list of my favorite cupcake shops in New York:
1. Sweet Revenge on Carmine Street, NYC:
Located in the West Village (my favorite neighborhood in the city), this adorable bakery offers a variety of cupcakes daily, along with special artisan cupcakes that you can only get on specific days of the week. I indulged in their Dolce de Leche cupcake and was immediately satisfied. Although I pride myself on being able to handle an over-abundance of sugar, when it comes to Dulce de Leche, it's easy to go overboard on sweetness. This was not a problem at Sweet Revenge. One of the best cupcakes I have ever had, and probably the best version of anything Dulce de Leche I've had, outside of an argentine (or other Spanish style) restaurant. The best part of this adorable establishment? They also serve beer and wine.
2. Georgetown Cupcake on Mercer Street, NYC:
Originating in Georgetown, Washington D.C (I'm going back in two weeks and will try to make a trip to the original!) the Soho branch of this cupcake shop is an instant delight. Men, I warn you this place is a little girly. Complete with a pink crystalized electric egg beater, the atmosphere of this place is a young girl's dream come true. They serve a wide variety of cupcakes, while also including daily specials such as Salted Caramel on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have gone there a total of three times in the past month, at different times in the day, and every time the cupcakes have been moist and delicious. Being that a stale cupcake is a pet peeve of mine, knowing that every time I walk into this bakery I will receive a freshly baked one is a huge plus. A fringe benefit is that their coffee is also incredible. I recommend the skim caramel latte.
3. Alfonso's Pastry Shoppe on Victory Boulevard, Staten Island:
Being that I am from Staten Island (insert obvious joke here), I know the borough pretty well. Well enough at least to be able to tell you where to get the best cupcakes. Alfonso's is my vote, hands down. Truly the best red velvet cupcakes I have ever had in my life. They keep it traditional with an incomparable cream cheese frosting (not a vanilla one which a lot of places switch in for). If you live nearby and you decide to give this shop a try, I recommend calling ahead to ensure you get a full batch of the cupcakes you want. They are so delicious, that sometimes they do sell out. There is also a location on Amboy Road if you live closer to the South Shore.
4. The Chocolate Room on Court Street, Brooklyn
I've been living in Brooklyn for about five months now, and about a month ago I remembered a dessert place one of my friends would always rave about. Located in Cobble Hill, The Chocolate Room offers a wide variety of desserts, including of course cupcakes. The place is decorated in the style of a traditional bistro, with small tables in the back with table service. Or if you're in a rush, you can just head to the front and grab some goodies to go. In addition to their delicious treats, their coffee is to die for (I recommend the Café Lou). If you are a fan of coffee, chocolate and of course cupcakes, than this is the place for you.
5. Sprinkles Cupcakes on Lexington Avenue, NYC:
And we have a winner, well at least for me. Sprinkles Cupcakes is my absolute favorite cupcake shop in New York. Every time I have gone in there, I have been blown away by how delicious their cupcakes are. I have tried many different flavors, and have yet to be disappointed. They even sell mini cupcakes for dogs, which my Pekingese loves. The only pit fall is that the place is a little small, so I recommend grabbing your treats to go. A great place to hit after you've done some shopping in the area.