Best of Toronto
The Best Cupcakes in Toronto
As Mugatu famously said "Cupcakes are so hot right now." Apparently Toronto doesn't just have Fashion, Theatre and Financial districts, we also have a Cupcake district. Queen Street East is dominating the cupcake industry. Of the 10 cupcake destinations below, 4 of them, count'em, four, are located along Queen Street East. (5 if you count Dufflet's Beach location). Eastenders are a bit cupcake crazy. And that's a crazy I can get behind.
Most of these shmancy cupcakes don't come cheap. It's around a $3 minimum per indulgence. Which, big picture, isn't actually that much. If money were experiences, the cost of a cupcake would be about equivalent to a ride on the TTC. Public transit is a lot like a cupcake actually. They're both colourful, and satisfying, and, um, they smell good and. No wait. Analogy.. falling.. apart.
For full disclosure, here's my bias in judging cupcakes: I like cupcakes that taste fresh, and are soft and moist. Substance over style. Not that I don't enjoy haute couture confectionery, I do. There's an urban hipster in me trying to get out. But when we get down to it, yummy treats go in the belly, not in the eyes. (Unless someone's really mad at you and expresses it by chucking a cupcake in your face. But I digress.)
Like anything freshly baked, there are times and places to learn if you want the good stuff. To know when those times are, you'll need to get to know your supplier. A good cupcake doesn't keep. If you're in the bakery to see the icing being spread onto your cupcake, you've got it just about right. The list below is designed for more hits than misses. But if you strike out at one, you'll just have to go and try another. Darn it all.
Is your favourite spot missing? Perhaps you can find it in our list of the Best Bread or Best Baked Treats in Toronto. Photographs of It's the Icing on the Cake (thumbnail below, and chocolate cupcake above right), Life is Sweet, Sweet Bliss and Babycake courtesy of Patrick Smith. Thumbnail of Sweet Tooth courtesy of Tim Shore.
Miss Cora's Kitchen
Miss Cora's is already getting rave reviews for their atmosphere and just about anything they sell, and that extends to their cupcakes. Available in chocolate, vanilla, lemon, carrot cake (oh yes, it's cream cheese icing). $1.50 for a mini-cupcake, and worth every 150 pennies. More »
It's the Icing on the Cake
It's the Icing on the Cake does creative custom cupcakes, but if you just drop by the bakery (like we did), you can pick up your basic walk-by indulgence. The cupcakes are gooey, fresh and soft, with a deceptively generous amount of icing. Bite in and be pleasantly surprised that the cupcake is "heightening" with icing. (chocolate cupcake pictured top right) More »
Life is Sweet
They have other baked goods as well, but the byline for Life is Sweet is "a cupcake house". Like a cupcake speakeasy. An off-the-shelf cupcake will run you $2.25, and you have your choice of Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Lemon Drop, Butterscotch, Earl Grey, Orange, Chocolate Chip, Coconut and White Chocolate. On the day we were there, I lucked out with a Mango Key Lime (pictured above). More »
Sweet Bliss
According to the print on their window, Sweet Bliss Baking Company is "Old-fashioned baking". According to the newspaper clipping that's framed and on display, they're also celebrity endorsed by Steven Sabados, Chris Hyndman, and Rita Zekas. So that would make them ye olde au courant cupcakes. More »
Sweet Tooth Pastry Shop
Sweet Tooth is keen to satisfy yours. According to their newspaper clipping, Susur Lee's son declared Sweet Tooth Toronto's best cupcakes. So it comes down to Steven & Chris versus a palette shaped by Susur. Daytime design TV takes on the heir of one of Toronto's best-known, now departing, fancy fusion chefs. Tough call. (No, seriously). More »
Frostitution (@Beaver Cafe)
I've loved Beaver since the now-lost time when their walls and booths were covered in beaver-themed paraphernalia. A few years into their breakfast burritos, I finally got around to trying their delicious cupcakes from Frostitution (vanilla cupcake pictured top left). Carefully groomed, with the icing sheered into a neat cylinder on top, they're so soft that when you pick them up, your finger leaves an indent in the side. An excellent sign. More »
Dufflet
The bakeries are named after founder Dufflet Rosenberg, so it's not wrong or gauche to pronounce the 't'. Dufflet has mastery on all things flour and sugar, and are known for using only natural ingredients in their products. Including their cupcakes. Chocolate fudge cupcake, topped with chocolate glaze. Double vanilla cupcake, topped with vanilla bean icing. Or mini-cupcakes, devil's food or vanilla, topped with naturally coloured buttercreams. More »
The Cupcake Shoppe
The Cupcake Shoppe is about selection -- 9 flavours available in-store every day, and 17 on offer for special orders. Flavours have been given evocative names like Sleepless in Toronto (vanilla or chocolate cake with coffee buttercream), Pretty 'n' Pink (vanilla or chocolate with raspberry buttercream), After Ate (chocolate with mint buttercream). And it goes on like that. Cupcakes are nut-free. More »
Lollicakes
Sure, there's some excessive gendering in their cupcake design categories. (Who's to say little girls don't want a robot or spaceship cupcake? Who wouldn't?). But Lollicakes one-ups The Cupcake Shoppe by being certified Kosher as well as nut-free. If you have other allergen issues, Lollicakes can also (by special order) prepare cupcakes that are -- lactose free, dairy free, gluten free, wheat free, egg free, soya free and sesame free. More »
Babycake
You can find Babycake through the doors of kubo Radio in the city's East End (on Queen Street, naturally). Also with 17 flavours, the most popular are Velvet Underground, and Choco Funk. Followed by Polar Bear and Ebony & Ivory. Names aren't everything, but they sure go a long way. Put on your all-white suit and get a "Great Gatsby" to go. More »
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OHHH MAN!
on of the vendors shows up at the office with cup cakes form the cup cake shoppe....
oh yah..i cream my little donut over those
YUM...I know what I'm doing this weekend!
CUPCAKE TOUR 2008
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes! Thank you thank you thank you! They're just the happiest little things...can't get enough.
Ape Timberlake, what's with the "cream my little donut over those" reviews?
It made me laugh this time.
I told myself today, don't think about cupcakes, just one day, no cupcakes, and what do you go and do to me? Damn you, BlogTO!
what about vegan cupcakes? any of these places?
Queen East is the new Queen West.
there is also the The Cupcakery at 1034 St. Clair Ave W (between duff and oakwood). I almost creamed when i saw it was opening. I just LOVE paying $25 bucks for 12 yummy cakes.
http://www.thecupcakeryto.com/contact.php
cupcake is sooo passee... isn't frozen yoghurt the hit now? or jelly fish?
Miss Cora's does in fact have phenomenal cupcakes. And the pizza I had for lunch today was great too.
I went to check-out The Cupcakery on St.Clair West, but I couldn't bring myself to get past the optics of the "Stepford like" women behind the counter.
i have been by the cupcake shoppe thousands of times when it was closed and it looked so very good! but a couple of weeks ago i finally went in and it was so so dissapointing. 2 flavours of cakes, both taste dry and terrible. the icing was disgusting. tasted like edible oil product. ewww. i would avoid this place. it was very dissapointing. i've had better cupcakes from a grocery store
i can't see the list. why can't i see the list?
There's also a writeup on Spotlight Toronto which I think has great pics, they also have more places covered
http://www.spotlighttoronto.com/site/index.php?view=article&catid=46%3Aculinaryobsession&id=494%3Acupcake-diaries---part-ii&Itemid=156&option=com_content
I can't see the list either, Robyn! What's going on? No cupcakes!!!
The important thing is NO ONE PANIC. We'll sort it out and the cupcakes will be back promptly. They can't have gotten far.
Here cupcake cupcake cupcake...
*PHEW!* The cupcakes are back. THANKS, CATHERINE! :)
Hey, this is great, I want to know places close to me where I can get cupcakes for my friend's birthday. You should check out Spotlighttoronto.com too, they've done a great round up of cupcakes places in the city.
What's the big deal about cupcakes? Just souped up versions of shitty little Betty Crocker cakes white trash grew up with. Plus It's all about the icing...which is gross in my view. The more nasty fudge and butter and "choclate chips" and sprinkles you put on it the better it apparently is...Just proves my view that the palette in Toronto is particularly weak.
I would much rather sink my teeth into an Opera cake or a Religieuse or cannoli than "retro cool" whitey food.
the indulgence will begin this weekend. believe me when i say that $3CDN+ a cupcake is worth it... providing it is [ALWAYS] made with love.
i remember passing by a cupcake shoppe while in London, UK and a bloody cake was 6quid. ROTTEN TEETH FOR THE ROTTEN PEOPLE... BLASPHEMY, I TELL YOU.
Cupcakes are popular, make yours extra stylish by adding fresh, fun cupcake toppers available at www.vintagepaperparade.etsy.com
I second that cupcake shoppe is awful, i was so excited when i first saw this place that i made the trek back up to young and Eg just for said cupcakes, they were horrible, so dry and tasteless and not worth the price. I gave them another try at a friend's birthday party with the exact same result, and she special ordered them that time.
There is a relatively new place on Eglinton near Bathurst called Flour or Flour Studio I think. I have been to a few of the places listed and so far like Flour the best.
wow, I didn't think that a stroy on cupcakes could spark such a heated discussion. Persoanlly cupcakes should spread cheer and nothing else. This is a very unique adventure to do with you kids for any tourist visiting Toronto.
You guys missed the boat on this one! Flour at Bathurst and Eglinton is THE ABSOLUTE BEST! The flavour n texture...mmmm, just drooling thinking about it.
My husband and I did the entire cupcake tour, and ended up choosing Flour for our wedding.
Ugh,,,i can't believe i used to patronize the Cupcake Shoppe.
i must admit tho, i haven't tried babycakes yet.
Hi Everyone
My group and I our conducting a survey based on cupcakes. If anyone would like to fill one out, it would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Isk35enZSPUEAu1kLy_2fizQ_3d_3d
I love cupcakes and have to say that the best one I've ever had is in Whitby at the Cookie Shoppe. They use only organic ingredients, and their cupcakes are fantastic! Moist, chocolatey and loaded with icing. The cupcakes also have melted small chocolate chips in them, making the taste even better. Apparently they sell them at places other than their main shoppe, but I couldn't tell you where.
I 3rd the horribleness of the Cupcake Shoppe. They were cute to look at but all tasted the same (not good).
Miss Cora's Kitchen's cupcakes = biggest rip-off ever!!!
way overrated and so not worth the price...
the chocolate tasted like two-bite brownies
Regardless of the yum factor, this article was really smart and funny. :]
Mabel's on Roncesvalles also has AMAZING cupcakes... not a lot of varieties like these specialty cupcake stores, but totally yum nonetheless.
The vanilla icing even has little specks of vanilla bean! Tastes like a luxe oreo frosting. *salivating*
You can comment all you want about which are the best cupcakes in Toronto. Unfortuantely, cupcakes in Toronto are simply 3rd rate - without exception... All of you that commented her, go to magnolia or crumbs in NYC and you'll never be able to eat a cupcake here again!!!
Anybody want to go on a cupcake crawl? I'm trying to organize a meetup for a cupcake crawl around the city or a cupcake party.
I had best cupcakes from CreARTive Cakes. MMM~ Try them! you won't regreat!
I had best cupcakes from CreARTive Cakes. MMM~ Try them! you won't regreat!
ya I went to Magnolia in NYC. It was awesome!! I'm looking for about 30 cupakes that don't suck ( The cupcake Shoppe), and that are not too pricey. Can anyone suggest anything?
Great blog! However, you definitely missed two AMAZING cupcake shops on this list:
Flour on Bathurst and Eglinton
and
Th Cupcakery on St. Clair
:)
Cupcakes are nice, but for a more elegant solution check out these mini cakes! They're roses that are amazing cakes. Simply stunning.
http://www.konstadin.com
The only place to get cupcakes is Salt & Pepper - http://www.salt-peppercatering.com/ - they are the best I've ever had.
I don't know why the cupcake shoppe is getting slammed because every time I've gone there its been awesome. awesome awesome awesome!
I know this is a feature on retail cupcake shops but if you ever are in need of delicious and beautiful cupcakes (even cakes,cookies and lots of other yummy treats) and you're in the Brampton area, there is a great home-based business that is booming called Bella's Bon Bon's.
I tried one of their cupcakes for a friends bridal shower and I couldn't stop craving for them after! I think we had the chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream. They also have tons of flavor selections and they also sell other stuff too!
Here's their website: www.bellasbonbons.com
btw - their super affordable the quality of work and my friend told me that the owner was able to accommodate her budget.
Give them a shot!
Ok, fine... but the best cupcakes outside of Toronto are definitely found at the St. Jacobs Farmer's Market at Buttercream Cupcakes.. THE BEST EVER!!!
Why isn't The Wedding Cake Shoppe on this list? Seriously, the best cupcakes in Toronto.
and why isn't "For the love of Cake" on the list??? their 4-D cupcakes are to die for... also they use twitter to tell you what's freshly baked daily. Check out their website at http://fortheloveofcake.ca/ ... I've tried their man cakes too with beer in the cakes!!! It's located in the Liberty Village!!!
For next year's "Best of" list, try Half-Baked Ideas www.hbibakerycafe.com
The big secret is that the best cupcakes in Toronto are actually not in Toronto at all, but in Oakville!! Cupid's Gourmet Cupcakes are ABSOLUTELY, UNBELIEVABLY FABULOUS!! They have ALL the elements of the perfect cupcake - visually beautiful, perfect texture and mind blowing flavour! I make excuses to drive from High Park to Oakville just to taste those delicious, perfect, pint sized cakes. I've tried every place on the Top Ten list and none come close to Cupids. Cupid's has 12 regular flavours and on my last visit I found out that they are now making fondant cakes for occasions, AND THEY'RE COMPLETELY NUT FREE!!! Go to www.cupidscupcakes and when you do go to Oakville, go early, they often sell out well before closing time!! You can thank me by picking up an extra half dozen Triple Chocolate Threat and dropping them off to me in High Park!! Or Pucker Up, or Bananas For Butterscotch, or...
I agree. The review missed Flour Studio on Eglinton and Bathurst. I also tried Cupcakery... and their cupcakes aren't the greatest. They claim that they use buttercream for their icing... but it's more like your pre-made icing that you buy at your local grocery store. Cupcakery cupcakes are also dry and not moist. So, I suggest Flour Studio because their cupcakes are moist and they use real buttercream with the righ amount of sweetness. I actually ordered Red Velvet for my wedding.
I also had a wedding cake consultation at CreARTive cakes... not a big fan of her icing... it's fluffy, but very oily in texture.
Honestly Sugarplum, at Vic Park and Kingswood, has the best cupcakes in all the beaches. Life Is Sweet's cupcakes taste like cardboard, but this store, located a block up, has handmade cupcakes by the sweetest woman in the world.
If you're going to throw around angry 'tude about Torontonians' culinary sophistication, you might want learn how to spell the word correctly first. It's PALATE.