Guest Review: Decadent Temptation in Logan

Editor’s note: Let’s give a warm welcome for a very special guest author, Chef Whitney Olsen. Whitney hails from Logan, Utah. I met her via Facebook when I was perousing the Facebook page she runs, Logan Foodies. As much as I’d like, I can’t make it up to every opening of each Utah cupcakery. So I’m especially happy to hear Whitney’s thoughts about Logan’s first cupcake bakery, Temptation Cupcake. Thanks, Whitney!

Decadent Temptations
A review of Logan, Utah’s Temptation Cupcake

The Temptation Cupcake sign

My husband and I were some of the first customers to dash into Temptation Cupcake for their grand opening. It wasn’t just coincidence that we were there that day—we’d been stopping by their location every day for the previous two weeks, waiting for cupcakes to appear. We watched the counters with their clever (and cute) cupcake boxes go in, then the charming pink and brown tables, and a squashy brown couch. And then, at long last, Temptation Cupcake was open.

All cupcakes are not created equal. We’d had cupcakes from bakeries across the Wasatch Front, and we had high hopes for the one in Logan, where we live. We were not disappointed. We bought four cupcakes that first day: blueberry pie, cookies and cream, and two red velvet, (our wedding cake was red velvet). We started with the crimson-colored ones and each took a bite. We were in big trouble—this was good.

The pièces de résistance: Temptation cupcakes

Temptation Cupcake’s cake is moist and dense, but still fluffy, like the essence of an entire cake sits in the palm of your hand, like they have baked every ounce of cupcake that could possibly fit in their chocolate-brown paper baking cups. And instead of falling apart into tragic pieces when I take a bite, a Temptation cupcake drops just a crumb or two, as though to say, “Honestly? Come on, take a real bite!” The bakery often offers filled cupcakes, too, and the fillings only make the cake even more delightful. A smudge of raspberry filling, or key lime pie, or Bismark custard in every bite is a transcendent dessert experience.

Strawberry lemonade and red velvet cupcakes

And that’s just the cake. Temptation Cupcake’s frosting is a singular creation, whether in buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Temptation Cupcake’s frosting is fluffy. There is no other word for it. Piped into smooth spirals atop every cupcake, Temptation’s frosting is a whipped, airy confection—just the right amount of density, just the right amount of air.

Chocolate squared cupcakes

The spot

So they make a remarkable cupcake. What about the location? Temptation Cupcake is nestled in a small strip mall at 1010 North Main Street and has plenty of parking. Walking inside, a stylish, contemporary divider guides customers towards the counters surrounded by glass panes. Behind the glass, about a half-dozen bubblegum-pink bins organize cupcakes by flavor. Their chic wood floors and use of contrast (whites, pinks, and dark browns) throughout the establishment is attractive, and yet not too girly for the guys to stop in. Temptation Cupcake’s front of house is contemporary, cute, and cozy. There is a toy table for parents stopping in with children.

Bakery interior

Temptation Cupcake is owned and operated by a husband and wife duo, Derek and Taylor. Their two darling little boys are often at the bakery, rolling toy trucks across the floor in the play area, or helping to ring customers up. The cupcakes are creations by Derek, who Taylor says has a talent for cooking (Temptation Cupcake customers agree!), and who is the official cook in their household. (Though Taylor says she makes mean lasagna and tacos.) Derek bakes, and Taylor manages the storefront. Taylor knows her “regulars,” often by name, and can always tell customers which cupcakes are the regulars’ favorites. And boy, does she know her cupcakes. Every customer is treated to a full presentation of the flavors for that day—I feel like an honored guest at their decadent banquet every time I go in.

Taylor with a tray of Temptation cupcakes

The menu

Every day, Temptation Cupcake serves…
Vanilla Squared (vanilla cake/vanilla buttercream)
Chocolate Squared (chocolate cake/chocolate buttercream)
Black ‘n’ White (chocolate cake/vanilla buttercream)
White ‘n’ Black (vanilla cake/chocolate buttercream)
Coconut (light coconut or chocolate cake/coconut buttercream/shredded coconut)
Red Velvet (light chocolate cake/cream cheese frosting/tiny candy heart)
Chocolate Ganache (chocolate cake/chocolate ganache)
and the brand-new Signature (vanilla or chocolate cake/cream cheese frosting/silver baubles and mini chocolate chips)

Signature cupcakes

Past flavors include peach cobbler, s’more, blueberry pie, pina colada, cookies ‘n’ cream, key lime, candy bar, Bismark, (chocolate) peanut butter, raspberry cream, strawberry shortcake, cherry pie, chocolate mint, strawberry lemonade, and more! They also bake up great sugar cookies, and, if you’re lucky when you stop in, Cakesters, super-moist cylinders of cake dipped in Temptation’s signature chocolate ganache.

Bakery interior

Temptation Cupcake is a decadent, lovely place to be, and has all the things a good establishment needs—fabulous ambiance, service, prices, food, and location. Don’t miss it on your next trip to Cache Valley, or better yet, make a trip up just for that tempting cake and fluffy frosting.

Cushy couch and bakery interior

–M. Whitney Olsen, chef and instructor
Logan Foodies (Click here for Logan Foodies’ Facebook page)

About Whitney:
Whitney Olsen received her culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in  2007, and works in the food industry as a research and development chef for a corporation headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an instructor of English at Utah State University, and is working on her PhD in instructional technology and learning sciences. Her culinary passions include Chilean, Salvadoran, Italian, Thai, Chinese foods, and desserts (cupcakes included, of course), and her other loves are her husband, family, teaching, cooking, writing, camping, and traveling. She can be reached at whitney{dot}olsen{at}usu{dot}edu.

6 Favorites at Cupcake Chic’s New Storefront in Orem

Cupcake Chic Cupcake shop and bakery in orem utah

Cupcake Chic has been open for nearly a week and I’ve already found my favorite things about the new cupcake bakery in Orem. Though the owners keep reminding me they are just in soft opening mode and there is much more coming, I can’t help but be excited by what they already have for me to enjoy. Here are the top six things I’m loving about Cupcake Chic.

6. Cupcake Mug – I love boutique items and non-edible cupcake gifts. They are a natural fit in a cupcake bakery.. Plus I’m an herbal tea lover and can already see myself sipping some chamomile in this cute mug.

Cupcake Mug at Cupcake Chic ( Cupcake Bakery in Orem, Utah)

5. Branding Detail/Pronunciation Window Sticker – Cupcake bakeries earn extra bonuses in the details. When you’ve got a storefront as a blank canvas, everything counts. I love how Cupcake Chic uses this window sticker to help customers know how to say their name properly. It’s also just cute and lets us know what is inside!

Cupcake Chic - Definition on Storefront window

4. Custom Cupcake Case – I wouldn’t expect anything less than a custom cupcake case from Cupcake Chic. I love the modern look of theirs and I want to get my hands on one of those trays—each cupcake fits so comfortably.

Cupcake Chic - Custom Cupcake Case (Orem, Utah)

3. Cupcake Bar – Seating is essential in a cupcake bakery. It transforms the old fashioned grab-n-go bakery to a place where you really want to hang out and enjoy a sweet dessert. Cupcake Chic has regular tables, but I’m keen to this cupcake bar. What a fun place to people watch. Don’t you love the modern and industrial-style chairs?

Cupcake Chic cupcake bakery in orem utah - cupcake bar

2. Flavor Menu & Schedule – I’ve got my favorite flavors at each cupcake bakery. The function of a flavor menu/cupcake schedule is to let customers know what flavors they can look forward to each day. Of course there are popular flavors that are available every day, but special flavors are only available certain days of the week–my favorite flavor, neapolitan is on the menu Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Props to Cupcake Chic for making a schedule. I also believe flavor menus encourage customers to try new flavors. I for one am looking forward to trying carrot ginger. I think that’s the only flavor I haven’t tried yet.

Cupcake Chic Flavor Menu - Orem Cupcake Shop in Utah

1. More accessable Cupcake Chic cupcakes - I love cupcake chic cupcakes. I’ve been waiting patiently for more than two years for them to open a storefront. I would travel to any coffee shop, boutique or event to get my fix. So to have these delicious treats so accessable–and in my home town–is wonderful.

Head on over to Cupcake Chic today!

Cupcake Chic
Address: 727 E. 1000 South, Orem, Utah
Phone: 801-368-9469
Web site: http://www.cupcakechicutah.com/
Blog: http://cupcakechicutah.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cupcakechic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Springville-Utah/Cupcake-Chic/58319532115
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakechic/

Cupcake Chic on Urbanspoon

More Utah Loves Cupcakes posts about Cupcake Chic:
Cupcake Chic – Very Vanilla Cupcake (Review)
Purple Wedding Cupcake Tower
Birthday boy loves his cupcakes…
Want me S’more of this cupcake
Drive-Thru Cupcakes
Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cupcake Chic
Disappearing Cupcakes at Wedding Luncheon
Pumpkin Cupcake by Cupcake Chic

On my other blog, Project Domestication as of late:
Tuesdays with Dorie: Chewy, Chunky Blondies
Support Local: CSA with Jacob’s Cove
Lo Jolla Groves Restaurant (Provo, Utah) – Review

Brotherly Love at The Chocolate

It’s not every day that The Chocolate Dessert Cafe adds a new item to their menu. In fact, this is the first permanent addition to the two-year old bakery’s repertoire.

The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem is a dessert lovers dream. It’s located in a quaint historic home on Orem’s State Street, and the cottage is filled with jazzy music, relaxing colors, sweet smells and friendly staff. The warmth and passion for sweet treats shines through on The Chocolate’s menu.

At the Chocolate, vanilla is not just called vanilla, and dark chocolate definitely not dark chocolate.  The owner, Ange Christiansen, pays homage to important people in her life and career through each cake’s name. She has named cakes after her husband (The Husband), her best friend (The Dottie) her bakery mentor (The Veronika) and other people or places that have inspired her lifelong dream of creating cakes by the slice.

“Ever since the bakery cafe opened I’ve been getting grief from my three older brothers,” Christiansen said. “They keep wondering when they will have ‘their’ cake.”

Christiansen finally nailed down a new cake flavor and name which she dedicated to her three older brothers. The new treat is aptly titled “The Brothers.”

And it’s quite fitting. The whipped cream cake is topped with three different berries both tart and sweet: strawberry, blackberry and raspberry. “Three berries for three brothers,” Christensen continued.

The cake is perfect for summer: light and refreshing. It’s reminiscent of strawberry shortcake, but with a bit more refinement. And there is a secret ingredient to The Brothers that Christiansen will never reveal.

As for the three namesakes, they are happy to find their place on their kid sister’s menu.

Like all layer cakes sold at the bakery, customers can purchase The Brothers by the slice ($4.49), and in a Mini Cake (5-inches) for $13 inside the bakery. The cake is also available in a celebration size by special order ($40).  The Brothers has also been translated into cupcake form, which is casually known by the nickname of Berry Licious. The individual-sized treat has the same components as its big brother but instead of layering berries and whipped cream and garnishing with toasted coconut the Berry Licious  is filled with a fresh strawberry and topped with a generous portion of satiny whipped cream then crowned with a raspberry and blackberry.

Depending on how you eat your cupcake, you may or may not notice that when it is cut in half the fresh red strawberry forms a heart shape. Perhaps a sweet symbol of love from a sister to her brothers? Maybe.

The Brothers  will be the newest rotating cake flavor at the dessert cafe. It’s available for purchase on Mondays and Tuesdays, or for pre-order any day of the week. Berry Licious will be available through special order only. You may want to put in a call for it now, it would make the perfect summer dessert for any event.

The Chocolate Dessert Cafe
212 South State in Orem
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm

**Ladies Night: EVERY WEDNESDAY from 8pm-11pm

Web: http://thechocolatedc.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thechoco
Twitter:http://twitter.com/TheChoco
Blog: http://www.thechocolatedc.com/blog/

More Utah Loves Cupake posts about The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem, Utah:
New Cake and Cupcake Flavor at The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem
Cookies and Cream Cupcake from The Chocolate Dessert Cafe
The Chocolate Dessert Cafe: Vanilla Vanilla Cupcake (Review)
Wednesday Night is Ladies Night at The Chocolate
The Perfect Cupcake Scene
Mirror Mirror on the wall (Peppermint Cupcake)
Photo Tour of The Chocolate Cupcake Cart at University Mall (Orem, Utah)
My Two Favorite Cupcake Flavors at The Chocolate

On my other blog, Project Domestication as of late:
Tuesdays with Dorie: Chewy, Chunky Blondies
Support Local: CSA with Jacob’s Cove
Lo Jolla Groves Restaurant (Provo, Utah) – Review

The Chocolate, a Dessert Cafe on Urbanspoon

Cupcake Wars Audition Video: The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe

The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe just finished their audition video for the upcoming season of Cupcake Wars on Food Network. I’m a fan of the show and am desperately wanting a Utah cupcake bakery to make it on the show. We need to represent! Give The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe’s video a lookie and help support them on their way to making it on the Food Network.

I think this video is really fun. The angle is that they are a small bakery in Idaho up ready to take on the big California and East Coast bakeries. There is a mention that they have a Provo location, and I guess they are opening up a third. Wow.  Let’s help ‘em out!

The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cupcake Cafe
1774 North University Parkway#20
Provo, Utah

Hours:
8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Mon-Thur
8 a.m. – midnight Fri-Sat.

Take a Peek at Cupcake Chic on Opening Day – Hooray!

Editor’s Note: I’d like to welcome Camille of Make it Work Mom as the guest author on Utah Loves Cupcakes today! I have been out of town for the last two weeks and asked Camille if she would cover the first day of Cupcake Chic‘s soft opening for me. Camille is the perfect go-to gal for Cupcake Chic love.  She’s a huge fan of all things sweet, especially when it comes to Cupcake Chic cupcakes. Thanks for your help, Camille. Let’s get a cupcake together soon!


Finally! The long-awaited, highly anticipated event of opening a retail store for Cupcake Chic has arrived.
July 21st marked the first day of Cupcake Chic‘s soft opening in Orem, UT.

Cupake Chic Cupcakes in their new cases at the Orem storefront (727 E. 1000 South, Orem, Utah) - Photo by Camille, Make It Work Mom

Customers streamed through the store at a steady pace all day long, studying the menu board, and gawking at the cases of beautifully colored and perfectly frosted cupcakes.  For many, it was their first time ever tasting the homemade cupcakes.  Others were returning clientele, who had already had that “party in their mouth” experience and appreciated the convenience of reliving the memories once again.

Cupcake Chic owners, DeAnn Shields and Millette stand in front of their diverse cupcake menu in their new Orem cupcakery. - Photo by Camille, Make it Work Mom

For Trista and DeAnn, this is a dream come true and they have seemed to bask in the excitement that came from satisfied customers raving about their products.

Inside the new Cupcake Chic cupcaker bakery in Orem, Utah. Photo by Camille, Make it Work Mom

If you didn’t make it to the opening day, you can still visit any time 10am – 7pm (until they conduct their grand opening).
And I highly recommend the strawberry chocolate, and key lime pie.  You won’t be disappointed! (unless you’re allergic to lime or chocolate)

Cupcake Chic
Address: 727 E. 1000 South, Orem, Utah
Phone: 801-368-9469
Web site: http://www.cupcakechicutah.com/
Blog: http://cupcakechicutah.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cupcakechic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Springville-Utah/Cupcake-Chic/58319532115
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakechic/

About Camille and her blog, Make it Work Mom:

Have you ever stopped to realize that your life is a cycle?  A routine?  You wake up, shower, get yourself dressed, get the kids dressed, fix/eat breakfast, check the weather forecast and the traffic updates on the news to prepare yourself for the commute.  Drop kids off at daycare/school, go to work, pick up kids from daycare, come home, make dinner, bathe kids, get ready for bed and go to sleep.  And the next day follows the same pattern (just not necessarily in that order)?

I’ve realized it and have tried to break out of the cycle and research ideas on how to make my time with my girls more meaningful!  My time with them is precious and because I run out of ideas, I’ve created this website as a compilation of activities, thoughts, and ideas that will make my limited time with my kids valuable.  It’s geared towards working moms, single moms (and all moms in general) who want to maximize their limited time with their greatest assets.

I think it’s ok to break out of the routine and still Make It Work, Mom.

Cupcake Chic opens today in Orem

Cupcake Chic opens today at 10 am in their new storefront in Orem, Utah. The cupcakery is located behind the new theaters at University Mall. This begins a week or so of soft opening stages for Cupcake Chic, the grand opening and festivities will begin in August. But for real, head on over. I love these cupcakes.

Coconut Cupcake Cupcake Chic (Springville, utah)
Coconut Cupcake by Cupcake Chic 

Cupcake Chic will carry these flavors on opening day:
Red Velvet
Coconut
Chocolate
Mocha
Strawberry Vanilla,
Verry Vanilla
Chocolate Vanilla
Strawberry Chocolate
Key Lime
Carrot Ginger
S’mores
Strawberry Lemonade

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake Chic (Springville, utah)
Strawberry Chocolate Cupcake by Cupcake Chic

Give them all a try! But my favorites of the bunch are Very Vanilla, Strawberry Vanilla and S’mores!

Congratulations Trista and DeAnn! I love your cupcakes and wish you the best of luck with your new storefront!

Vanilla Cupcake - Cupcake Chic (Springville, utah)
Very Vanilla Cupcake by Cupcake Chic

***Cupcake FYI: For all those who have never attended a bakery during soft opening phases, be patient, have fun, and ask lots of questions. This is the time where the business figures out their logistics, trains new employees, etc and then works out all kinks. Don’t get crazy mad if they have run out of a certain flavor or you wait in line. It’s fun, especially knowing you are one of the first to go to their store!

Cupcake Chic
Address: 727 E. 1000 South, Orem, Utah
Phone: 801-368-9469
Web site: http://www.cupcakechicutah.com/
Blog: http://cupcakechicutah.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cupcakechic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Springville-Utah/Cupcake-Chic/58319532115
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakechic/

Sign me up: Harmon’s Gourmet Cupcake Class

Harmon’s, the grocery in your neighborhood, wants to teach you how to make gourmet cupcakes. Sign up asap, because Utah is a cupcake-loving state and this class fills up fast. Here are the details:

CLASS MENU:
Chocolate Banana Crunch Cupcakes, S’more Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting, Meyer Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting , Carrot Cupcakes with Marzipan frosting

CLASS DATE/ TIME/COST:
Friday 08/13/2010
6:30 PM
$29

LOCATION:
Harmons Bangerter Crossing
125 E 13800 S
Draper

Get a Job: Work for Cupcake Chic!

Cupcake Chic

Cupcake Chic is hiring for their Orem storefront that is set to open later this month.
If you are interested spending your time with delicious cupcakes and wonderful ladies all while making dinero, apply now! Email for application cupcakechicutah(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cupcake Chic Fall Flavors (Springville, Utah)

FYI: Soft opening is this weekend, most likely Saturday next week, possibly Monday. (Details coming soon or via twitter, follow @DomesticBecky.)

Grand opening is in August.

New site for Minis Cupcakes

A week or so ago I noticed Minis Cupcakes, Utah’s first cupcake bakery, had majorly upgraded their Web site. Stop what you are doing and head on over. It’s cute, pink and fun! My favorite element of the new site is the menu page. It features a slide show like element of each flavor with a fun picture and description. In case you are wondering, my favorite cupcake flavors over at Mini’s are the Black and White, The Diva and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

A huge cupcake 411: a sweet little birdie or rather a talented cupcake baker told me that Mini’s will be publishing a cookbook due out February 2011! Can you believe it? I can’t wait to start baking my own mini cupcakes at home.

Connect: Utah Pre-BlogHer Meet and Greet

Looking to connect with other Utah Bloggers?

Head on over to the beautiful Orson Gygi Showroom on July 10 from 7-9pm for a meet and greet. It’s doesn’t matter whether or not you are headed to the NYC BlogHer Conference or not. The organizers want to meet all Utah bloggers, from the noteworthy to the just-starting-out, to benefit from this networking night.

Here are the important details:
  • The event is THIS Saturday evening (7-9pm) at the Orson Gygi Showroom in Salt Lake City
  • This event is FREE, casual and positive
  • They are giving away a few generous door prizes from Whimsy, Gygi Culinary Institute and more!
  • The purpose of this event is to meet and inspire each other before the BlogHer Conference in New York City next month, BUT open to all bloggers large and small, whether or not attending the conference

Visiting Orson Gygi is the icing on the cake. I love that place. Remember how they have a gazillion cupcake liners! Oh how I need to visit again. And it looks like they’ve got a Cupcakes for Kids cooking class on July 20 from 10 am to noon for $30. How fun.

New Cake and Cupcake Flavor at The Chocolate Dessert Cafe

Berry Licious cupcake from The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem, Utah

I just got back from The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem. They just launched a new cake and cupcake flavor to add to their menu!

And it is delicious. It’s a whipped cream cake with a whipped cream topping with fresh berries. It’s called The Brothers when it is in it’s true layer cake form and when it’s a cupcake it’s called Berry Licious. It’s perfect for summertime. Head on over to The Chocolate today…or Monday…or Tuesday because that’s when it’s available.

The Chocolate Dessert Cafe
212 South State in Orem

Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm
**Ladies Night: EVERY WEDNESDAY from 8pm-11pm

Web: http://thechocolatedc.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thechoco
Twitter:http://twitter.com/TheChoco
Blog: http://www.thechocolatedc.com/blog/

Cupcakes Kick Cancer at The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe

I love seeing cupcakes used for a good cause. The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe in Provo is no stranger to cupcake fundraisers for various charities, organizations and individuals in need. They are so kind and generous with their tasty treats.

This Saturday, June 26, The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe will be raising money for Trent Rasmussen. Trent  (cousin to Cocoa Bean owners, Gloria and Gary) was recently diagnosed with stage 4 sarcoma cancer.

 The Cocoa Bean will donate all proceeds from June 26 sales to the Rasmussen family. . They will also have a raffle and silent auction available.

You can learn more about Trent’s battle with cancer on his blog, Looking Up and Kneeling Down. I browsed it for a few minutes today. Read the first few posts if anything. My heart goes out to the Rasmussen family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

**If you can’t make it to the even and would like to donate directly to the family there has been an account set up at Zions Bank under the Trent and Holly Rasmussen Fund.

The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cupcake Cafe
1774 North University Parkway#20
Provo, Utah

Hours:
8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Mon-Thur
8 a.m. – midnight Fri-Sat.

In Utah This Week reports: Cupcake Fashion Show

Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee is sponsoring a Fashion Show this Saturday. I just spotted an article in In Utah This Week about the upcoming event.

The Fashion File: Cupcake Chic

by Krista Nielson

Cupcakes are so fashionable, they are the chic treat. No other cuisine can equal the charm and appeal of a sweetly decorated cupcake with finger-licking frosting. Cupcakes are simply irresistible, everybody loves them. Why do we love them so? Perhaps it’s the nostalgia, bringing back those happy childhood memories, but mostly because they are yummy!

I like cupcakes because it’s a whole cake just for me, I don’t have to share. Quick and easy bite-size food to eat with your hands, no utensils required. I tell myself that because it’s so small it can’t have many calories, and it’s just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth sugar craving. eating one can brighten your day … or maybe it’s just the sugar high.

Cupcakes and fashion have a lot in common: they mix inspiration, creativity, colors and textures and you’ve got the ideal recipe for a scrumptious collection. Fashion has a real passion for this delectable dessert. But for an industry that obsesses over body image and size, the pairing of fashion and carbs seems unlikely. Models don’t eat, celebrities don’t eat, aren’t you supposed to be starving if you’re in fashion? Let them eat cake!

You can have your cake and wear it too. Johnny Earle makes clothes with cupcakes on them. What started as a joke, selling tee shirts printed with a crossbone and cupcake from the trunk of his car, evolved into Johnny Cupcakes, a multimillion dollar clothing company with a cult following. And for the hostess with the mostess, Anthropologie has an appetizing apron with a cheeky cherry cupcake pattern worn by Kristin Davis in “Sex and the City 2.”

Fashion’s fascination with the tiny treats likely began more than a decade ago when New York’s Magnolia Bakery was featured on “Sex and the City”; Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) consumes a cupcake, and voilà, cupcakes are cool.

Salt Lake is no stranger to the gourmet cupcake craze. Offering some of the tastiest treats in town is Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee. Dessert divas and fashionistas won’t want to miss Diva’s Fashion Show, an evening of lavish food, fashion and fun on Saturday, June 19.

Guests will be treated to fine hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by Diva’s talented and innovative Chef Andrew Young, accompanied with an upscale runway show featuring local designers Rachael Domingo, Sophie St. Claire and Krista Nielson (yup, that’s me). The fashion feast also includes wine, champagne and gift bags. After the show meet and mingle with show organizers, designers, chef, hair and makeup stylists of M-The-Salon and models from Wilhelmina Talent.

Drop in to Diva’s not only for the savory signature cupcakes, but also fresh made soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dessert options. My favorite cupcake? Red Velvet, it’s the crème de la crème. Fashion trends may come and go, but cupcakes will always be in style!

You Should Go:

Diva’s Fashion Show

When » Sat., June 19 at 7 p.m.

Where » Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee, 1560 E. 3300 South in Salt Lake City

Tickets » $35 advanced, $40 at door (Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, champagne and gift bag)

Info » Call Diva’s at 801.485.0619 or visit divascupcakes.com

Other Utah Loves Cupcake blog posts about Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee:
Spend some time out on the patio at Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee
Photo Tour: Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee

New Cupcake Bakery in Ogden: Vintage Cupcake Co.

Oh dear.

I say this again and again but seriously, the Utah cupcake scene is growing! I’m happy to see that the cupcake shops are expanding in Southern and Northern Utah.

Today’s great news is about a cupcake store in the north part of Utah. Vintage Cupcake Co. in Ogden, Utah opened their doors last weekend.

Vintage Cupcake Company is in the process of getting their Web site built, so the best place to check them out is on Facebook. I snagged a few pictures from their FB albums for all of you to enjoy. It looks like their cupcakes and vintage-inspired shop are being well received by Ogdenites. Congratulations!

Their cupcake flavor menu with descriptions from the Vintage Cupcake Company blog:

*Vanilla ~ golden moist vanilla cake w/creamy Vanilla Bean Frosting…classic.
*Chocolate ~ dark rich super moist fudge cake w/Double Chocolate Frosting…YUM!
*Pink Lady ~ dark fudge cake/ light pink Vanilla Bean Frosting and Pearls..so PReTTy.
*Brown Topper ~ golden moist Vanilla Cake w/Double Chocolate Frosting..kiddos FAV!
*Choc O Chip Cookie Dough ~ moist Vanilla Cake, cookie dough baked inside, topped with Choc O Chip Cookie and Double Chocolate Frosting..most Popular!
*PB Cup ~ dark fudge Cake, PB cup inside, creamy PB Frosting, topped with another PB Cup…should be Illegal!!
*BTA {better than anything} ~ light chocolate cake soaked in s&d milk, & butterscotch, then topped with Whipped Cream & toffee…seriously!?!
* PB&Jelly ~ Peanut Butter Cake topped w/creamy PB Frosting and Strawberry Jelly….our FAVORITE!!
*Red Velvet ~ moist red cocoa Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting..almost too Beautiful to Eat
*Carrot ~ carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting..so Good you would never know it has veggies!
*Creams ~ creamy Coconut or Banana cake topped with Toasted Coconut or Banana Cream filling and whipped cream ..AHH
*Choc o Chip ~ fluffy white cake with choc o chips and double chocolate frosting…like eating a cloud!
*Cookies and Cream ~ dark fudge cake with Oreo at the bottom topped w/Cookies n cream Frosting…mmmmm
*Lemon ~ light Lemon Cake with Lemon curd and whipped topping and sugar crystals…pucker up!
*Berry Fruity~ fluffy white Cake with fresh seasonal berries/fruit and whipped Berry topping…simply Delicious!
*Mocha ~ light chocolate mocha Cake with whipped Mocha Frosting and choc covered coffee bean…VROOM!
*French Toast ~ Great Harvest cinnamon swirl bread soaked in vanilla cream, topped with maple butter cream…NO WAY! WAY!!
*Pull a Part ~ cinnamon roll dough, butterscotch pudding, buttered brown sugar, and Cream Cheese Frosting. WOOT!!

Price:
$2.50 each
$14.00 ½ dozen
$26.00 Dozen

Vingate Cupcake Co.
A Vintage inspired Cupcakery & Boutique
470 24th St. Ogden, UT
Blog: http://vintagecupcakeco.blogspot.com/
Facebook

Mormon Cupcakes: LDS Missionary Cupcakes

I sense a new series of posts dedicated to Utah’s predominant religion, eh? Hello Mormon cupcakes.

Missionary Cupcakes

Let’s start out with these adorable LDS Missionary Cupcakes by The Sweet Tooth Fairy. Each cupcake has either a white short-sleeved shirt and tie, black missionary name tag or a little saying like “I hope they call me on a mission.” It looks like it was a fun custom order to fulfill.

If you have any LDS-themed cupcakes send ‘em my way!

Peanut Butter Cupcakes in Utah

I love peanut butter! Especially when it’s combined with chocolate, which is usually the case with cupcakes. Here’s a little sampling of the peanut butter cupcakes you can buy in Utah.

As you look take note about how each cupcake bakery does their peanut butter. I’d say most do a chocolate cake with either a chocolate or peanut butter frosting with some sort of chip on top. Others venture into a peanut butter and jelly thang. What is the bet combo? You decide!

Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cupcake Chic
Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cupcake Chicin Springville, Utah.

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Mini Peanut Butter by The Chocolate Dessert Cafe in Orem, Utah

And two versions by The Sweet Tooth Fairy. I’m not sure which is the staple or if they just mix it up every once in a while. Either way, I like them!

Peanut Butter N' Chocolate Cupcakes - Aprons at The Sweet Tooth Fairy (Provo, Utah)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes - The Sweet Tooth Fairy (Provo, Utah)
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcakes by The Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo, Utah (also Draper location)

Chocolate Peanut Butter from CutsieCakes (Layton, Utah)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cutsie Cakes in Layton, Utah.

Peanut Butter Cupcake from Primrose Retreat (Spanish Fork, Utah)
Peanut Butter Cupcake by Babycakes Utah in Primrose Retreat in Spanish Fork, Utah

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake from The Lion House Pantry inside Deseret Book Locations in Utah.

The Ogre Cupcake - Flour Girls and Dough Boys in American Fork, Utah
The Ogre Cupcake (Peanut Butter and Chocolate) by Flour Girls and Dough Boys

Mini's Gourmet Cupcakes
The PB Fix by Mini’s Cupcakes in Salt Lake City! (to the left)


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake from The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe in Provo, Utah (photo via their flickr page)

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Peanut Buttercup Cupcake from Twenty Five Main in St. George

There are several other cupcake bakeries in Utah that have peanut butter cupcakes but I don’t have photos and I can’t find photos on their facebook galleries or flickr albums. Yet another plug for all you bakeries to upload more photos! :)

Which peanut butter cupcake in Utah is your favorite?

Fruit Pizza Cupcake

Okay, I’ve had this cupcake and it is delicious! You have to order these cupcakes since Cravings doesn’t have a store front yet…but man SO GOOD!

Fruit Pizza Cupcakes

It was so fresh, fruity and light! Read more about it here! There’s even like a cookie/crust and light custard/pudding/cream cheese goodness on it! Alisha only does these once a year and I will probably order some when she does the this summer!

Cravings – Alisha’s Cupcakes!
“You Imagine it…we’ll create it.”

Pleasant Grove, Utah
*(602) 463-0203*
Email: luenutt@hotmail.com

FREE Delivery – Mother’s Day Cupcakes from Cupcake Chic

Mother’s day is right around the corner! Say Happy Mother’s Day with a fabulous gift box of assorted cupcakes from Cupcake Chic! $25/dozen (Flavors included: red velvet, neapolitan, very vanilla, chocolate, key lime pie, coconut. flavors may vary)

gift box Cupcake Chic

Cupcake Chic is now taking orders.
www.cupcakechicutah.com
801.368.9469

FREE Local Delivery in Utah County (Lehi-Payson)
Delivery Outside of Utah County: $25

Sweet T’s Bake Shop in Spanish Fork

Southern Utah County might just be the next hot bed of cupcake activity in Utah. I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this area regarding cupcakes lately. Here’s just a smidgen of the news, though a very sweet one.

It’s called Sweet T’s Bake Shop.

It’s run by Tia Trimble, self-proclaimed bake shop princess! She runs the bake shop out of her home, specializing in cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. I’m happy to report she plans on opening her own store front sometime in 2010 in the Spanish Fork area.

She’s documenting all her cupcake flavors, current orders and experimenting on her blog sweettsbakeshop.blogspot.com. And by the looks and names of these cupcakes, I’m pretty interested! Let’s take a look!

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Terrific Toffee Cupcake!
The moist cake is made with brown sugar and studded with toffee bits (that melt into buttery pockets of caramel goodness when baked).

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Orange Cream Cupcakes
Orange cupcakes studded with vanilla chips, iced with a swirl of orange icing combined with whipped cream.

YUM! This would be a great summertime cupcake at a picnic!

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Grasshopper Cupcake

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French Toast Cupcake
Tasty maple and cinnamon cake topped with maple buttercream.

They sound delicious, don’t they?

And I’m pretty excited to meet this cute owner. You’ll know that she’s a Disneyland fan the second that you read her blog…even more so, she used to work at Disneyland on the Jungle Cruise! And…that is where she met her husband. Adorable!

She developed this churro cupcake to bring back some nostalgia of yummy that is the Disneyland churro. I myself have lots of fun DL memories watching the fireworks and eating a churro. I’m excited to try this cupcake!
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Churro Cupcake
Moist vanilla cake, ribboned with cinnamon and sugar. Topped with a dome of sweet butter frosting and crusted with more cinnamon and sugar.

So far her most praised flavors are her vanilla cupcakes with Sweet T’s classic vanilla buttercream icing as well as a candied pecan cupcake with rum buttercream icing.

I hope to give these a tasting soon and report back. In the meantime, make sure you check out the Sweet T’s Bake Shop blog.

Sweet T’s Bake Shop
Spanish Fork
sweettsbakeshop.blogspot.com
Twitter: @sweettsbakeshop
Flickr

Bijou Market – Accepting Vendor Applications

The Bijou Market is now accepting applications for their next market on June 5, 2010.
They are looking for exciting, fresh, quality handmade goods and this year they’ll also be accepting vintage clothing!

…this is a great way for new cupcake businesses to get their name out!

Application deadline is April 30, 2010!

Click here for the application and agreement!

Cupcake Chic at Bijou Marktet - Orem, Utah

Last year Cupcake Chic was there and of course her cupcakes were a hit.
Cupcake Chic at Bijou Marktet - Orem, Utah

I also found some other noteworthy vendors. (Hope they’ll be there this June!)

Academy J
Spread the Love (SO YUMMY!)
Vintage Sports Memorabilia (bought an awesome vintage BYU hat for my husband’s Christmas stocking!)
Tara Belle’s Shop

…and if I remember correctly, The Sweet Tooth Fairy had some free cookies and cake bites for early birds! :)
Free Cupcakes & Cake Bites at Bijou Market

Mother’s Day Cupcakes

Every time I pass these beautiful flower cupcakes by flickr user Windy Sydney I want to attempt to make fondant flowers. Aren’t they gorgeous? She made them for her mom last mother’s day.

For My Mom

Mother's Day Cupcakes

What are you planning to give your mom for mother’s day?
Remember, cupcakes make a fabulous gift!

Sunflower Cupcake

I’m in the mood for some spring and summer cupcake decorating ideas. How about this pretty sunflower cupcake! Don’t you think it would be a wonderful idea for Mother’s Day cupcakes?

Sunflower Mini Cupcake

Sunflower cupcake – Originally uploaded by Disney Chick.

Sweet Tooth Fairy Hiring for Sugar House/Foothill Location

The Sweet Tooth Fairy is now accepting application for their Sugar House location. Email resume to foothill@thesweettoothfairy.com

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Chocolate Cupcakes from The Table Runner

Cristie from The Table Runner blog recently posted this delicious looking recipe for Chocolate Cupcakes! I’m always on the lookout for new chocolate cupcake recipes! Plus I love to see what other local food bloggers like as far as cupcakes go!

Visit Cristie’s blog. She even has a printable recipe for these Chocolate Cupcakes.

Tres Sucre – Sweet Spring Cupcake Special

Tres Sucre, a custom confections company in South Jordan has caught my eye! 

I love their logo, their name, their colors and their cupcakes look delicious and oh-so-petit! 

Right now they are celebrating spring with a special!

Buy 3 Dozen* Cupcakes, and the 4th is FREE

These look perfect for a fun Easter get together, family outing or heck…who needs a reason!

I love their site too!

It’s got a really nice layout and user-friendly way to navigate. And…they blog!

Their custom cupcakes (which are very small) start at $1.00. Their site describes them as this:

“Petite cupcakes in any flavor cake or frosting, filled with pastry cream, dipped in chocolate. Personalized cookie toppers, candy toppers, custom paper toppers. The possibilities are endless.”

Let’s take a look at some of their work!

Bird nest cupcakes! These make the perfect spring or Easter cupcakes! I love the colors!


Chocolate cake, whipped cream cheese frosting, “dotted” sucker toppers.
I love these unusual cupcake toppers!

These just might be the prettiest butterfly cupcakes I’ve seen yet! Love that purple color!

I’d love to try these cupcakes soon! They look like they’d be pretty outstanding. I can just picture them on a gorgeous dessert table that brings smiles to everyone’s faces!

Not ready to commit to a custom order without tasting these cuties? Tres Sucre will be at the Oh Sweet Sadie Show Friday & Saturday April 30th – May 1st 9:30 am – 8:00 pm at the SoDa Row Daybreak’s New Retail Shopping District South Jordan!

I’m not sure if they are on Twitter, but let’s hope if they aren’t that they will sign up soon. (as well as join our flickr pool!)

Contact Très Sucré:
Dusti Ondryas
(801) 577-2110
dusti@verysweetdesserts.com
Web: http://www.verysweetdesserts.com
Blog:http://verysweetdesserts.blogspot.com/
South Jordan, Utah