Vanilla Cupcake Week has officially been extended as a two week experience.
The opening of The Sweet Tooth Fairy first location in Provo was probably one of the biggest motivators for me to begin this blog. (See this post) I remember getting so excited and sneaking a peek at the location that I knew I would be visiting countless time for sweet tooth fixes. Then I remember Megan, The Sweet Tooth Fairy contacting me and having me try her cupcakes.
I have so much good to say about this bake shop. There is such a huge vision behind it and there are so many sweet treats that come along with the story.
We’re going to focus on VaNIElla Squared. And um, it hasn’t always had that name, or at least that spelling. Before we go further, let’s take a look at it:
Yum. I also find it very pretty.
Here’s a pix the vanilla cupcake before it had a special name. I think this was taken the week The Sweet Tooth Fairy opened her doors.
Here’s the story of why The Sweet Tooth Fairy named her most classic cupcake VaNIElla Squared.
“Last week, it was brought to our attention that Stephanie Nielson, a remarkable woman who has inspired and lifted thousands of us across the country for years, loves our Vanilla Squared Cupcakes. She even posted about them on her blog the NieNie Dialogues . She jokingly mentioned that she thought we should “name it vaNIElla squared because I can guarantee I will single-handedly keep that cupcake selection going.”
After a few email exchanges with Stephanie, we learned that she was “ecstatic” and “touched” about the idea. As such, we have officially changed the name of our “Vanilla Squared” cupcakes to “VaNIElla Squared.” We figured the gesture would be a ‘sweet’ little legacy for her–who has candidly taught so many of us about the joys of life/motherhood. Her attitude, faith, honesty, outlook, understanding of what’s important is so inspirational and so appreciated.
Her story is truly remarkable…you can read it here.”
Wasn’t that sweet? The Sweet Tooth Fairy bake shop has even held fundraisers for Stephanie Nielsen and her family.
Let’s get down to it. My review and thoughts about this classic flavor made by The Sweet Tooth Fairy.
The first thing I did when I opened up my cupcake box was smell the VaNIElla Squared cupcake. It’s smells good and I’ll describe what I smelled in one word: amaretto. That’s what comes to mind. I know you must be thinking, “What? Shouldn’t you be saying you smelled vanilla?” Well, no. See VaNIElla Squared is absolutely a vanilla cupcake, but what makes it special is how it varies from the traditional take on the vanilla cupcake. That difference being the frosting.
For me, the cake (though very good) is merely a vehicle to the frosting on this cupcake. (I could very well say this for MANY of my favorite cupcake flavors at various cupcake bakeries) The frosting is a complete mystery. The Sweet Tooth Fairy has told me she uses four different type of extracts in her frosting. All a secret.
My guess: amaretto, vanilla, coconut and shoot, who knows! When I did a tasting with The Cupcake Activist she guessed there was marzipan in it. The consistency of the frosting is great. Thick but not to heavy. You’ll notice in the first photo that it looks like some air bubbles have popped. I think this gives it such a cool homemade look. 
I love it.
The second element I paid attention to was the feel of this vanilla cupcake. Holding it it felt light and bear with me, almost squishy. (I say that with love) I only mean that if chosen, my little hands could squish the heck out of this cupcake’s cake into a tight ball real quick. It really is a light, moist cake. The greatest thing about the cake being light is that it can still hold the frosting. The vanilla flavor in the cake pulls through mildly, but I get more of a spongy yellow and buttery cake as opposed to a strong vanilla.
You can spot the VaNIElla Squared cupcake from a mile away because of the sweet little candied cherry on its top. You’ll also notice that the cupcake that the Sweet Tooth Fairy is holding in her logo has a cherry on top. I’d like to think that she’s holding the VaNIElla Squared. Okay, I just double checked on her site because she has an updated logo and it’s now a cake. But it used to be a cupcake. I guess I’ll now say that it’s a VaNIElla Squared cake.
I’ve become more of a fan of this cupcake since November. I used to think it was good but just too sweet for my liking. (That’s why I probably stick to my usual order of the Double Fudge Cake Bites, Cheesecake Cupcakes and others I find more balanced.) But I proved myself wrong. I don’t find it too sweet anymore, in fact, I think the next time I head to The Sweet Tooth Fairy I’ll probably buy this cupcake.
Oh and this reminds me about a post I need to write. The title will be “Why all cupcake reviews are subjective” or something to that matter. Oh man…I will go off on this one. I seriously have strong feelings that each time you consume a cupcake you will have a very different experience depending on mood, level of hunger, who you are with, environment, etc. But I’ll save that for later.
Quick Facts to Remember:
The Sweet Tooth Fairy
Name(s): VaNIElla Squared
Flavor Category: Vanilla
Cake: Vanilla
Frosting: Vanilla Buttercream
Filling: None
Topping: Candied Cherry
Size: US Standard
Standout Qualities: Lighter cake, THE FROSTING: unique blend of extracts.
Price: $2.25 each
Should I buy it/try it? Yes
Have you tried this cupcake? How did you like it?
The Sweet Tooth Fairy
1227 S University Ave
Provo, UT 84601
#(801) 375-3484
Web site: http://www.thesweettoothfairy.com/
Blog: http://www.thesweettoothfairy.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sweettoothfairy
Facebook: The Sweet Tooth Fairy on Facebook
***This review is based on The Sweet Tooth Fairy’s VaNIElla Squared cupcake from the Provo location on January 26, 2010 only. Opinions subject to change. ***
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