Cupcakes Anyone?
DC Cupcakes: Who Has The Tastiest?
A cupcake comparison by yours truly.
Everybody knows Washington DC for it’s ‘politicing’ and rich history. Today I want to highlight one of the lesser discussed wins of the DC area- cupcakes. Here in DC, you will find the edgy and trendy Baked & Wired, the cute and conservative Sprinkles Cupcakes, and of course the famous "as seen on TV" Georgetown Cupcake.
How are we going to highlight these three greatly loved bakeries with cult followings? Well, no other than a taste test of course (I will always choose the taste test)! First I established some metrics of this taste test in order to determine a winner. As each of the contenders are well known for particular cupcake favs, I wanted to even out the playing field by only judging their red velvet. I mean, who doesn’t love a good red velvet cupcake? I do and since I’m the judge, red velvet cupcakes it is!
Metric One: Appearance- design of cupcake/frosting is creative and visually appealing with an appropriate ratio. Metric Two: Cake- cupcake is tender with a dense moist crumb. Good texture ratio and has a distinct, recognizable, and pleasing flavor. Metric Three: Frosting- smooth and creamy with an even and consistent texture and has a distinct, recognizable, and pleasing flavor that compliments the cake.
Ok so the baseline is set and the metrics are established. Here is what I learned from a completely objective perspective of which DC cupcakes truly are the tastiest.
Contender One:
30 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Price: $5.00
Grade: A+
Appearance: I would say that the creator of this cupcake went with the cute factor. It’s simple but chic with an accent color. Not over the top, like maybe the Kate Spade of cupcakes and I love Kate Spade.
Cake: The cake was definitely moist but didn’t crumble to bits after a bite. It was like a melt in your mouth good. It wasn’t a super sweet cake which shows consideration for the frosting and overall experience for the consumer.
Frosting: The frosting was sweet , smooth, and perfect match to the flavor of the cake. It didn’t scream “This is Cream Cheese Frosting!!” I really hate it when red velvet cupcakes do that. I mean I get that we don’t want an extremely sweet icing but I don’t want one that’s tastes exactly like cheese either.
Contender Two:
3301 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Price: $3.95
Grade: C+
Appearance: Well, this cupcake didn’t make it to judging unscathed. I’m going to take a mark away for this because the other arrived to judging in the same state as the were when the left their perspective bakeries. This was the smallest of the three and the frosting was used to create and island surrounded by the rest of the cupcake. Definitely the least appealing.
Cake: The texture was pleasing but slightly on the dry side and it was a little bland as well. Honestly, I was so traumatized by the frosting I can’t really divulge anymore on the cake.
Frosting: The big take away from the frosting was “OMG they put whipped icing on my cupcake”. I can’t even explain how violated I felt. I know some people might like the “light and fluffy” appeal of whipped icing but I am not in that number.
Contender Three:
1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Price: $5.80
Grade: A
Appearance: This was the largest of the three and I mean, it has a silver jewel on the top. Do I have to even say more. The wrapping is featured in the presentation. It looks like this cupcake is dressed up for an evening at the Met.
Cake: The cupcake has a light and fluffy texture. The taste was sang that it was homemade. I could taste the milk. It wasn’t overly sweet which again is appreciated.
Frosting: I can tell this is one of those purist red velvet icings. It was smooth. You could taste the milk and cream cheese. I’m not a big fan of the cream cheese being highlighted but it wasn’t overly done so I can excuse that here.
Verdict:
All three of these establishments obviously have great cupcakes— they got their reputations for a reason. BUT I have to give The Tastiest Cupcake Award to Sprinkles Cupcakes. The cake and the icing were just the perfect marriage of flavors to me. I feel that maybe someone with a more sophisticated palate might choose Baked and Wired (but this is not their post, lol). Hopefully you’ve enjoyed my account of the Tale of 3 Cupcakes. Let me know what you think. Georgetown is a wonderful place to visit year round. Get out and try one of these treats. I’d love to hear which cupcake you’d award as the tastiest.
Until next time,
Cheers!