5 Great Places to Get a Cupcake
When you need a little cake in your day, try one of these cupcake shops.
I love cupcakes so much that I once considered opening my own cupcake shop, but then I realized there are so many good choices out there, I didn't have to. If you're looking for something sweet to give for Valentine's Day, skip the box of chocolates and chalky heart candy, and get a cupcake for your little cupcakes. Keep in mind the daily flavors are baked fresh each day, and that means limited quantities! Get there before they are gone.
GiGi’s Cupcakes, Sharon Corners
Sharon Corners, 4732 Sharon Road
With frosting stacked as high as the cake below, these cupcakes are perfect for the person who loves the "icing on the cake." I sampled the Panther’s Superbowl chocolate cupcake. It was perfectly moist, and the frosting not too sweet. I shared with my 6-year-old son who usually eats only the frosting. He approves of both the frosting and cake. They have gluten-free options too. Open seven days a week.
Sweet Cakes
20601 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius
There's a lot to love about SweetCakes, with their selection of both large and mini cupcakes, including gluten-free options in chocolate, vanilla and red velvet flavors. They also offer cupcake bouquets. Check their website for the bakery flavor schedule, which offers the popular Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter Truffle, Carrot Cake, and Peppermint Patty, among others. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Cupcrazed Cakery
926 Market Street, Fort Mill, S.C.
Owner Heather McDonnell is a winner of "Cupcake Wars" on The Food Network. A box of Cupcrazed cupcakes arrived in our office last spring, and were gobbled up in less than an hour. I get excited just reading the menu of extraordinary flavors, such as Samoa Girl Scout Cookie cupcake, Triple Salted Caramel, Oatmeal Creme Pie, Banana Bread With Cream Cheese, or a Bacon Jalapeno Popper (OK maybe not that one for the kids). You also can custom order. Closed on Sunday.
Polka Dot Bake Shop
1730 E. Woodlawn Road, Suite H
My sister has treated me on my birthday to a four-pack variety box that included mint chocolate chip, which is one of my favorites. You can find a calendar of daily flavors on the website to plan ahead for when you want to make it a cupcake lunch. The February menu includes Girl Scout cookie flavors like Thin Mint, Samoa, Lemonade, Cookie Dough and Tagalong. Gluten-free options available, as well as cake and pies! Closed Sunday.
Sunflour Bakery
Two locations: 220 East Blvd.; and 2001 E. 7th St.
Admittedly, this place is so much more than cupcakes, but you will find lots of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes filled with goodness like Nutella, salted caramel or caramel, peanut butter or triple chocolate topped with buttercream frostings. They have mini cupcakes too if you just want a bite. While there, I recommend the cheddar biscuit, and maybe a pastry too. Open seven days a week.
