Community Corner
Patch Picks: The Perfect Cupcake
It's that time of year again: Dads and grads, brides and birthday girls, teachers and toddlers. In case you didn't know, the cupcake is the new cake. We've hunted down the best places to find the perfect cupcake for your next occasion.
ISLAND CUPCAKES
30622 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite D103, Rancho Santa Margarita
Who says cupcakes only come in three flavors? Not Island Cupcakes, a little gem of a store located near . Walk into this place and your tastebuds will never be the same. Island Cupcakes offers the traditional fare of chocolate, vanilla and red velvet, but it’s the tropical cupcakes, like pina colada, guava and mango that have everyone talking. The chefs add real chopped mangos to the batter, resulting in a fresh, authentic tropical flavor like none other. A couple more favorites? The chocolate macadamia nut, complete with caramel filling, dark chocolate frosting and finely chopped macadamia nuts in and on top of the treat. The key lime is another popular one and will be sure to impress guests at your next party; its graham cracker crumbs and teeny lime twist coated with sparkly sugar add just the right finishing touch. At $3 a pop, the price is just right. Islands offers mini samples, so you can try a flavor before buying a dozen. They now also offer delivery, so you can save a trip during your busy day.
Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
31431 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite J, Rancho Santa Margarita
Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cinderella Cakes has been around for 60 years, but in January 2009, it brought its third bakery and storefront to Rancho Santa Margarita. A two-time FoxLA HotList winner, Cinderella Cakes truly lives up to its motto: “Where Flour and Sugar Become Art!” The owners add, “We pride ourselves in creating beautiful works of art, as well as having a friendly and helpful customer service staff.” Need a dozen doggie shaped treats? How about a teacup for a little girl’s party? No problem. These works of art have been perfected into tiny, delectable treats over the years, so intricately beautiful you might not want to take a bite. But if you do bite, you’ll find the inside is just as lovely as the outside. The Viva La Chocolate cupcake is just one of the many delectable flavors; complete with chocolate ganache and chocolate buttercream frosting, this confection is just right. Prices vary; call or visit to get your order started .
CHEYROSE CUPCAKERY
It began as a vision for owner Cheryl Bradburn, avid baker and mother of two. The result was CheyRose Cupcakery, named after her daughters Cheyenne and Rosie, her partners in frosting-topped success. CheyRose offers cupcakes baked fresh to order, made by hand with the finest ingredients, minus all the trans fats you’ll find at the store. If the unique names (Better Than Sex!) of the cupcakes don’t sell you, the flavors surely will. Just a few on the menu? The Almond Joy, complete with chocolate cake and almond buttercream frosting, the Date Night cupcake, made with raspberry cake and slathered with white chocolate buttercream frosting, and the 50-50, a vanilla cupcake topped with orange cream cheese frosting. The Lime in the Coconut is also popular: a lime flavored cupcake topped with fresh lime buttercream frosting, coconut shavings and the tiny signature CheyRose heart on top. CheyRose offers free delivery to Rancho Santa Margarita and other nearby areas. Cupcakes run $20/dozen for mini cakes; $25/dozen for regular sized cakes. No cake stand? No problem. CheyRose also offers a 4-tier round cupcake stand for rent. No storefront yet, so check out the website for more info on how to make your next party a success with CheyRose’s unique treats.
FROSTING ON TOP
If you've visited the popular local wine bar, , chances are you might have stumbled onto one of these little pieces of heaven. This local family owned bakery strives to merge flawless customer service with delectable treats in all shapes and sizes. Double chocolate cream cheese, pumpkin cream cheese, banana cream pie, peanut butter and jelly, orange cream, candy bar and cookies and cream are just a few of the delightful flavors to choose from. All are homemade with the finest ingredients, including buttercream frosting that will melt in your mouth. Cupcakes run $24/dozen for regular size and $12/dozen for minis. Frosting on Top also offers birthday parties; children can learn basic icing and decorating techniques while indulging in a delicious treat of their own.
