We are definitely in the midst of a “cupcake craze”. And why not? They are just the right size, perfect for parties, offer smile producing pleasure in most adults and children, and you don’t have to “commit” to a whole cake.  I remember hearing about the craze in New York that began almost ten years ago, and thinking to myself, that warrants a special trip! Slowly, but surely the craze made its way to the west coast. Simple and fancy cupcake joints began popping up all over. Artisan bakeries began to offer cupcakes, and on a side note, a whole new business venture waiting to happen began, as we had to come up with a way to take the damn things home without messing them up! This may not come as a surprise, but I’ve tried them all.

Well, there’s a new kid on the block, and the first word of praise from me…they’re moist.  And delicious, and decadent, and pretty…

Trophy Cupcakes and Party, which recently opened in Wallingford Center, is what we like to call a boutique bakery with designer cupcakes (I’ll take that over couture any day!). I was impressed not only great cupcakes, but a great theme.  Jennifer, who built quite a reputation over the years, making beautiful cupcakes for friends’ parties for years, has an amazing sense of style. The cafe has, of course many cupcakes, but also has vintage party supplies, coffee and tea, and other specialty drinks.

For me, the true test in a place like this is the basic cupcake. I want vanilla and chocolate, and I want them to be moist and delicious. Oh, and I want to taste real vanilla and know that I am eating high quality chocolate. I was a little skeptical of the chocolate coconut (usually my favorite flavor, but blue here), only until I had my first bite of tender, moist delicious chocolate cake with blue coconut frosting (which by the way looked so beautiful over the rich dark chocolate cupcake). The triple chocolate was absolutely impressive and not too chocolatey for me.  The basic ones came through. They were lovely, tasty and hardly ordinary.

Can I just talk about the special for a moment? I was sure the peanut butter and jelly was on the menu “for the kids”, but when a wonderful vanilla cupcake filled with peanut butter and jelly, frosted with strawberry butter cream appeared, I knew they had adults in mind as well. On one of my visits, the special was a red carpet cupcake, made in honor of the Academy Awards.

The hot chocolate comes in two varieties, milk which was good, but i like dark, and do they have dark.  The bittersweet European hot chocolate is just that.  It is thick and rich, and it is hard to imagine having that share the stage with a cupcake, as it is an award winner in its own right, but I could be pressured to have both in one visit.  There is definitely a keen eye on detail; teas and coffee are of high quality.

Having a party (I cannot stress enough…not just for the kids), let these award winning cupcakes adorn your event.  And if you have nothing big on the calendar in the near future, make your own party at Trophy with a good strong cup of coffee and a delicious sampling of their moist treasures.

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