Best of Portland: Cupcakes

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February 10, 2010 by Katelin | Comments (0)

Cupcakes have quickly become the new darling of the dessert world, and we here in Portland are stout supporters of this tasty trend. Never ones to shy away from a challenge, Portland’s culinary artists have outdone themselves with these filled and frosted creations. The little cakes found in the bakeries below are sure to leave you with the certainty that your waistline will never be the same after your first bite of these mouth-watering treats. But what are a few extra calories when compared to pure bliss?

Cupcake Jones. I discovered Cupcake Jones, on NW 10th and Everett St., shortly after its opening in 2007, and have been addicted ever since. Owners Lisa and Peter have created a truly unique treat with their jumbo filled cupcakes in amazingly inventive flavors. Some of my favorites include the Cherry Cheesecake (white velvet cake filled with homemade cherry filling and topped with cheesecake icing and a homemade graham cracker crumble), and Peter’s Chocolate Mint (devil’s food cake filled with chocolate mint ganache). Simply sinful. Their Red Velvet is also their most popular flavor! The staff here is spectacular, the quality and flavors are flawless, and the samples are endless! What more can you ask for? Except perhaps a frequent buyer card …

Saint Cupcake. Now with two locations in Portland, Saint Cupcake bakes five flavors of vegan cupcakes, hot cinnamon rolls daily, and even cupcakes whipped up from co-owner, Jami’s, grandmother’s recipes! Any way you slice it, the sweets found here are labors of love and uniquely Saint Cupcake creations! The Big Top Cupcake is even frosted by color according to the mood of the baker of the day! Stop in for fun flavors like the Fat Elvis (banana chocolate chip poundcake with peanut butter fudge), the Malt Ball, or the Toasted Coconut Cream … hand toasted coconut flakes, toffee chips, and creamy vanilla cream cheese icing. You’ll have to try it, because the name doesn’t do it justice! Find Saint Cupcakes at 407 NW 17th Ave., and 3300 SE Belmont, and online!

Bliss Bake Shop. Located at 4708 NW Bethany Blvd., Bliss Bake Shop bakes batches of delicious cupcakes daily, on a rotating menu. Bliss’ cupcake flavors include Creamsicle Bliss, S’mores Bliss, Luscious Lemon Raspberry Bliss, and many more. This is a great little shop to bring kids to, with a truckload of sweets to delight them, and a play area to distract them (so you don’t go home with the whole store in hand). Bliss even employs the owner’s kids as full-time taste testers! Quality guaranteed! Now serving vegan and gluten free cupcakes, stop in and give these cute cakes a taste!

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