Mom, can I go to Cupcake Camp?

by Jayme Campbell of Confection Confessions

Only if you bring back a cupcake in a jar.

Photo by Jayme Campbell

Raspberry-Lemon Cupcake in a Jar

PLANO — Remember Cupcake Camp? Of course you do! How could you forget such a wonderful event? Well, I made sure to make note of my absolute favorites (some were winners and some were cupcakes that I sampled that sadly did not enter).

First up on my list was CupCake FabuLous who won 3rd place for “Best Cake: Professional Division” at Cupcake Camp for their Tall, Dark and Sinful cupcake. This cupcake is a rich devil’s food cake, chocolate ganache, and a chocolate cream cheese frosting. While this particular cupcake won for the cake portion of the contest, I happen to adore the frosting. Chocolate cream cheese frosting is one of my favorite frostings. I will pick it over chocolate buttercream any day!

Another intriguing cupcake is the Prince Charming cupcake. This cupcake is a butter cake with brown sugar and butterscotch chips swirled inside. I need 100 of these.

While both of these cupcakes are simply amazing, CupCake FabuLous does more than just cupcakes. I wanted to sample a little bit of everything and report back to you guys.

First, let’s talk about the cupcake in a jar. OK, OK I know; you’re thinking it is a cute idea, but how is it any different than a cupcake? First off, it really is different. I sampled a raspberry lemon. What made this different than a cupcake in a paper liner was the layer of tart raspberry on the bottom. Layers of flavor! It was light and full of flavor; a perfect summer treat that would even make a wonderful gift.

Next we have the Cookie Truffles. Essentially these are like cake balls. Instead of cake mixed with frosting, the inside consists of crunched up cookies mixed with mousse. They are so very rich and taste just like their namesake. After one peanut butter and half an Oreo, I was in search of a big glass of milk. These are a definite must for a chocolate lover.

Photo by Jayme Campbell

Maple-Bacon CuppyCake

I do enjoy a good cookie. While I am an equal opportunity cookie lover, I am partial to the thin and soft variety. CupCake FabuLous offers some amazing cookies. I had the pleasure of sampling Lemon Sugar, Bacon Chocolate Chip, Butterfinger, and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip. We all knew I would love the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip due to my reputation with pumpkin. However, even more so I enjoyed the Butterfinger which was a nice spin on a regular peanut butter and chocolate cookie. If you’re a “bacon in desserts” fan, you simply must have the Bacon Chocolate Chip cookie. This cookie does not skimp on bacon, which was a very nice surprise.

All of this deliciousness aside, I was enamored by their CuppyCakes (Home Made Twinkies). Seriously amazed. I tried a chocolate raspberry and maple bacon. I was expecting a cupcake that was just whimsically shaped like a Twinkie. However, the filling was on par with a Twinkie, but true to the flavors advertised and the cake was light and spongy. Putting it over the top is an added drizzle of frosting. Win-Win, yes?

My point is, while Dallas is full of walk up bakeries and cupcake shops, we have some hard working men and women who make these delivery only bakeries their life’s passion as well. I think it is time we branch out next time we want some baked goods and support delivery only Bakeries. Plus, don’t we secretly all want to just stay in our pajamas all day instead of actually getting dressed and picking them up ourselves?