Cupcake ATM and much more at Sprinkles

By Guest Blogger Sarah Hawthorne

Wouldn't it be great if, with a push of a button, you could get a freshly-made gourmet cupcake any time of day or night? Ten years ago, you might have thought this type of machine was only available to The Jetsons, but today it's a reality at Sprinkles, the newest addition to the Disney Springs family. 

This is the nation's 20th cupcake ATM, offering all of Sprinkle's cupcake flavors made fresh to order, along with their dog-friendly cupcakes (not for human consumption). The cupcakes are $3.95 for mini-cupcakes (offered in four traditional flavors) and $4.95 for full-size.

Touted as the first cupcake bakery by the Food Network, Sprinkles is much more than a cupcake ATM. Open 10 a.m. to midnight, the beautiful shop has dozens of cupcake flavors, including Banana Peanut Butter, Cuban Coffee, Sprinkles, Dark Chocolate and Red Velvet. Additional offerings include sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan cupcakes; ice cream (Cap n Crunch was my fave); cookies and a cupcake decorating center. 

But what you really want to know is, "How do they taste?" Simply amazing. Personally, I'm not a huge cupcake fan. A mini cupcake is usually all I can handle, before I lunge for a glass of milk. What sets them apart from every other cupcake bake shop is balance and quality ingredients. First, their flavors taste exactly how they should. You aren't getting a typical overly-sweetened, artificially-flavored cupcake. Sprinkles gives you something more like a moist, natural, perfectly-sweetened muffin. 

Second, the icing complements the cupcake without overpowering the other flavors and again, it is creamy and flavorful - not overly-sweetened. At Sprinkles, I never bothered to check their menu for milk. I am a huge ice cream fan and I did find their ice cream to be on the sweeter side. So, if you do prefer a sweeter flavor, I recommend their sundae. It is a cupcake with the top cut off and ice cream put in the middle for between $5.50 and $9.95.

According to one of the super friendly employees, Grace, the cupcakes will last approximately two days and should not be refrigerated. Her favorite flavor is Red Velvet with Red cupcake with Red Velvet ice cream. Sprinkles will offer seasonal flavors such as Key Lime and Gingerbread.

One of the biggest selling points for sprinkles is their rewards program, which steps up the rewards for frequency. When you sign up in-store or online, you immediately receive a free cupcake and you receive points for every cupcake you buy. The more cupcakes you buy in a year, the more points you earn per purchase and even bigger rewards for the following year. You also get a free cupcake on your birthday!

Top 3 Sweet Gifts for Valentine's Day

There are plenty of amazing Central Florida restaurants and bake shops where you can eat incredible desserts. But do you know where you can find unique sweet treats for your love? 

Here are our top picks for best sweet gifts for Valentine's Day in the Orlando area:

1. Le Macaron Melbourne. The shop not only has the most delicious macarons, but is also a great place for you to pick up high quality chocolates (with heart and lip shapes) for your significant other. 

2. Babycakes Arrangements. This company makes custom cupcake bouquets - which look like real flower arrangements! -  along with custom cookies, cake pops, cakes and more. I know I would rather receive a scrumptious edible bouquet than real flowers!

3. Peterbrooke Chocolatier. Like Babycakes Arrangements, I like that Peterbrooke makes all sorts of custom chocolates. Would you like your love's name in chocolate? They can make it. Is your wife a shoe lover? They can make chocolate heels that look like the real thing. Also be sure to try their Chocolate-Covered Bacon and Chocolate-Covered Oreos.

Have you tried these desserts? If so, let us know your review in the comments section below. Which sweet shops should we add to the list?

New favorite cupcake shop: Jillycakes

I am sorry I have waited this long to try Jillycakes, in the same shopping plaza as Trader Joe's in Winter Park. In the past, I deemed Sweet by Holly to have the best cupcakes in Orlando. These are on the same level. I was so impressed by the light, fluffy, flavorful cake and the tasty icing. it is rare that a cupcake baker gets both things right at once, and Jillycakes definitely does that. 

What I was most impressed by was that the flavor of the cake and icing tasted exactly like what the bakery promises. The Cherry Cola cupcake is spot-on like the soft drink - and of course the cola is included in the cupcake batter. Yummy. Our

favorite cupcake, though, was one of the bakery's most popular: Speculoos Cookie Butter. You get the cinnamony, nutty flavor of Trader Joe's cookie butter in both the icing and the cake. Inside the cupcake is some actual cookie butter and the cupcake is topped with one of the Speculoos cookies.

Another great thing about visiting Jillycakes is its location. In the same plaza with Trader Joe's and Shake Shack, you can eat a yummy dinner, and then enjoy cupcakes outside by the lake. And, of course, pick up your gourmet treats at Trader Joe's after.

Where: 125 N. Atlantic Ave., #5, Winter Park. Fla.

  

Yes, You Can Eat These Flowering Cupcakes!

I have found delicious new cupcakes in Central Florida! Baker Jamie Hyman is creating gorgeous centerpieces with a myriad of cupcake flavors. I am here to tell you that they don't just look pretty. They are also some of the best cupcakes I have ever eaten. I was lucky enough to be invited to a tasting of some of Babycakes Arrangements' treats this weekend. The cupcake itself is so light and moist. The frosting is also light and delicious. Not like many fake-tasting frostings. What more can you ask for in a cupcake?

While she has been baking cakes and cupcakes for friends and events for years, Hyman just recently made Babycakes a full-time business. And I'm so glad she did. She is offering something different than any other cupcake shop, with her beautiful centerpiece displays that can be

used for weddings, birthdays and other events. She makes all sorts of custom cupcakes, such as one for a couple who wanted a gender reveal. The baby's gender was hidden in little cake balls inside the cupcakes!

To put in your order for Valentine's Day - or just to satisfy your sweet tooth - call Babycakes at 321-277-4549 or visit www.babycakesarrangements.com. Your cupcakes will be delivered to your door!

New fall flavors at Yum Yum Cupcake Truck

Oh Yum Yum Cupcake Truck. How I have missed you. I have been craving cupcakes, but you are rarely in my area of town. Finally, I found you at Food Truck Bazaar in Lake Mary on October 1, along with some other great trucks and vendors. Unlike some other food truck events, the monthly Lake Mary event features a handful of food trucks and tons of local artists, jewelry makers, and other neat vendors. The beautiful park by Lake Mary City Hall is a great, relaxing setting to enjoy the food and the art.

Now, back to the cupcakes: as usual with Yum Yum, there were some hits and misses with the new fall flavors and other cupcakes. While we couldn't get enough of the El Churro (with its crispy, cinnamony, sugar exterior and delicious frosting), the Pumpkin Gingy cupcake fell short. While it had a delicous cream cheese frosting, the cupcake batter had a hint of baking soda or something slightly off. Otherwise, it was moist. I had been craving pumpkin treats, and was looking forward to the perfect bite.

The new Hootenanny Harvest Apple cupcake is pretty good. You get a hint of sour apple with real apple filing in the middle. The Chocolate on Chocolate is good, but again the batter tastes slightly of baking soda. There were lots of other good food trucks to try - such as Baja Grill - but unfortunately, I have food allergies and didn't see items I could eat.

All in all, I had a wonderful experience at the Food Truck Bazaar, and can't wait for the next big one: October 12 at Fashion Square Mall!

4 Rivers' Sweet Shop Takes the Cake

So many of Flavorful Excursions' readers love 4 Rivers Smokehouse for its amazing barbecue (including St. Louis style ribs and brisket sandwiches), but have you tried the restaurant's desserts? You really should. There is something at 4 Rivers Sweet Shop for everyone!

If you are into cupcakes, Sweet Shop has more than 10 varieties daily, including oustanding, unique flavors such as Mountain Dew, Junkfood, Earthquake and the popular Birthday Cake. The shop also features a number of cakes, such as Red Velvet and Carrot Cake. S'Mores Brownies, Chocolate Mint Covered Oreos, and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie sandwiches also make the list. 

Still, I have not even begun listing the ice cream flavors and desserts available, since I simply could not try all the desserts there in one visit! When I recently visited the Longwood location (which is very convenient, since it is right off of I-4 on 434), I tried a few of the house-made bars because the flavors sounded so unique and delectable. The Texas Bourbon Pecan Pie did not disappoint. I really got the strong flavors of bourbon in the not-too-sweet fillng, along with a wonderful crust and toasted pecans. This bar is one of my new favorite desserts. 

Texas Bourbon Pecan Pie

I also loved the Peanut Butter Kiss bar. It tasted exactly like the name and the flavors work perfectly together. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar tastes exactly like a sweeter version of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Again, it is not too sweet and all the flowers fit together perfectly. I really have no complaints about my first visit to the 4 Rivers Sweet Shop, and can't wait to go back. Which desserts should I try next?

Where: Inside 4 Rivers' Winter Park, Longwood, and Jacksonville locations

Gigi's Cupcakes Orlando Overrated

I have been dying to try Gigi's Cupcakes since the chain expanded to Orlando a few short months ago. The gourmet cupcakes look so delectable on the brand's Facebook page and a friend has recommended Gigi's gluten-free cupcakes.

I tried three of Gigl's cupcakes and one if its many cheesecakes. First to the cupcakes: I tried Wedding Cake first (the gluten-free version) because it is one of the chain's top sellers. I am not sure why. They have so many more interesting flavors, such as Blueberry Lavendar and Margarita. The cupcake was good and moist - just not different and interesting. However, the overly sweet, artificial-tasting frosting turned me off. Especially when it is piled high on the cupcake. Although Gigi's cupcake frosting looks beautiful in photos, you only need a third of it with each cupcake.

The gluten-free cake was so light and fluffy, but still had a bit of the grit that gluten-free baked goods sometimes have. Even though they are denser, I prefer Raphsodic Cooperative Bakery's gluten-free cupcakes.

Gigi's Pina Colada cupcake's frosting and cake was more interesting. Still, there was way too

much frosting on top. Likewise, the White Midnight Magic cupcake was very yummy, but we don't need all that sweet frosting. Overall, I much prefer the gourmet cupcakes from Sweet! by Holly in Waterford Lakes and Jacksonville. At Sweet!, I love the cake itself, the frosting, and the interesting crusts and fillings that many of the cupcakes feature.

But wait, there is one piece of good news: Gigi's Turtle Cheesecake is amazing. I love the tangy New York-style of cheesecake that is both flavorful and moist. The caramel frosting on top with mini chocolate chips is one of the best frostings I have had. When you go to Gigi's, stick with the cheesecakes.

If you have visited Gigi's, do you agree with my review? Please comment below.

Where:  2562 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, Fla.

Win the Best Cupcakes in Orlando

After sampling cupcakes from various shops and food trucks in Orlando, I am convinced that Sweet! by Holly in Oviedo has the best cupcakes - and some of the most unique flavors - in town. That is why Flavorful Excursions is featuring Sweet! cupcakes in our Facebook contest this week. Enter by midnight on Feb. 28 at www.facebook.com/flavorfulexcursions to win a dozen mini-cupcakes from Sweet! 

Here are the reasons I like Sweet! cupcakes so much. First, you can choose from more than 30 different flavors, including three delicious gluten-free options: Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Buttercream, Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream and Red Velvet with White Chocolate Buttercream. Some of the other delicious flavors are: S'mores (with graham crackers crust!), Tiramisu, Heath Bar, White Raspberry, and Carrot. Many of the cupcakes include special fillings and crusts, so they offer a nice surprise when you bite into them.

One of my favorite Sweet! cupcakes is the Dulce de Leche, which is made with spiced cake, dulce buttercream, and a dulce caramel filling. If you are a caramel lover like myself, then this is the one for you. The Toasted Coconut also sports a delicious frosting and coconut filling inside the moist coconut cake. The Black Out (dark chocolate cake and frosting) and the Creamsicle cupcakes are also almong the favorites I have tried there so far. There are so many more for me to try! What is your favorite flavor?

Tip: Every Monday, Sweet!'s mini-cupcakes are only $1 each!

Where: 711 North Alafaya Trail, Orlando

Delicious Cupcakes....For a Great Cause

A new dessert truck is on the roll in Central Florida! The All Things Sweet www.allthingssweetorlando.org by O.U.R. Mission began serving delicious cupcakes at spots around Orlando three months ago.  

I love how this truck helps give the homeless opportunities for job growth. The cupcake truck is an extension of the the Orlando Union Rescue Mission's baking program, which teaches homeless men and women baking and cake decorating in an extensive nine to 12-month program.

Have you tried the cupcakes yet? Let me know your review. I can't wait to try the Salted Caramel and the Three Day Cruise, which is pineapple coconut cake topped with a blue coconut buttercream wave and a sugar surfboard.

If you work near downtown Orlando, you are in luck! The truck is often at City Hall or SAIC during the week. To find out where the All Things Sweet truck will be next, follow the truck on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThingsSweetOrlando?fref=ts

What's Good About Sweet! Cupcakes

Unique flavors. Yummy icings. Moist cake. What else do you need in a cupcake? Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly - a cupcake shop in Oviedo and Jacksonville, Fla. - delivers all this. Many people tell me that Sweet! has the best cupcakes in town. I am not sure I agree, but it is definitely at the top of my list.

I have been dying to try them out for myself, ever since I saw Miss Holly - Hollis Wilder - win an episode of Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. I was impressed when she won with delicious vegan cupcakes, while competing with bakers who prepared traditional cupcakes. I was looking forward to trying out some of her vegan cupcakes on a recent visit to Sweet!, but was unable to. I didn't realize those have to be ordered in advance.

However, I got to try out many other popular flavors at Sweet!s Oviedo location. The staff behind the counter said that Cookies n' Cream and Red Velvet were the shop's most popular flavors. So, I tried those, along with: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Black Out, S'mores, Creamsicle, and Toasted Coconut. The Toasted Coconut was nearly perfect - with a delicious frosting, moist cake, and coconut filling. To be picky, the cake batter had a bit of a baking soda taste, but was very minor. Chocolate Peanut Butter was not as good as I expected, but the S'Mores and Black Out (dark chocolate cake and frosting) were. Creamsicle and Toasted Coconut were probably my favorites, but I can also see why Cookies n' Cream and Red Velvet are the biggest sellers. That Red Velvet icing was delicious!

I like the fact that Sweet! sells mini cupcakes, along with regular-sized ones, so you can try a few different flavors and not feel stuffed. However, the minis are priced at four for $6. This reminds me of a general gripe that I have with gourmet cupcakes: the price. At Orlando's cupcake shops and food trucks, you pay between $2.00 and $2.50 per cupcake. That just seems too steep to me.

Back to what I like about Sweet!. In addition to cupcakes, there is a variety of self-serve frozen yogurts and a bar with tons of different toppings. This is such a fun place to take kids for a treat. And, there are so many different cupcake flavors to choose from - 30 to be exact - that you should be able to try a new one every time you visit. Overall, I would highly recommend Sweet!'s moist, delicious cupcakes topped by spot-on icings. Which flavors are your favorite?

Where: Waterford Lakes Town Center, 711 North Alafaya Trail, Orlando.