Kupcakes & Co. New Summer Flavors & More!

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Crusader Jenn

Kupcakes & Co. (Elkridge, MD) is always experimenting and adding new things to their menu, especially seasonal and holiday flavors. While we missed their special Father’s Day flavors, like Jake & Coke and Old Bay & Sam Adams, we made sure to check out the summer flavors that are new this year. Specifically, the Strawberry Lime-a-Rita and Peach Margarita. Both of these contain a tiny bit of booze, so they are for the grown-ups, but we like it that way. Cocktail cupcakes with the right touch of liquor are so much more authentic!

Strawberry Lime-a-Rita

This cupcake features a strawberry cake brushed with tequila and topped with a keylime tequila buttercream. I love the added touch of the cupcake being rolled in sugar. We’ve tried Kupcakes & Co.’s strawberry cake and we’ve also had their key lime frosting (which has always been one of my favorites), but the two together, with the addition of tequila was new and I have to say, it’s a winner.

Peach Margarita

Since everything about this cupcake was new to me, it was the one I was most excited about. The cake has fresh peaches and is brushed with tequila, then topped with peach buttercream. I would have liked more tequila flavor coming through, but the fresh ingredients and moist cake still made this cupcake great.

Piña Colada

(Photo courtesy of Kupcakes & Co.)

The Piña Colada cupcake is considered a new summer flavor, however you may remember that we have seen this one before. Kupcakes & Co. ran a special “Happy Hour Cucpakes” back in 2012 and Piña Colada was on the menu. But we are happy to see it back for a little longer! This cupcake is filled with coconut and topped with piña colada icing, with an added piece of pineapple and cherry on top. My daughter saw this cupcake and it immediately became the “pirate cupcake” that she had to have. Luckily this summer flavor does NOT contain any rum or other liquor, so it can be enjoyed by the little ones. And it was. My daughter even ate the cake, which is a big deal! Normally I’m left with the remnants of a frosting-less cupcake.

French Macarons

(Macaron flavors pictured, from top to bottom: Lemon Blueberry, Neapolitan, and Vanilla Bean Berry)

With the full-time addition of Amanda Kupiec, who perfected her French Macaron recipes while attending the Culinary Institute of American (New York), Kupcakes & Co. is now offering macarons throughout the week. You can follow their Facebook page to see what innovative flavors they have.

The macarons are the perfect consistency, with a thin crunchy shell and soft and gooey center, filled with a complementing cream. They go fast and take time to replenish, so I recommend calling ahead of time if you have your heart set on grabbing some.

Do you have a favorite summer flavor that you’d like to try as a cupcake? Let us know!

– Posted by Cupcake Crusader, Jenn (Westminster, MD)

New Packaging & Fall Cupcakes From Kupcakes & Co.

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Crusader Jenn

As always, Kupcakes & Co. (Elkridge, MD) has new things happening, one of which is a change in packaging. In early September they announced they’d be shifting from their beautiful, black pastry boxes to the plastic cupcake containers, but that didn’t stop them from dressing the boxes up in true Kupcakes & Co. fashion. Tied with a black ribbon, the packaging still looks like a gift you can’t wait to open. Kupcakes & Co. made the decision to change with their customers in mind. Rising costs of their previous pastry boxes would have raised the price of their product, and they didn’t want that to happen.

Although many of us avoid plastic in striving to be more “green,” the Crusaders have some ideas on how to be more environmentally conscious in light of plastic cupcake containers. One of the things we do is reuse the containers. Unlike the cardboard boxes, which almost always end up with food stains and have to be thrown out, these containers can easily be rinsed in hot water and used again. Some other perks to the new boxes are that they travel better (great for the Crusaders, since we are always sharing) and they keep the cupcakes fresher (pastry boxes pull moisture from the cupcakes).

Even though Kupcakes & Co. is still making their new boxes look beautiful, I think we can all agree that what really matters is what’s INSIDE the box, right? Well, Kupcakes & Co. is also giving us new flavors to put in the new containers. So many that we can’t keep up! But here’s a sampling of some of the new flavors they are now offering:

Ginger Pear

When I heard about this flavor, I couldn’t wait. The combination piqued my interest from the start. My husband was lucky that I waited until he came home to share it. The aroma when pulling it out of the box was pure, sweet pear. On my first bite I got a generous amount of fresh baked pear, a crunch from nuts in the cake, and a hint of spice. This cupcake is, by far, the most unique “fall” flavor I’ve had (and one of the most successful creative flavors I’ve tried in a long time). Kupcakes & Co. topped their Ginger Pear cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, a perfect match. Together this cupcake was not too sweet and well-balanced.

Mocha Frappuccino

As an avid coffee lover, this was the other new flavor that I just couldn’t wait to get my taste buds on. I think I would have preferred more coffee flavor in the frosting, or maybe a dark chocolate buttercream, but that’s more of a personal preference since I’m not a huge milk chocolate buttercream fan. However, the cake was packed with frappe flavor that didn’t overwhelm or get lost in the chocolate

Pumpkin Cupcake

Crusader Stacy requested the Pumpkin cupcake, which I’ve had before, but this was her first time. She said that it was, “So good. I love pumpkin everything and this cupcake screamed fall. The cake was dense, like on most pumpkin cupcakes, but still really moist for two days later.” We can thank the moistness on the new container!

Maple Brownie Cupcake

Another new endeavor for Kupcakes & Co. has been brownies. We’ve mentioned before that the owner, Michelle’s, daughter is a student at CIA in NYC. After a summer of internships and helping out in the Kupcakes’ kitchen, Amanda shared a recipe that has been getting rave reviews (one of her mega-brownie creations was even featured in Howard Magazine). I was lucky to grab the LAST Maple Brownie cupcake (at 11am!). It was a great brownie topped with an amazing maple frosting, dressed up as our favorite…a cupcake!

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie

Okay, so it’s not a cupcake…and it’s large, more than enough for two people. But, this brownie has to be shared. My exact thoughts were, “I mean, seriously? Holy moly.” The brownie was rich and moist, with a lot of depth to the chocolate flavor, topped with a thin layer of chocolate buttercream, and then smothered in a heavenly mint chocolate frosting. You’d think that the brownie might get lost under all that frosting, but each holds its own. Together it was decadent, but not too sweet, and refreshing. The frosting was so light in texture that it was like biting into a cloud (if that was possible).

Brownie Batter – Boutique Flavor

Kupcakes & Co.’s “Boutique” flavors floor me every time. This cupcake tasted JUST like brownie batter! How is it even possible for a baked product to taste like batter? I just don’t know. I’ve said this about the Cookie Dough cupcake, but it’s like magic. The cake was baked with a fudge “batter” center and high quality dark chocolate chips. That all sunk to the bottom, but still added to the layer upon layer of chocolate flavor. If you are a chocolate lover (or brownie batter lover), you need to try this.

Some other new flavors hitting the Kupcakes & Co. menu are The Twist (a vanilla and chocolate combination cupcake topped with a Hershey Kiss), White Chocolate Espresso, and Beer & Pretzels (for Oktoberfest). I see another visit happening soon. Which flavor should we try for you?

– Posted by Cupcake Crusader, Jenn (Westminster, MD)

Kupcakes & Co.’s Grand Re-Opening: Unveiling Their Boutique Celebration Room

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Crusader Jenn

Just a little over a week ago, we mentioned that Kupcakes & Co. (Elkridge, MD) would be debuting their new Boutique Celebration Room during a Grand Re-Opening. This past Saturday, the Crusaders were there to show our support, sample some new items, and get the full scoop on what the new space looks like and has to offer.

Kupcakes & Co.’s Boutique Celebration Room has three large tables, plus buffet tables and benches along the walls for additional seating, with natural light pouring in from the front windows and small chandeliers (fit for a boutique) hanging from the ceiling. For now, the space will be available for adult parties only, with table settings, various food items, and staff provided for your event. Their brochure outlines some great options, ranging from the “Standard” (which provides the basics: 1 staff member and 1 cupcake per person, while you bring in the rest of your needs), to “Brunch” (which includes: 2 staff members, place settings, non-alcoholic drink options, and a selection of brunch offerings). On the day we visited, each table was set up with a different theme to give the guests an idea of how they could use the room:

Bridal Shower Brunch

The Bridal Shower table showcased the brunch offerings, which included cupcakes and cookies, ready to eat or take as party favors. Champagne or wine can be brought in by the host to add to the celebration!

(Close-up of the packaged cupcake and provided place settings.)

The brunch package would also be great for a baby shower, tea party, or small family reunion.

Cupcake Decorating Class

I think most of us can agree that an afternoon of eating and learning how to professionally decorate cupcakes sounds like a lot of fun. I was surprised to see that the guests don’t just decorate one cupcake each, but are given six! Kupcakes & Co. even provides a cupcake for nibbling on while you decorate, that way you aren’t too tempted to dig into your creations before showing them off to your friends and family.

(Close-up of the decorating techniques that will be taught and goodie-bag.)

When you book the Boutique Celebration Room for a decorating class, you not only take home six cupcakes, but also a goodie-bag filled with tools and decorations so you can continue to practice embellishing your own cupcakes at home.

Cupcakes & Cocktails

Cupcakes & Cocktails…the ultimate girls’ night! You bring the booze, and Kupcakes & Co. will provide everything else.

In addition to fabulous sweet treats, Kupcakes & Co. will also provide a selection of cheese, crackers, olives, bread, and mixers to pair with your drinks. I asked if they had any plans in the works for hosting their own Cupcakes & Cocktails night and it sounds like it is a possibility, so we’ll be sure to share any information we get on future events.

The Grand Re-Opening was also the perfect platform to debut a couple of new items. We Crusaders sampled EVERYTHING that was offered (would you expect any less from us?), some of which is tried and true, and some of which was new to us, like the Cinna-bon-bons. They were amazing. But the (non-cupcake) stand out for me was the new Bliss Bar.

Bliss Bar

Appropriately named, the Bliss Bar is a cereal bar, with marshmallow, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and white chocolate. It’s light in texture and yet still rich in flavor.

Pink Lemonade Cupcake
The Pink Lemonade cupcake also made its debut. I’m very excited about this cupcake for a couple of reasons. One, it is perfect for summer! And two, it will be making an appearance at my daughter’s second birthday party (there will also be a new combination, never before done by Kupcakes & Co., so you’ll have to look out for more to come on that next month!).

The Pink Lemonade cupcake is a lemon cake with extra zest and topped with a pink lemonade frosting, then sprinkled with lemonade crystals. It definitely has a different “zing” that a lemon cupcake. I only had a bite, but Stacy was able to elaborate, saying that the frosting was very sweet and tart. Maybe too sweet for her, because she couldn’t eat it all. However, the cake was perfectly pink and citrus-y. We both loved the simple, festive, and cute decorations.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcake
Earlier in the month, Kupcakes & Co. also added their summer seasonal cupcakes back on the menu. There was one we hadn’t tried, the Orange Creamsicle, so Crusader Stacy added it to her cupcake collection (she had also purchased the Pink Lemonade above, Peach Cobbler, and Key Lime).

Stacy really liked this cupcake and said it was, “much more subtle than the Pink Lemonade cupcake, with a nice orange flavor.” She added that the, “cream flavor balanced it really well.” Sounds like one that I need to try this summer!

If you’d like more information about the Boutique Celebration Room, you can visit Kupcakes & Co.’s website or Facebook page. They have more photos on their Facebook page, so you can see additional details of the beautiful decor. I’d love to host a tea party for my friends in the new space, with cheddar chive biscuits, scones, and biscotti. The tough decision would be: Which cupcake to serve?! If you could throw a party at a cupcake bakery, what type of party would you like to have?

– Posted by Cupcake Crusader, Jenn (Westminster, MD)

Kupcakes & Co. Always Doing New Things

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Crusader Jenn

(New limited time Boutique Cupcakes, including: Banana’s Foster, Rocky Road, and Moose Tracks.)

We visit and review Kupcakes & Co. a lot and one of the reasons is because they are always doing new things, adding new flavors, and increasing their offerings of baked goods. For example, their cheddr chive biscuits aret a brilliant idea! I recently stopped in to grab one as I was passing by in the morning because hadn’t eaten breakfast yet.

They open early and have been offering coffee and homemade biscotti for some time, but (tough as it may be) I might not have stopped in on this particular morning if I wasn’t able get something savory (because I was already on my way to pick up a dozen cupcakes…shocking, I know).

Kupcakes & Co. is what I would have already described as the best in a boutique cupcake experience. We’ve shown you pictures of their cute storefront, talked about how wonderful the customer service is, and shown you many photos of their beautiful cupcakes. And now they are taking it to the next level…They are opening a Boutique Celebration room, and I got the scoop and a sneak peek!

(Photo courtesy of Kupcakes & Co.)

The new space, adjacent to their storefront, will be available for parties of up to 24-30 guests. For now, they will focusing on adult events, such as bridal showers, but I suspect it will only be a matter of time before they host a cupcake party for a lucky little girl.

The Boutique Celebration room will be unveiled during a Grand Re-Opening event, on Saturday, June 8th from 10am-3pm. The party room will be fully decorated with all of the trimmings you’d expect (The owner, Michelle, also revealed to me that they have plans for a custom mural to be painted by a local artist). Of course you can’t have a Grand Re-Opening without cupcakes, so Kupcakes & Co. will be serving up free samples, new dessert items and will also have prizes and giveaways. The Crusaders will definitely be stopping by!

Some of the treats you might be able to sample are their new line of Boutique Cupcakes. We’ve been trying to review all of their Boutique Cupcakes, because they bring the ultimate in cupcake indulgence and are only offered for a limited time. We missed the last round, which was a pie theme (Key Lime, Coconut Cream, and Boston Cream), but couldn’t miss the latest: Banana’s Foster, Rocky Road, and Moose Tracks.

Banana’s Foster

I was expecting the Banana’s Foster cupcake to be my least favorite of the three, based strictly on appearance, but I should have known better. You can’t judge a book (or cupcake) by its cover, right? While it’s still a pretty cupcake, it didn’t seem to have the thrills (i.e. toppings) that the others had. Man, was I wrong! The banana cake was so moist and full of flavor, and the homemade caramel filling took the level of moistness up even higher. Paired with a light meringue frosting (love!), this cupcake had the perfect amount of sweetness.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road is hands down, my favorite ice cream flavor. While I was really excited about this cupcake, all in all it was my least favorite of the three because it was the most “expected.” The signature fluffy, moist chocolate cake was baked with walnuts and filled with marshmallow cream that oozed into the cake. That part was really amazing. The cupcake was then piled high with chocolate buttercream. I had to pull out a fork to eat this cupcake. If you love milk chocolate frosting, then this cupcake is made for you. It’s very rich, so keep a glass of milk nearby!

Moose Tracks

As soon as I heard the description of this cupcake, I knew it would be my husband’s favorite. It’s a vanilla cake stuffed with homemade fudge and a peanut butter cup and topped with chocolate peanut butter buttercream. If that’s not enough, it’s then also topped with another bit of fudge and a mini peanut butter cup. The fudge…oh the fudge! It’s like someone said, “I really love peanut butter chocolate fudge, and I’m going to add cake to that.” The cake was pretty much just a (delicious) vessel for the fudge. Even the frosting tasted like peanut butter chocolate fudge. My only note is that I didn’t detect the peanut butter cup on the inside, so maybe it melted in the baking process or my husband had it in his half? But really, it was still so amazing that I didn’t say to myself, “Hey, where’s the peanut butter cup?!”

Dark Chocolate Ganache Preakness Cupcake

This Dark Chocolate Ganache cupcake is on Kupcakes & Co. regular rotating menu, but they like to dress it up for special occasions. This particular one was for Preakness, but you can also see these pretty flowers on their Mother’s Day cupcakes and more. I had never tried the Dark Chocolate Ganache cupcake before, but being a big fan of dark chocolate, I’ve had my eye on it. As simple as it may have seemed (underneath the flower and sprinkles), especially compared to the Boutique Cupcakes, it wasn’t simple at all. The ganache was rich and cocoa-y without the extra sweetness of milk chocolate buttercream. And the chocolate cake, always moist and light, is perfect on its own.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Kupcakes & Co. yet, their Grand Re-Opening would be the perfect opportunity. Check out their website or Facebook page for more info, and maybe I’ll see you there!

– Posted by Cupcake Crusader, Jenn (Westminster, MD)

Cupcake Crusaders

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Tag Archives: Kupcakes

Kupcakes & Co. New Summer Flavors & More!

New Packaging & Fall Cupcakes From Kupcakes & Co.

Kupcakes & Co.’s Grand Re-Opening: Unveiling Their Boutique Celebration Room

Kupcakes & Co. Always Doing New Things