While cupcakes were once all the rage (remember when they were the wedding dessert of choice?), in the past few years they have taken somewhat of a backseat to macaroons, freakshakes, and other hybrid baked treats. However, if the cupcakes being baked around the UK are anything to go by, they are more irresistible than ever. To celebrate national cupcake week, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the crème de la crème. So satisfy your sweet cravings with our guide to the very best cupcakes in the UK.
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London has a lot of truly terrific cupcakes to gorge on, but Crumbs and Dollies, nestled in the heart of Soho, is definitely a standout. Baked fresh to order, and dedicated to using only the finest available ingredients, this bespoke bakery is producing some of the city’s most delicious and picturesque cupcakes. While their classics include vanilla and salted caramel pretzel, make sure to also try one of their inventive specials, with flavours such as blueberry cheesecake, Eton Mess, and the glorious PB&J. Don’t even get us started on the frosting! Open every day of the week, and with branches now popping up all over the city, Crumbs and Doilies is the place to get your cupcake fix.
Crumbs and Doilies can be found at 1 Kingly Court, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Angel Food Bakery, Brighton
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The original Brighton cupcake shop, Angel Food Bakery is serving some of the best cupcakes on the coast. Located in the heart of The Lanes, this cute café serves an extensive range of killer cupcakes (the seasonal Cherry Bakewell is to die for) made using only the freshest ingredients. Light and fluffy, the cakes come in gluten free and vegan varieties, while adorable babycakes and giant cupcakes (which serve up to 25 people - or one very hungry individual) are available to order. For keen bakers and cupcake enthusiasts, Angel Food also offers a range of personalised classes to enjoy in the comfort of your own home, or at a designated venue.
Angel Food Bakery can be found at 12 Market St, Brighton, BN1 1HH
Ahh Toots, Bristol
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Anyone who has walked by this St Nick’s staple will no doubt have stopped to marvel at the artistic cakes on display. The stunning, edible works of art clearly have something to do with why the cakery is considered one of Bristol’s best. And while their cakes are excellent, Ahh Toots also bakes equally superb (and beautiful) cupcakes. Better yet, the cupcakes taste as good as they look, with a range of tantalizing flavours, including the always-popular red velvet, and the slightly more exotic piña colada. For those with dietary requirements, but a penchant for cupcakes, fear not! The bakery has a range of vegan, gluten and dairy free options available as well. Paired with a cup of Ahh Toots’ excellent coffee, these cupcakes are worth travelling for.
Ahh Toots can be found at 4-8 Glass Arcade, Bristol BS1 1LJ
Hey Little Cupcake!, Manchester
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For the cupcake lovers up North, Manchester’s Hey Little Cupcake! has you covered. In addition to their signature flavours, inspired by cities and countries around the world ("Manchester’s Mint", "La Paris" and "Viva Las Vegas"), the bakery is producing some very Instagram friendly unicorn and mermaid creations. Personalised cupcakes are also available to order, both for private and corporate events, and for those looking for a different take on the traditional wedding cake, the bakery produces some truly incredible ‘cupcake towers.’ Of course, one shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try their signature Cupcake Afternoon Tea, which includes cupcake shaped finger sandwiches, and mini cupcakes.
Hey Little Cupcake! can be found at Little Quay Street, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HF
Cuckoo’s Bakery, Edinburgh
Image credit: Total Food Geeks Edinburgh
Scotland isn’t just the home of haggis and deep fried Mars bars. For those craving something sweeter, head to Cuckoo’s Bakery. Baked from scratch each day using local ingredients, this quirky Scottish bakery is whipping up some of the freshest and tastiest cupcakes in Edinburgh. With a range of traditional and exotic flavours, and weekly specials including a mystery cupcake, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, if you only sample one cupcake, make sure it’s the classic white chocolate and raspberry, which was awarded ‘best individual cake in Scotland’ by the Scottish Bakers Association for two years running!
Cuckoo’s Bakery can be found at 150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5DQ