As a child, a cupcake was not just a treat, it was a necessity. The rainbow sprinkled frosting was the sinfully sweet prelude to the spongy, succulent cake underneath. Ah, I can still smell the delightful aroma that enveloped my mother’s kitchen. Now, more than 25 years later, my cupcake cravings have yet to cease.
Thankfully, there is The Cupcake Spot. This tiny bakery got its start in Tampa on South Dale Mabry Highway, but has become so popular with cupcake lovers like myself, that it has expanded to St. Petersburg. I couldn’t wait to pamper my taste buds at the bakery’s new location on Central Avenue in the historic downtown district. The bakery, quaint and charming, is snugly situated on the first floor of the old Snell Arcade building which dates back to 1926. Inside there are a few small tables, but not much else. The glass case stands proud, displaying rows of frosted splendor.
For $2.75 you can try a cupcake of your choice. A favorite at the bakery is the “Better Thans” cupcake. A decadent chocolate chip cupcake dressed with a cream cheese and chocolate chip icing. ”It just doesn’t get any better than that,” brags the bakery. The “Chocolate Elvis” was named after “The King’s” two favorite tastes, banana and peanut butter. This is a yummy banana cupcake frosted with a creamy peanut butter buttercream, then finished off with a drop of chocolate. The “Lemon Pucker” is perfect for a hot, summery day. Lemon cake covered with a blanket of vanilla or raspberry icing is sure to please. The icing is creamy, light and perfectly swirled. For the girl scout in you, the “S’mores” cupcake is a perfect choice and you don’t even need a campfire. “Berry Squared” is a real crowd pleasing cupcake. The bakery uses their signature strawberry cake, frosted with raspberry cream cheese icing. Nirvana for my palate! The “Shirley Temple” reminds me of the cupcakes my mother used to bake. Innocent vanilla cake topped with scrumptious chocolate icing. Simple, sweet, nostalgic. ”The Cuppy” is the bakery’s signature cupcake, named after their adorable, little mascot. Cuppy is a smiling cupcake with legs and arms that sometimes even dances on the bakery’s website. This cute dessert looks like he could’ve starred in the 1950s drive-in intermission classic, “Let’s All Go to the Lobby.” The actual cupcake is made with the bakery’s popular strawberry cake, is frosted with real vanilla bean buttercream and then topped off with a sour cherry ball. Oh, how sweet it is!
The Cupcake Spot also features a “flavor of the month” cupcake. In addition, the bakery can arrange speciality orders for corporate events, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, get-well wishes and for weddings. Brides-to-be are choosing unique tiered cupcake arrangements instead of the more traditional wedding cake.
So next time your sweet tooth starts aching, take a trip over to The Cupcake Spot. Walking into the bakery is like taking a trip back to childhood, except there is nothing bittersweet about it.
The Cupcake Spot Locations:
2401 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite B, Tampa, FL 33629 Phone: 813-258-3111
405 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-825-0572
Prices:
$2.75 for a single
$15.50 for a 1/2 dozen
$30.00 for a full dozen
For more details, please visit The Cupcake Spot’s website at www.thecupcakespotinc.com
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