November Specials from SusieCakes Bakery

I follow lots of bakeries on Instagram (@elisewallace). Which is a bad thing most of the time because it makes me want cupcakes, cookies, and cakes all the time!

Last week SusieCakes posted their November specials on Instagram and they sound delicious! I absolutely love their pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I've never tried their pumpkin cheesecake or pumpkin bread pudding, but I can only imagine they are divine too.

What is your favorite item from SusieCakes? I love anything that has frosting on it and their chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

OC Register's Best of OC 2013

I have a love-hate relationship with the Best of OC survey from the Orange County Register. This yearly survey supposedly tells what the Best (blank) in Orange County is. Sadly, it's more of a popularity contest. Here's what I mean, Best Chinese Food: PF Chang's. 2nd place for Best Sandwish: Subway. The people of Orange County just don't venture out much. But I feel obligated to report on the cupcake shops that Orange County voted the best in 2013. So here they are!

First Place: Sprinkles Cupcakes

It's hard to compete with such a large, well-known brand. But it's even harder to compete with Sprinkles when they are so good. Along with their great tasting cupcakes, Sprinkles gives you the experience of a gourmet cupcake. They makes their cupcakes feel special and well worth the price tag of $3.25. One thing I really like about Sprinkles is, along with the dozen or so flavors they offer daily, they sell different holiday and season-themed cupcakes throughout the year. I'm looking forward to eating a Pumpkin Cupcake available October 31-November 30.

Second Place: Casey's Cupcakes

I recently reviewed Casey's Cupcakes for the first time. Although I only tried one flavor, it was superb. The whole experience was pretty cool, from the sweet shop to the packaging. I can't wait to go back and try more of their flavors. I have heard they are hit and miss with flavors, but I'm willing to take a chance.

Third Place: SusieCakes

I've proclaimed SusieCakes as one of my favorite cupcake shops. They offer very simple, very delicious cupcakes. My favorite part about their cupcakes is the dollop of frosting hidden in the middle of the cupcake. Yum! Their cupcakes sell for $3.00 each. SusieCakes doesn't just sell cupcakes though, they have many other delicious desserts too. I love their chocolate chip cookies and have been eyeing all of their cakes for a while. You won't be disappointed!

Critic's Choice: Frostings
I reviewed Frostings when they first opened in 2009. Since then, the owners have parted ways and what's left is Frostings and The Cupcake Store. I haven't been back to Frostings since my first review, but I have tried a few of their cupcakes at various cupcake contests. They are a little off-putting to me because of the gigantic amount of frosting they have piled on top of their cupcakes. It's just so overwhelming and sweet. Maybe they are due a re-visit since a lot has changed in the past four years.

One Last Royal Baby Post

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I'm not a royal family buff, but I have loved seeing so many cupcake shops celebrate the birth of the royal baby with special cupcakes. People Magazine delivered this issue of the magazine, along with royal cupcakes from SusieCakes, to my husband. The flag cupcake was red velvet and the royal blue cupcake was vanilla. 

It's been awhile since I've eaten a cupcake from SusieCakes and I instantly remembered why they are one of my favorite shops. That frosting was sooooo wonderful! But the blue frosting?....well, let's just say my teeth were blue for a few hours :)

SusieCakes Celebrates Dog Days of Summer with Free Cupcakes

For the month of August, SusieCakes is hosting the Dog Days of Summer promotion to support National Dog Shelter Day. When customers donate a dog accessory (dog toy, bag of dog treats, dog bed, leash, collar, etc.), they will receive 2-for-1 cupcakes. 

This offer is good at all SusieCakes locations for the entire month of August. Also, the offer is limited to two dozen cupcakes. On August 26, SusieCakes will take all donations to local shelters. Yay SusieCakes for supporting dogs!

#11 on My Top 10 Cupcakes of All Time

At the end of 2010 I compiled my list of my Top 10 Cupcakes of All Time. Since then, I've visited and reviewed so many great cupcake shops. Several of these have earned a spot on my list, so I needed to update my list of favorites. The problem is that I couldn't just pick 10, so here's my list of the Top 11 Cupcakes of All Time.

I constantly get asked, "where can I find the best cupcakes?". Wow, it's just so hard to narrow it down because I've tasted so many delicious cupcakes. You can check out all of my reviews under the tab "Cupcake Reviews." But I think it's time to reveal my updated list for The Cupcake Activist's Top 10 Cupcakes of All Time! This list is constantly changing, as there are so many cupcakes I have yet to try.

#11

CUPCAKE SHOP: SusieCakes

LOCATION: Newport Beach, CA (other locations throughout CA)

FAVORITE FLAVOR: Ginger Spice




If you ask me where to find a great cupcake in Orange County, my first response is always: SusieCakes. SusieCakes was one of the first cupcake shops I reviewed and they have remained a favorite ever since. Their cupcakes are simple but delicious. Of course my favorite flavor has to be a flavor they only offer during the fall. Besides cupcakes, SusieCakes also offers a variety of other baked goods, such as cookies, whoopie pies, bars, and cakes. They have one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever tasted. I had to keep them on my list, so they became my #11. You can read my full review here.

SusieCakes October Specials

I love fall because it's the start of holiday baking! SusieCakes is offering some delicious treats during the month of October.

Pumpkin Maple Cupcakes
Apple Crumble Pie
Caramel Apple Cake
Frosted Sugar Cookies (Candy Corn, Ghosts, Spider Webs, Pumpkins)
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rice Crispy Treats
Praline Sweet Pie
Pumpkin Pie

SusieCakes also has a few other announcements. First, they now offer online ordering for store pick-up or local delivery.

Second, you can send free cupcakes to four friends by becoming a Facebook fan. I'm never used the OnMe program before, but it's telling me that each of my four friends can bring in the coupon to redeem for 3 free cupcakes. Pretty awesome!

Last, SusieCakes is offering fall baking classes at each of their six locations. Learn pie baking basics for $75.

OC Register Names "The Best of Orange County"

Each year the Orange County Register puts out a publication called "The Best of Orange County." It is derived from a survey where residents of Orange County vote for the "Best (blank) in Orange County." The publication was delivered today and of course the first category I looked at was "Best Cupcakes." For the most part, I can agree with the masses.

First Place: Sprinkles Cupcakes

It's hard to compete with such a large, well-known brand. But it's even harder to compete with Sprinkles when they are so good. Along with their great tasting cupcakes, Sprinkles gives you the experience of a gourmet cupcake. They makes their cupcakes feel special and well worth the price tag of $3.25. One thing I really like about Sprinkles is, along with the dozen or so flavors they offer daily, they sell different holiday and season-themed cupcakes throughout the year. I'm looking forward to trying their Caramel Apple available October 7-31.

Second Place: The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

This shop was bound to be successful with the popularity of the revamped Old Town Orange Circle. The Perfect Circle has become my local shop, as it is only blocks from my house. I love the cream cheese frosting that is present on top of the red velvet, pumpkin, and banana cupcakes. The owner has appeared on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars twice and even grabbed a win the second time. Mixed reviews from readers and reviewers have left me surprised that The Perfect Circle was one of the top cupcake shops in Orange County. Bad customer service and dry cake don't seem to be holding down The Perfect Circle's popularity. Cupcakes are $3.25 each and run out quickly, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Third Place: SusieCakes

I've proclaimed SusieCakes as one of my favorite cupcake shops. They offer very simple, very delicious cupcakes. My favorite part about their cupcakes is the dollop of frosting hidden in the middle of the cupcake. Yum! Their cupcakes sell for $3.00 each. SusieCakes doesn't just sell cupcakes though, they have many other delicious desserts too. I love their chocolate chip cookies and have been eyeing all of their cakes for a while. You won't be disappointed!

Critic's Choice: Meringue Bake Shop

I can honestly say that cupcakes from Meringue Bake Shop are my favorites in Orange County! From the time I reviewed Meringue over 2-1/2 years ago until now, her cupcakes just keep getting better. Meringue Bake Shop currently sells her cupcakes at the Great Park Farmer's Market on Sunday and through direct order. Meringue has differentiated herself by introducing the world to Push Cakes. These delicious treats are modeled after a childhood candy called PushPops and are out of this world! My dream is that Meringue Bake Shop will open it's door at a real shop so I can eat her delicious cupcakes any day of the week!

Baking Classes at SusieCakes

SusieCakes is offering two baking classes in the month of January at each of their six locations. You can attend the Cupcake Decoration Class or Layer Cake Decorating Class.

Cupcake Decoration Class
Guest will learn how to color buttercream, work with decoration techniques (flowers, dots, patterns) & inscriptions.
$65 (guest takes home 1 dozen cupcakes, a $36 value)

Layer Cake Decoration Class
Guest will learn how to build, frost, and decorate a layer cake
$85 (guest takes home 9" cake, a $46 value)

Limited availability. The Newport Beach classes take place on January 8 5-6:30pm (Cake Class) and January 22 5-6:30pm (Cupcake Class).

My Top 10 Cupcakes of All Time: #3

The list continues...

I constantly get asked, "where can I find the best cupcakes?". Wow, it's just so hard to narrow it down because I've tasted so many delicious cupcakes. You can check out all of my reviews under the tab "Cupcake Reviews." But I think it's time to reveal the list for The Cupcake Activist's Top 10 Cupcakes of All Time! I'm sure this list will be ever-changing, as there are so many cupcakes I have yet to try. Enjoy the remainder of 2010!

#3

CUPCAKE SHOP: SusieCakes

LOCATION: Newport Beach, CA (other locations throughout CA)

FAVORITE FLAVOR: Ginger Spice




If you ask me where to find a great cupcake in Orange County, my first response is always: SusieCakes. SusieCakes was one of the first cupcake shops I reviewed and they have remained a favorite ever since. Their cupcakes are simple but delicious. Of course my favorite flavor has to be a flavor they only offer during this time of year. Besides cupcakes, SusieCakes also offers a variety of other baked goods, such as cookies, whoopie pies, bars, and cakes. They have one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever tasted. You can read my full review here.

The Best of Orange County 2010

Each year the Orange County Register puts out a publication called "The Best of Orange County." It is derived from a survey where residents of Orange County vote for the Best (blank) in Orange County. The publication was delivered today and of course the first category I looked at was "Best Cupcakes." For the first time ever, I am happy with the results.

First Place: Sprinkles Cupcakes

It's hard to compete with such a large brand. But it's even harder to compete with Sprinkles when they are so good. Along with their great tasting cupcakes, Sprinkles gives you the experience of a gourmet cupcake. They make their cupcakes feel special and well worth the price tag of $3.25. One thing I really like about Sprinkles is along with the dozen or so flavors they offer every day, they sell different holiday and season-themed cupcakes throughout the year. I can't wait to try their Salty Caramel available November 5-14.

Second Place: Susiecakes

I've proclaimed Susiecakes as one of my favorite cupcake shops. They offer very simple, very delicious cupcakes. My favorite part about their cupcakes is the dallop of frosting hidden in the middle of the cupcake. Yum! Their cupcakes sell for $3.00 each. Susiecakes doesn't just sell cupcakes, they have many other delicious desserts too. I love their chocolate chip cookies and have been eyeing all of their cakes for a while. You won't be disappointed!

Third Place: Divine Desserts

I'm so happy that they made it on the list. Divine Desserts sells great cupcakes and deserves to be recognized for that. I got the grand tour of Divine Desserts last year. I was blown away by their flavors, their service, their presentation, and of course their taste. My favorite cupcake of the day: Red Velvet. I know this is cliche, but there's something special about Divine Desserts' Red Velvet. They wouldn't tell me what it was, you will just have to try it yourself. Their cupcakes sell for $3.00 each.

Although I have viewed "The Best of Orange County" publication as useless in the past, I am very satisfied with the results. It was hard to take a publication serious that named The Olive Garden as Best Italian Restaurant. Maybe Orange County is starting to get it though. You can view all of the results of "The Best of Orange County" here. Tell me if you agree or disagree with any of the picks.

Time for Apples!

I am a HUGE apple lover. I seriously eat an apple every day at lunch. My favorite kind are Pink Ladies.

Apples are synonymous with the month of September. So it seems appropriate that the flavor of the month at SusieCakes is apple. Their offerings include:

Apple Spice Cupcake with cream cheese frosting
Double Crust Apple Pie
Sourcream Apple Cheesecake

September also means the start of the school year. SusieCakes is offering a School "Snack Pack": two mini chocolate chip cookies bagged & ready for the lunchbox.

Kids K-8 can get a free cookie or cupcake by bringing in an assignment with an "A." Available for the whole month of September.

SusieCakes' Mother's Day Treats

Let's face it. Although moms always say they don't want anything for Mother's Day, you know you can't get away without getting her something. How about a treat or two from SusieCakes? This month they are featuring treats in honor of moms by using peanut butter and jelly. Here's what they have to offer:

PB&J Cupcakes: jelly-swirled vanilla cupcake filled with a dollop of grape jelly and topped with peanut butter buttercream frosting. Yum!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Pie: creamy peanut butter filling in chocolate ganache layered graham crust, topped with fresh whipped cream and salted peanuts

Jam Bars: shortbread crust with raspberry preserves and crumble topping

Peanut Butter Pops: peanut butter buttercream dipped in dark chocolate and colored non-perils

Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake: graham crack crust and sour cream topping

Susie's Nutty Cookies: peanut butter buttercream sandwiched between two peanut butter cookies

Razzleberry Pie: strawberries, cherries, and raspberries baked inside flaky crust

Heart-shaped Red Velvet Cake: inscribed with Happy Mother's Day

SusieCakes Offers Cupcake Decorating Classes

During the month of April, SusieCakes is offering cupcake decorating classes at three of their locations. The class is $75 and you get to take home the dozen cupcakes that you design. Call the bakeries directly to book your spot.

Brentwood - April 10
Newport Beach - April 17
Calabasas - April 24

SusieCakes gives Free Cupcakes to Youth Sports Players

 

Starting April 5 and continuing through the month of April, SusieCake will be giving out free cupcakes to kids 12 and younger who wear their sports uniform into the bakery. The kids will be able to pick their favorite frosting-filled cupcake, which they can top with a sports-themed decoration. According to the press release, founder and owner Sarah Sarich said, "I hope this is something both little sports stars and parents alike can look forward to as a fun, rewarding post-game activity." I'll use any excuse to visit SusieCakes.

New Cupcake Shop Openings

It's always exciting to hear about new cupcake shops opening, especially when they are close to home. See where two of my favorite shops are expanding to and where the newest cupcake shop in southern California will be.

Photo: SusieCakes

SusieCakes has opened a new bakery in northern California, Greenbrae to be exact. The new bakery is having a grand opening party on Saturday, January 23 from 11am-4pm. There will be prizes, sample, face-painting, ballon artist, and music. SusieCakes in Greenbrae will also be doing a Golden Ticket Contest, similar to the contest they did in Newport Beach during the summer.

SusieCakes
310 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, CA 94904

Photo: Crumbs

Crumbs Bake Shop has opened a new shop in Ridgewood, NJ. The new shop opened on Monday, January 18. Although this shop is far away from me, it's still interesting to see where cupcake shops are expanding to.

Crumbs Bake Shop
123 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Photo

Thanks to Cupcakes Take the Cake, I discovered that a new cupcakery will be opening in southern California. Cupcake Land is located in La Habra, CA. Their website is under construction so I don't have much info about them, besides their address.

Cupcake Land
1951 E. La Habra Blvd., Ste. C
La Habra, CA 90631

Sweet Tooth Fairy gives to Subs for Santa

Giving back has it's perks. The Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo, Utah is sponsoring families in the United Way program, Subs for Santa. You can help and be rewarded too. Before 2pm on December 24, bring an unwrapped toy for a child between 18 months and 14 years of age into Sweet Tooth Fairy and received a FREE CUPCAKE. They are also taking cash donations for this program.

SusieCakes has also been doing a toy drive in exchange for a free cupcake at all of their locations. The toy drive ends today (December 23).



I haven't been to The Sweet Tooth Fairy yet, but I should be trying them out in less than two weeks. My husband and I are traveling to Utah to do some snowboarding again and I plan on visiting many, many cupcakeries. Can't wait. Let me know if you have any recommendations!

SusieCakes Celebrates National Cupcake Day

According to the Fast Food Maven, SusieCakes is celebrating National Cupcake Day (today, December 15) by giving away free cupcakes to anyone who brings in a new, unwrapped today.

SusieCakes just happens to be my favorite cupcakery. I would happily donate a toy, but to get a cupcake in return is even better!

SusieCakes has decided to extend the toy drive until December 23, so you don't have to get there tomorrow. But can you believe that Christmas is only a week away?! Where did the time go?

SusieCakes' Spooktacular Halloween Treats!

I always look forward to a season change because that means new flavors of cupcakes at SusieCakes! And of course, I love Halloween and Thanksgiving time because that means pumpkin cupcakes. And you know how much I love pumpkin cupcakes!

Along with Pumpkin Cupcakes, SusieCakes is also offering:

• Frosted Sugar Cookies (pumpkins, spider webs, ghost, and candy corn)
• Seasonal Pies (apple crumble and pumpkin)
• Mini Sugar Cookies (ghosts, moons, bats, and cats) tied with satin ribbon
• Pumpkin Cheesecake (YUM!)
• Rice Krispie Treats (rolled in Halloween Spookins)
• Custom Halloween Cakes
• Susie's Pumpkin Patch (red velvet, chocolate, and vanilla cupcakes decorated to look like pumpkins)
  

September = School = Apples

September is apple month at SusieCakes! I can't even explain how excited I am for this. I love apples! I eat one every day for lunch. So of course I am thrilled to see Apple Spice Cupcakes at SusieCakes for the month of September! They are also offering other apple desserts such as double-crust apple pie and sour cream apple cheesecake. Yummy!

September also means back to school. To make the transition from doing nothing to studying for tests, SusieCakes is offering a free apple spice cupcake to every K-8 student who brings in an "A" assignment. The student can also sign up to win cupcakes for their entire class.

Remember that an apple a day keep the doctor away. Who knew that a cupcake could be healthy for you?!

I've Got a Golden Ticket

Well, I don't actually have a golden ticket, but I sure do want one! In celebration of SusieCakes 3-year anniversary, each of their stores will be hiding 10 Golden Tickets in their cupcakes on Saturday, July 18th.

Each ticket can be redeemed for a prize, such as: attendance to one of their baking classes, 6" or 9" layer cake, five dozen mini-cupcakes, or one dozen cupcakes. (If I got to choose, I would get their marble chocolate cake. It looks so good, but I've never tried any of their cakes yet!)

All of the Golden Ticket winners will be entered into a drawing to win a year subscription to their Cake-of-the-Month club. Life would be perfect if I got a free cake from SusieCakes every month.

I plan on stopping by after I race in the OC Mud Run. A cupcake will be my reward for running 10k covered in mud. They will be open from 10:00am until 7:00pm.