Being so vocal about my adoration of cupcakes has resulted in a slew of cupcakery recommendations from coast to coast. Next month while I’m in The Bay, I’ll be making my way to Kara’s Cupcakes thanks to a tip from my cousin Megan. And whenever I find myself in the District of Columbia, I know to hit up Georgetown Cupcake because gas•tron•o•my reader Ariel swears it’s even better than the godfather of cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery.
A few months before our trip to New York, The Astronomer and I received an email from our friend Matt. After successfully completing an epic cupcake crawl through Manhattan, he was thrilled to inform us that Sugar Sweet Sunshine produced the day’s top cupcake. The best part, he noted, was that the cupcakes cost a pittance—a buck fifty to be exact. A cheap and delicious cupcake experience in the Lower East Side? I knew we’d have to stop by.
As soon as we arrived in the city after a weekend away in Philadelphia, The Astronomer and I dropped off our luggage and headed to Sugar Sweet Sunshine for a pre-dinner bite. A list of the “Top 10 Reasons to Eat a Cupcake” greeted us from the street. I thought that the list was seven items too long. I only needed three reasons to pay Sugar Sweet Sunshine a visit—it was cheap, tasty, and nearby.
Once again, The Astronomer was the only male patron inside the cupcakery. It doesn’t take an astrophysicist to figure out that chicks really dig cupcakes.
I ordered a “Bob,” which consisted of yellow cake with chocolate almond buttercream. I never thought of my favorite combination as dull, unoriginal, and Bob-like, but compared to the other flavors, this one was quite ordinary.
When it comes to cupcakes, I prefer those that are stylishly decorated and have denser textures, a la Sprinkles. Even though Bob was the complete opposite, I still fell hard for the fella because he was just so gosh darn delicious. The cake was soft and fragrant, while the frosting possessed a balanced chocolaty sweetness. Bob is the king of team “In-the-Box.”
I purchased a Sexy Red Velvet to-go for my brother. Whereas traditional red velvet cakes are iced with a cream cheese frosting, Sugar Sweet Sunshine’s employs “The Moose,” a satin buttercream. Interestingly, my brother felt that the cupcake wasn’t sweet enough. Now, that’s a complaint that isn’t heard too often in the cupcakery circuit!
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Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-995-1960
I can attest to the deliciousness of Georgetown Cupcake – I think it’s up there with Sprinkles for sure! (Maybe even better…)
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
The two photos of the cupcakes would make excellent greeting cards in my opinion. Does that make me weird?
I like Kara’s, but I’m surprised that Sprinkles hasn’t sued them for infringement.
If you are ever in Chicago you must go to Sweet Mandy B’s. They are the best bakery I have ever been to, even NYC. I have been too Sprinkles too and it was good. But you must try this in Chicago sometime.
I completely agree that Sugar Sweet Sunshine is the best … I’m ga-ga for their pistachio cupcakes … UNBELIEVABLY good!!
Oh man! I wished I found out about this bakery earlier… was just in NY 2 weeks ago. Been following your blog for a while, thanks for all the great posts!
Personally, I vote for Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side. Have you ever tried them? Their cupcakes are far superior to the more famous bakeries in NYC such as Magnolia or Crumbs.
Sigh. I miss NYC. Was trying to go w/ friend, but couldn’t get the time off work.
Those cupcakes actually look cute and very doable (not too overwhelmingly frosted!)
Next time you guys are in NYC, I highly recommend Tonnies Mini’s in the West Village. It’ll change your life! 🙂
Did you try Magnolia again? I noticed they opened another location in mid-town. It’s always super packed because it’s in a prime tourist location in mid-town near Rockefeller. :/
^lol! my sister lives right above that restaurant. just a block away the minetta tavern black label burger will change your life!
if anyone goes here try the pistachio cupcakes. they are absolutely delicious! it also should be said that the staff here is always delightfully pleasant, even when it is crowded. my favorite cupcake in all of nyc. WAY better than magnolia and crumbs.