Pasadena California is not a stranger to cupcakerias!  All of a sudden it seems “cup-cakes” have become all the rage.  From full sized to mini-bites, these sweet sensations come simply iced or topped with icing made to look like a dog, cat, flower pot, whatever these creative bakers can imagine. Going far beyond the traditional vanilla and chocolate, we now can indulge our taste buds in red-velvet, apple pie,  strawberry shortcake, raspberry cheesecake,  coconut lime and more.  Dueling bakeries work overtime to develop flavors and combinations to get us in the door.

But why do so many people like cupcakes? Why not cookies or brownies or Rice Krispie treats?

Folks cite all sorts of reasons. They’re portable. They don’t require a knife and fork. It’s fun to peel the paper away. They provide nostalgia. They’re guilt-reduced because of the size. They come in at least a dozen flavors, they’re cute and small and somehow just make us happy.

Darling cupcake bakeries catering to the “child in us” are popping up on streets from coast to coast.  Where can you get them in the Pasadena area?

Dots Cupcakes (originally featured in our day 46)
21 N. Fair Oaks, Pasadena
626.744.7719
www.dotscupcakes.com

Polkatots
720 N. Lake #3, Pasadena
626.798.3932
www.polkatotscupcakes.com

Violet’s Cakes
21 E Holly, Pasadena
626.395.9821
www.violetscakes.com

Mrs. Beasley’s
14 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena
626.529.9990
www.mrsbeasleys.com

My Sweet Cupcake
954 Mission St, South Pasadena
626.441.4010

And, of course, let’s not forget Whole Foods (our day 111) Bakery and their wonderful cupcakes!