Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Butter Lane Cupcakes

Butter Lane Cupcakes are one of the local favorites that originated in Park Slope, Brooklyn. With a second location in the East Village, the store is filled with all goodies that include their signature cupcakes, pies, pastries, and breakfast goods. Butter Lane Cupcakes are

The cake bottoms from Butter Lane Cupcakes are made with a thicker batter, with a less airy cake. Cupcakes are topped with a thick, heavy flavored creme frosting which does not quite compliment my personal taste for cupcakes, but is an extremely filling snack that becomes a meal in itself for anyone who is interested in trying!

The one thing I would recommend is to check out the baking classes that Butter Lane Cupcakes offer. It is a great date setting as well as a little girl's day out. You can learn the basics and incorporate your own after to make your perfect cupcake!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Monster Cupcake

Monster Cupcake is a small cupcake shop in Itaewon that is one of the most recognized and longest standing cupcake shops in Seoul. Why? Because their cupcakes are extremely cute and fun to eat! For an average of $4.50 per cupcake, there are a handful of flavors to choose from that are whipped up in the shop. The favorites are red velvet and tiramisu, classic cupcake flavors. Although Monster Cupcake is recognized for their cupcakes, they're still a little away from signature cupcakes back at home. The cupcake isn't as fluffy, but made with a more dense batter. The icing is also different with a creamier texture, but their decorative gels are extremely flavorful and is the sweetest touch to the cupcake, literally. None the less, it is still a spot to go to satisfy a cupcake craving!

The concept of Monster Cupcakes is simple, make monster cupcakes. The theme is extremely cute, they make all their cupcakes around different "cute" and enjoyable monster looking things. They incorporate a theme of death into every cupcake that just takes it over the top. Because this is an extremely small cupcake shop, it is one of those where you grab to go. There is probably a total of four seats in the shop so people don't really linger around. If you do get lucky to stick around, you can enjoy your cupcake within the shop as you watch them whip up a new batter of cupcakes, ice them, and throw them onto display. It is definitely a cute place to be for all things cupcake!

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go straight across the street. Take a right as soon as you cross the street down to where Tu Can is and keep walking. You will see Monster Cupcakes on your left, be careful not to miss it!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Gentle Lady Cupcakes

Gentle Lady Cupcakes is one of the newest cupcake shops in Sinsa-dong located off of the popular Garosugil shopping street. The most popular flavors include the red velvet and carrot cake. Going for the earl grey which is not offered in many coffee shops, the cupcake was a little on the dry end. Topped with an extremely light whipping and chocolate flakes, the Gentle Lady heart is made of a white chocolate. 

Although the cupcakes are not something "to die for" the one recommendation to make is to purchase their "cookie" which is served in a packaged container to go. The almond cookie is literally to die for. Made with pieces of almonds, these bite-sized cookies melt in your mouth with consumption. They are made of fluffy air and deliciousness, a little too much sugar maybe, but totally worth the splurge. 

The shop is small in size, offering seating for roughly 10. It is worth it to take a break from all the shopping on Garosugil and pop into Gentle Lady Cupcakes for a drink. Served in over sized mugs, the earl grey latte is one recommendation to make with fluffy steamed milk that is not as bitter as earl grey tea and not extremely sweet to taste.

Contact Information Phone: 02-790-0259 Address: 533-14 Sinsadong, Gangnam-gu Seoul. Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Gentle Lady Cupcake will be on your right. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - The Cupcake Factory (Seoul)

The Cupcake Factory (not a branch of the NY version) is a hidden treasure in Hongdae of Seoul that is baking up cute cupcakes that are extremely moist and flavorful. This small shop offers the traditional vanilla, red velvet, and cookies and cream flavors, but they also break away from the traditional kinds and bake up their own which include, but not limited to cappuccino, mint chocolate, and my all time favorite is the midori with no lime. 

The Cupcake Factory offers one of the moistest cupcakes I have had in Korea. The midori with no lime was actually a great compliment of a vanilla cupcake-like base with a lemony frosting. It was a great compliment of tangy and sweet fluffy icing to the cake. Unfortunately, I could not say the same about the mint chocolate. The one thing that was different about the mint chocolate cupcake is the fact that the mint icing is light in taste initially, but the mint flavor kicks in after a little. The mint flavor can be a bit overpowering because it really does taste like mint and doesn't quite compliment the chocolate cupcake. Furthermore, the cupcake base was a bit dry to taste which is one thing I do not recommend.

Although the cupcake shop is small in size, the pink interior offers a cute seating area in the back to enjoy your cupcake. The Cupcake Factory offers a handful of drinks to order as well and enjoy in a seating with pillows under a tree of yarn. It is extremely girly in decoration and a great location to visit with a group of girls. Cupcake are priced at $4 a cup which is average for Korean standards. To find this hidden location, turn into the only street where Baby Gorilla and Club Naked in Hongdae is. You will see it on your left: bright and pink.

Address: 364-11 Seogyo-Dong Mapo-Gu
Phone number: 82 2 337 4585
website: www.thecupcakefactory.com

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar Daddy

Everyone knows I have the craziest sweet tooth, especially for cupcakes. I have been on the search in Seoul for forever now to find the best cupcakes and constantly let down each time. Sugar Daddy is definitely the only one that comes close, almost the perfect cupcake. Sugar Daddy is an extremely small shop in Itaewon where the baker is in the store baking and decorating as she sells cupcakes from the same table. This extremely small and cozy spot is filled with all things delicious which are not only cupcakes! 

Sugar Daddy offers cupcake sized pies, mini cheesecakes, fudge bars, cookies, and cupcakes of traditional flavors as well as all things crazy. Many of the ingredients used in the recipes are ordered from foreign markets and online stores which explains the quality of the baked goods. Furthermore, the owner (Yumi Jung) tries to incorporate all things crazy that Americans love into her baked goods which provides her with another bonus thumbs up.

I am absolutely in love with Sugar Daddy for the amazing service for starters. Yumi had two stools in front and offered seating for us to consume our root beer cupcake and key lime pie. She then proceeded to offer us a cup of tea, Australia's T2 tea which she allowed us to choose from a wide selection of flavors. Halfway into our baked goods, she then offered us a freshly baked cookie from her cooling rack. 

In terms of her baked goods: the root beer cupcake is definitely a special kind of cupcake which is a fun eat. The root beer kick to the cupcake takes it to a whole new level. I'm personally not a fan of root beer, but this cupcake definitely changed my mind. Topped with a "scoop of icecream" and a "straw" for consumption, this cute it is a blast of flavor with a fluffy cake base, whipped fondant-icing like cream, and a drizzle of deliciousness. 

The mini key lime pie, made of a graham cracker base that is topped with a key lime filling is also on point. The tart key lime is not overpowering and it is the perfect blend with the crust, definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for something tangy but not too sour. The cookies are made of all things crazy as well, but like most Korean cookies, they are all hard and not soft-baked, but still delicious in taste!

For my cupcake hunt in Korea, I think I have found the best and closest thing. I definitely recommend Sugar Daddy to anyone who is looking for that perfect cupcake. With so much to choose from, you may be spending a little more than anticipated. Cupcakes and baked goods average at $4.50 a pop, cookies priced at $1 and totally worth every penny of it!

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go up the hill and you will see the small shop of Sugar Daddy on your right. This location in Haebangchon is actually closed.

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For the Itaewon Sugar Daddy shop that recently opened in replacement of the location above in Haebangchon, take exit 4 of the Itaewon station on line 6 and go straight by the McDonald's.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Carlos Bakery

Carlo's Bakery of Hoboken, New Jersey, is known for the show Cake Boss on TLC. Furthermore, the Italian bakery has been around since 1970, famous for the freshly baked Italian baked goods and Buddy Valastro, fourth generation baker. 

Carlo's Bakery is a short walk, located two blocks from the Hoboken Path station along the main road of Washington. When walking to the bakery, you can barely miss it because there is practically always a line outside, many times reaching the next block. I definitely got lucky today with just small a line inside the bakery. The best part for locals is being able to skip the line and ordering goods, be sure to have your ID ready to show for though. 

Because there is so much hype behind the bakery, I was definitely excited to try it. I admit the cakes are extremely appealing and looks delicious, but I am a bit disappointed with the taste. I was warned prior to entering the bakery. I decided to take the risk anyway because I was already there and didn't have to wait in line. 

For a bakery in Hoboken, pricing may seem to be a little high, eight bucks for a cupcake, brownie and a cookie. I am definitely a fan of icing on a cupcake, but Carlo's Bakery uses whipped cream, with the exception of beautifully designed cupcakes. I ordered the chocolate peanut butter cupcake which has very minimal peanut butter taste other than the peanut butter cup that is placed on top. I feel that the baked goods are average, but everyone goes because of the hype of the show. I have yet to try the Italian pastries and I highly doubt I will return if there is a line just to try their other baked goods. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery

126 Rivington Street #1
between Allen and Essex

New York, NY 10002

(212) 995-1960

A place right off of Chinatown for cheap cupcakes is definitely within my budget. I am so used to paying three bucks for a cupcake that Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery makes me feel like I’m in heaven. These cupcakes are the perfect size for someone with a sweet tooth and the best thing about it is that the actual cake flavor doesn’t outweigh the icing. I have had so many cupcakes where both the cake and icing is so sweet that it’s a battle and I usually give up on the icing.

The icing actually compliments the cupcakes, making it an absolute delicious treat. The one thing I am not a fan of is that some is topped with a whipped cream-like icing. I’m an icing kind of girl so I love the sweet taste. Either way, the hidden Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery is a must visit for their $1.75 cupcakes and $21 for a dozen. They also specialize in other cheap goodies, but I’m definitely a cupcake girl and recommend having the original vanilla and the sassy red velvet which is topped with a chocolate icing rather than the traditional cream cheese.

In addition to the amazing cupcakes, the one thing that many locals are obsessed with is the pudding. My ultimate favorite is the chocolate chip which has pieces of chocolate chip, pudding, cream, as well as soft bread mixed in. Cups start at $2.50 and totally worth the splurge of the diet. Sharing the fridge, there are mini cheesecakes which I am not a big fan of. Reason for that is because these small cheesecake poppers contain a mixture of bread, much like the Korean style. At the very least, there are a handful of other cheap goodies: cookies and drinks to make up for the cheesecake!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - babycakes

babycakes is an extremely popular vegan, but small bakery in Nolita. For anyone with an allergy, you can definitely give this bakery a try before giving up all things yummy. Decked out in all things girly and sweet, you can miss this small bakery if you aren't cautious enough and you definitely don't want to miss this bakery! Being that it is a small cozy spot and extremely popular, there is a request of photos to not be taken in store so definitely keep that in mind and make your purchases quick!

The best thing about babycakes that makes it stand apart from the rest is the fact that it is a vegan bakery, offering refined sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat free, soy-free, diary-free, egg-free, vegan and kosher goodies. For anyone who has to watch their diet or want a healthy cheat, babycakes is the best place to do so! With so many baked goods to choose from, you can go healthy or go crazy like me. The recommended of course is their cupcakes, a little too much to choose from which made my choices difficult. The one cupcake recommendation I must make is the chocolate chip mint cupcake that has chocolate chips inside the cupcake! I love the fact that the chocolate chips are still hard and not melted in the cupcakes like they are in other bakeries. 

Another one of my favorite is the vanilla lemon cupcake top. It is literally the top of a cupcake (literally the best part of a cupcake). Palm size and yummy, babycakes is definitely one of my favorite spots for dessert now. Be sure to try out their many other flavors and cupcake infusions like the pumpkin vanilla, sweet, savory, spicy.

For those who are looking to sample this goody but dont have the time to make a visit, you can simply order online. Orders require a dozen minimum, but the best part is that you can even order nationally!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Ferrara Bakery & Café

Ferrara Bakery & Café

195 Grand Street

New York, NY 10013

http://www.ferraracafe.com/

This popular Italian bakery and café located right off of Little Italy and Chinatown, New York. A family owned business in its fifteenth generation, Ferrara café is well known for their pastries and cakes. There is always a line for their baked goods, no matter what time of the day. Mornings are filled with tourists that are looking to grab a steal of their goodies when making a quick visit in town.  If you are looking for a specific cake to purchase, be sure to go ahead of time or phone in for a special order because these cakes can go quick!

A few of the popular cakes at Ferrara Café are the Tiramisu, Chocolate Truffle Cake, Cheesecake, and the Cannoli Cake. If you are looking to sample a cake, there are small bite size pieces that range in price from $1.50-3 a piece. They are the exact replica of the bigger cakes and is perfect if you are looking to sample more choices.

For those who are interested in a sit down chit chat with the girls, Ferrara Café is the perfect place to coffee and sweets. Be sure to order enough goodies for the group to share!

Ferrara Café is a definite recommended place on my list, especially for those of you who are into Italian pastries. Although pricing is a little higher than other bakeries in Little Italy, it is well worth the price and the wait. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Jubilu Chocolatier

With a few locations in Seoul, Jubilu Chocolatier is a great spot to go to satisfy any chocolate cravings, including other dessert goodies. With a wide selection of chocolates, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and drinks, it is the perfect place to relax and cheat on a diet. The suggestion is to sit around and consume the goodies in the cafe because of presentation and warm goodness. 

The fondant cupcakes (cupcakes with jam or melted syrup in the middle) are warmed up before served to maximize the fondant touch. The fondant cupcakes are a must have for just $2.70 each, but a total of four for $10. Dark chocolate, blueberry, and coffee is the recommended. The cheese fondant cupcake is a bit different to the foreigner's tastes, but it is definitely a popular one amongst the locals. 

  

The other must tries are the cake pops which has very little cake, the real cheese cheesecake, and of course the chocolates. With so much to choose from and only $2 a piece, a handful of pieces should have your stomach satisfied for a while. Check out the locations in Itaewon and Myeondong, it's definitely a great place to lounge out.

Restaurant Review - Kyotofu

The dessert bar and Japanese yum is a popular restaurant back in New York for its famous desserts. Opening one by Itaewon at the Hanganjin station in Hannam, this spot has been on my list for a while now. Finally paying a visit to the restaurant, which is extremely easy to get to from the train station, it is a place I recommend for small groups, especially dates.

This restaurant is extremely small and cozy in size, but there doesn't seem to be any long lines. They offer reservations online which can be made for the more popular nights, but wait should not be a problem. They also have a takeout menu for those who are on the go or looking to have some goodies, but would prefer not to eat in a restaurant alone.

In regards to the food at Kyotofu, every dish is spot on with a modern twist on each American selection. I love the infusion of Asian and American, recommending practically every dish at Kyotofu. For starters, the recommended is their sliders which includes the prawn, crab meat, and chicken-tofu slider which is palm size. As for the main course, you can never go wrong with sushi, but it can be a bit pricey for something that is not so fresh. Then again, dinner isn't the main course here; the best part about the restaurant, of course, is the dessert.

Unable to decide what I wanted, I ordered the chefs special, Dessert Omakase Season, which practically included a sample of each dessert. It was a perfect three course dessert to share between two. The starter included a fruit jelly that is paired with a confetti sugar. Next course consisted of three desserts which included an orange chocolate creme brûlée, a blueberry cheesecake, and the match green tea ice-cream. Every dessert is blasted with flavors, not enough to go around. The last course of the dessert consisted of four mini pastries which included Japanese flavored fudge and cookies. The one part of the dessert which did not provide any hype was the mini cookies and cakes because it was a little on the dry end. I prefer cookies that are soft and chewy, but these cookies are best paired with a cup of coffee. 

Not getting enough of the desserts in the restaurant, I had two take home goodies as well. This includes the extremely popular Yuzu Tofu tart and the Miso Chocolate cupcake. I sure wanted to take home a few more goodies, but I just couldn't help it.

Exit three from Hanganjin station on line 6. Go straight and it will be on your left.

Address: Yongsan-gu, Hannam Dong 682-1
Phone: 02-749-1488

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Le Fondant

Everyone who knows me, knows that I have the biggest sweet tooth, specifically for chocolate and cake. My thing is the sweeter the better and since I have been in Korea, there has not been a cafe that satisfied this sweet tooth because the sweets are just not on point. That is, not until my recent discovery, by the Children's Grand Park in Seoul, Korea.

Le Fondant Sugar Craft, a small cafe in Gwangjin-gu, is probably the only place that will satisfy my cupcake cravings. With the right amount of sweetness to its fluffy cake and the perfect icing to top off the deliciousness, it is a recommended place for all foreigners in Korea. Cupcakes average at a price of $3.50, but they are a bit small in size. I think it is worth it for the amount of effort and flavoring they put into the cupcake. I think these cupcakes are even better than a handful I have had back at home! Each bite is filled with a blast of flavor.

The one cupcake that is a bit peculiar is the red velvet. The color just isn't red enough and the taste is a little off, but the cream cheese icing is on point. A handful of recommendations include the Oreo, Lemonberry, and Chocolate cupcake which is extremely tasty. I also recommend their Hot Chocolate Latte which is a great combination with your cupcake.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Elysium

I’m a big supporter of homemade goodies for sale. Sweet Elysium, currently mastering macarons and cakes, is full of goodies for low prices. I got a box of macarons as a going away present and I am definitely feeling the love. They were so delicious and perfect that I was not willing to share with anyone!

For starters, I am in love with the green tea, sesame, pistachio macarons (very Asian, I know), and the chocolate of course! This is the one thing that I love about the sweet goodies is the originality and creativity behind it. There are just so many flavors to choose from that it is nearly impossible to do so. Sweet Elysium masters small goodies for gift bags and even cakes for small wedding receptions and engagement parties. If I was able to sit there all day and "sample" these goodies, I would!

Those who are interested in picking up these goodies and live in the NJ area, they can be found in a few restaurants and cafes which include I's Cafe in New Brunswick, NJ by Rutgers, and a few restaurants in the NJ area. Please contact Stacy for more information in where her goodies are sold. 

For those who are interested in making orders (soon to be shipped around the world), please contact Stacy at sweetelysium.sg@gmail.com. Mention blog for discounts!

My Current Obsession - Baked By Melissa

I am a cupcake lover and I have been on a cupcake diet, scrambling to find my favorite and Baked by Melissa is definitely at the top of my list. I absolutely love these little guys, a little bigger than a size of a quarter but a blast of flavor once you pop it in your mouth. Baked by Melissa is gradually taking over the NYC area, opening a number of stores over this summer.

If you are a first timer, I suggest getting a dozen which includes their ten cupcakes, the mini of the month, as well as an extra flavor that you crave. My ultimate favorite is the mint chocolate chip, followed by the peanut butter cup and red velvet. Although these cupcakes are tiny, they are extremely moist and reflect their flavors one hundred percent.

I definitely recommend these little guys, but it may be a onetime thing for many because of its pricing. They’re almost a dollar a cupcake, not worth it to a lot of people because of their size. Just think of these little minis as being full of flavor for a dollar! It may make you and your wallet feel a little better.