The Perfect Party Treat is a
Piece of Cake!

By Lisa Thibodeau

What is it about the cupcake that makes us so happy? Maybe it’s how you get to eat it with your fingers, or how you get to have the whole thing, all to yourself. Or perhaps it’s the charming way it symbolizes a special celebration, no matter how small the occasion or the cupcake. Possibly it evokes the simplicity and sweetness of childhood, allowing us to savor it again, if only for that brief time between peeling back the paper and nibbling those last crumbs.

This writer/mom and my three year old daughter canvassed the region in search of the most exciting, delicious, frosting-laden cupcakes! We consumed copious amounts of buttercream, sprinkles and ganache, risking a little sugar-induced wooziness, all so that we could report back to fellow parents and kids on where to get the best little birthday party cakes. Here is our very unscientific, yet oh-so-satisfying list of some of the best little cups close to home:

For the girly-girl (or a whole gaggle of girls):

The Pinkalicious
($2.50 at Icing on the Cupcake, Rocklin.)

Named after the book, Pinkalicious, in which a little girl eats so many pink cupcakes that she actually turns pink, this chocolate cake with hot pink frosting screams, "PRINCESS-FOR-A-DAY!" And the shop is a confection in itself, decorated in a sugary brown and pink color scheme that will make any girl feel downright giddy.

For the kid who loves to WOW his friends:

High Hat
($2.50 at Babycakes, Midtown.)

A New York City staple which is often hard to find on the West Coast, this mesmerizing tower of marshmallow swirl covered with glossy chocolate is the perfect combination of drama and whimsy. Reminiscent of a dipped ice cream cone, this dazzler will impress even the most worldly of cupcake connoisseurs.

For the kid whose Mom has a sharp eye on her budget:

Vanilla or Chocolate Cupcake
(50¢ at Dainty Pastry, Roseville.)
This retro bakery, which has been around since 1946, is the price tag winner, hands-down. These moist little cakes with rainbow sprinkles can be easily upgraded by topping them off with a piece of candy. Plus, you’ve got to love a shop which doesn’t take any credit or ATM cards because they don’t want “one of those new-fangled machines.”

For the toddler who will only eat PB&J:

PB & Joy
($2.50 at Cupcake Craving, Sacramento.)

Give them what you know they will like. Dark chocolate and peanut butter, topped with peanut butter chips—even adults will swoon! Visiting this petite shop is a lot like viewing newborns all swaddled and lined up in the hospital viewing window. So cute, so tiny and so sweet, these babies (blanketed in frosting) are totally irresistible.

For the Curious George lover:

Monkey Jungle Cupcake
($2 in the Bakery at Nugget Markets.)

Call ahead to order these wild safari cakes, which can be made in chocolate or vanilla with an array of colors (like purple) and are adorned with a candy gorilla and jungle toys. Man with the Yellow Hat not included, though dads who are really good sports could always suit up. Trust us, the kids will go bananas!

For the kid whose parents shop online:

Root Beer Float Cupcake
($2.50 at NothingButCupcakes.com, Roseville.)

Cake and buttercream frosting with real root beer in the mix, plus a candy root beer barrel on top, make this one truly unique. Made with organic milk and lots of love, these cups can be ordered online to be delivered right to your doorstep! They are perfect with pizza (which can also be delivered), a great time-saver for busy moms and dads who want to keep their sanity intact.

Lisa M. Thibodeau is a local mom and freelance writer. You can read about her adventures in baking, crafting and motherhood on her blog: http://listhib.typepad.com/waxing_poetic. Lisa also blogs for SacramentoParent.com when she’s not out on (delicious) assignment.