Whether you’re craving a bite or having a party, cupcakes are perfectly handcrafted to satisfy. With enticing blends like honey lavender, snicker doodle, white-chocolate raspberry, and even gluten free or cocktail inspired flavors, it’s no wonder we can’t wait to get our hands on one. Here in the Central Valley, we have plenty of fresh choices to cure us of our sweet tooth, thanks to the broad selection of bakeries that offer plenty more than just your standard cupcake. A passion for baking is clear in the intricate, delicious tastes of heavenly decadence produced by San Joaquin bakeries. Along with the irrefutable scrumptiousness of the confectionary creations, cupcakes are quickly becoming a popular indulgence that we no longer need an excuse, or special occasion, to enjoy. Jeff Taylor, of Cakes by Jeff the Chef, a bakery he co-owns with his wife Christina, has noticed an upsurge in the popularity of cupcakes.
The increase in cupcake related T.V. shows and programs, along with the growing amount of flavors available on the market, means they are becoming more accessible as we see more artistic deigns for a wide range of tastes. In addition, cupcakes are an excellent compliment to special events and can serve as a both tasty and beautiful centerpiece. “Cupcakes bring out creativity in people, not just artistically, but with ingredients,” he adds, “Bakers can really get creative with cupcake batters because people want to try something that is out of the ordinary.”
Joni Cooperrider, co-owner of Something Sweet Bakery in Galt, agrees that the increased interest in the baking industry as a whole can be attributed to the popularity of reality shows.“These shows have brought visibility to the fun and creative side of baking, to millions of people,” she says. While the bakery’s specialty is custom event and wedding cakes, cupcakes are just one of the items added to their repertoire. “They play a large role in our revenue,” says Cooperrider, “Most of our walk-in business isn’t content with just one cupcake. Our vast flavor selection inspires them to leave with at least a dozen.” She adds, “Cupcakes and dessert bars have increased in popularity with weddings and larger events because they are an appealing alternative for guests with a great ease of service and vast diversity of possible flavors. Let’s face it, cupcakes are fun, friendly and creative.” This same creativity has changed the face of the cupcakes we know today. Tiffany Villafuerte, owner and baker at Fizz Bakery, says the baking industry isn’t what it used to be. By re-creating a whole new meaning to ‘edible art,’ Villafuerte has truly been able to touch people with her baking. “Cupcakes are now a conversation starter at many events.” Occasions like weddings, anniversaries or even celebrations of loved ones who have passed are “very personal moments that help transform ordinary to extraordinary on the design and detail of my cupcakes,” she notes. Villafuerte refers to a recent occasion where she prepared themed cupcakes for a memorial service representing everything the deceased loved and enjoyed. “The response was tears of joy. As a Chef, tears of joy mean my work touched someone’s heart and soul. If a small cupcake that fits in your hand can make that much of an impression, then yes it really has opened doors for me.”
For Lisa Hafsett at Frosted Flour Cakery and Supplies, the cupcake craze is catching on with both customers and bakers. In the past four years since the business opened its door, the shop has seen the demand and popularity for cupcakes increase. In Hafsett’s opinion, this is because “cupcakes are easy to grab and eat, and there is no clean-up or mess afterward.” Not only are they easy to eat, she notes, it is easier to satisfy everybody’s cravings with cupcakes. “With cupcakes, you can play around.” In a batch of 10, you can choose different flavors and colors, giving each a personal touch that tastes just as good as it looks. Maybe it’s the increase in availability, maybe it’s the impeccable designs, or maybe it’s the broad range of flavors…one thing is clear, cupcakes are more than just desserts, but customized pieces of artistic decadence.
TO GET YOUR FIX:
Bakers Boutique — Stockton
Toot Sweet Bakery— Stockton
Something Sweet Bakery— Galt
Frosted Flour Cakery— Lodi
M & W Dutch American Bakery — Stockton
The Cupcake Lady — Turlock
Fizz Bakery — Stockton
Cakes by JEFF — Tracy,
Macronage Macarons — Stockton
Sweet Stuff cupcakes — Tracy
Vee Vees Cupcakes — Manteca