My life sometimes feels like a time warp. Just a few hours ago, I was on a bus heading down to New York City for the day. Now, I’m on another bus heading back to Boston. Where did those hours go? Total time warp, right?
Despite my super speedy trip to NYC, I had plenty of time to grab a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. The bakery was right around the corner from the House Beautiful event, so why not? I can always make time for cupcakes! 
I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about Magnolia Bakery, so, being the cupcake connoisseur that I am, I knew that I needed to pop in and see what it was all about. The place was packed!
There were so many delicious goodies to choose from, including flourless chocolate cake, 7-layer bars, Blondies, lemon bars, blueberry cheesecake, whoopie pies, and all sorts of cookies.
All of the different options were very tempting, but I stuck to my guns and ordered a cupcake.
I’m not going to lie, I was a little disappointed that Magnolia didn’t have a Carrot Cake cupcake, but I went with my second favorite flavor: Red Velvet.
Holy yum indeed! 
The cake was outstanding– sweet, soft, and not at all dry like some Red Velvet cupcakes. It was delightful in every way.
The frosting was also delicious, but don’t Red Velvet cupcakes usually have cream cheese frosting? Maybe I am wrong, but the Magnolia Red Velvet cupcake definitely had a straight-up butter cream frosting. It was tasty, but it didn’t knock my socks off. Even still, I enjoyed every last bite. Cupcakes are my favorite no matter what type of frosting! 
In my opinion, the best Red Velvet cupcake is from Babycakes in Quincy, MA. If you’re ever in the area, you need to give it a try. Their German Chocolate is also pretty amazing. As you can see, I really love to talk about cupcakes!
Recap of the House Beautiful media lunch coming soon!
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I just heard about this place on Saturday. One of my friends on Twitter is also in love with cupcakes and mentioned this place. I don’t think she cared for her red velvet cupcake either.
I’m drooling over that cupcake!
Red velvet is my favorite.
We did the Sex and the City tour for my friend’s bachelorette last year and they took us though- I thought the cupcakes were awesome. You are right though, red velvet is usually cream cheese frosting- which I actually don’t like as much so I would like that more haha.
Gosh, I GOTTA try a Magnolia cupcake at some point… they always look amazing!!
Cupcakes are seriously everywhere lately! I kind of can’t wait to watch the DC cupcakes show when it airs!
@Kelly:
I never knew there was a SATC tour! What all did they take you too? That sounds like so much fun!
Is the babycakes you’re speaking of also in NY? We have one that just came to LA (I think within the last year) and I’ve been DYING to go there.. apparently they make some killer vegan pastries.
@Steph: No, it’s not a chain. Just the same name!
Red Velvet without cream cheese frosting?! That is my favorite part!
As a cupcake connoisseur, I’ve played the “let’s taste all the cupcakes in NYC game” before. In the battle of Magnolia vs. Buttercup, Magnolia’s cake is better, while Buttercup’s frosting is better. Both pale in comparison, however, to Billy’s Bakery in Chelsea.
On a related note, I highly recommend *not* eating 4 cupcakes in a 24 period. I couldn’t eat another cupcake for months.
No cream cheese frosting? What a let down!
I’ve never been to any of those fancy cupcake places. Probably for the best, I would not be able to control myself!
I love, love, LOVE buttercream frosting, but yea I totally agree red velvet cake should have cream chees frosting…..that’s weird! I would have ate it anyways though.
I went to Magnolia and had the red velvet too…It was totally a let-down. I’m from DC and think that Georgetown has the best red velvet in town!
I love Magnolias..but the cupcakes are a little overrated (feel free to disagree with me). What’s REALLY good is the banana bread pudding. You have to get it next time!!!!
Buttercream on red velvet?! Absolutely not. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I’ll have to give Babycakes a try!
I’ve never had a Red Velvet cake – they aren’t an Australian option, really. In a pinch, I’d still opt for carrot cake, I think
Hiya, Red Velvet cupcakes are my favourite. I live in London and go to the Hummingbird Bakery. They are fantastic. And yes, they should have a cream cheese frosting.
Part of my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party was at Magnolia’s. I actually wasn’t too impressed. I love Crumbs cupcakes! They’re so good!
My brother and sister-in-law also had a cupcake cake at their wedding.
i love little shops like this with cute cakes that taste the best. i think i need to hunt one down
next time you are in NYC you have to try Crumbs cupcakes they are amazing as well as Buttercup Bakery. i personally am not much of a fan of Magnolia – it’s a tourist attraction and there are a ton of other amazing bakeries in NYC
It’s not red velvet if it doesn’t have cream cheese frosting in my opinion. I agree with you on Babycakes. They are great!
I actually do not like Magnolia cupcakes at all because they have waaaay too much frosting, but to each their own! Also, because I’m not a big frosting person, cake is usually not my favorite thing either. However, Magnolia has THE BEST CARROT CAKE I have ever tried. Seriously, just order it and get it delievered to Boston because it will be worth it. It is chock full of walnuts and raisins and the frosting is unbelievable (and that’s from a non-frosting lover). I dream about this cake – it would change your world! Glad you enjoyed new york, even though it was short live!
I love Magnolia and all, and always go there when I’m in NYC but the banana pudding is the way to go with them. It is soooooooo yummy. I’m with you on the creamcheese frosting- red velvet AND carrot cake, in my opinion, should always have it.
I like my carrots cake with chopped, brandy-soaked dried apricots in the batter. if anyone is every looking for soemthing new to add to the mix.
To me, the whole POINT of Red Velvet is the cream cheese frosting ! The cake should have cocoa, too. I’ve been to so many places where “red velvet” = boring cake dyed red with boring buttercream. I’m not into dyes to begin with, so I wouldn’t bother unless it’s made right.
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