When it comes to cupcakes, my palate is quite simple.  A moist spongy cake with some sort of whipped cream will reel me in.  That is unless someone knew how to make a creme de cassis mousse cupcake.  Please contact me if you know how to make this.  But by way of garnishing, fondant (or fondit) has always fascinated me.  The above Totoro inspired cupcake created by Dagmar of A cat in the kitchen is simply a delight to look at.  The actual cake base sounds quite delectable with apples and maple syrup.  Should these Totoro cupcakes be accessible in DC Metroland, I would buy them in a heartbeat.  Simply because I’m such a sucker for anything Studio Ghibli.  On a relevant note, A cat in the kitchen included a recipe, but baking isn’t my forte.

Image Source: alafista.com via Shibuya Japan via A cat in the kitchen

The NYT featured Melissa Bushell, the owner of Baked in New York City, a couple months back. I’m not much of a cupcake junkie, however, after reading the article, I find myself having a sudden craving for cupcakes. What makes her bakery special are the quarter-sized versions of her miniature cupcakes. Sold at $1 each, Melissa’s cupcakes come in 7 flavors (cookie dough, red velvet, cookies & cream, s’mores, peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter cup and tie dye vanilla).

Photo: Baked by Melissa

As a special treat for the holidays, Baked by Melissa will be offering red, white and blue mini-cupcakes (to form a flag) for the fourth of July holiday. Each flag will come with a cupcake map to assist with the arrangement.

The more you buy, the more you save. Clearly, this is another reason why I am envious of New York foodies, not to bring my own city down but the big apple has a great amount of experimental food concepts that would make my sweet tooth happy. They’re so tiny, I can eat a dozen or two!

Would you like to indulge in these miniature cupcakes?

Photo/Source: NYT, Baked by Melissa

Here’s an eye opening idea, using ham as cupcake liners.  Stef over at Cupcake Project took inspiration from another blogger using black forest ham as the liner for her honey cake cupcakes.  In addition to the honey cake and ham, a layer of cinnamon cream cheese and a slice of pineapple add to the already robust flavors.  Although I’m curious to attempt this recipe, I think I’ll opt out.  It did however, remind me to follow a recipe for brunch style egg cups with cherry tomatoes and basil found in an old Donna Hay magazine.

Image Source: Cupcake Project

If you all recall, I mentioned about Lisa Smiley’s slider cupcakes nearly a month ago.  Recently, I paid a visit to Smiley’s Sweets and Creations to see what new mouthwatering treats have been posted.  The above “Movie Night” themed cupcakes were made to order for another birthday.  The base consists of striped candy shells and the popcorn is made with butter cream.  The “popcorn” is even more convincing thanks to yellow food coloring that gives it a drizzle of butter effect.  At this moment, I wish I was that lucky birthday boy.

Image Source: Smiley’s Sweets and Creations

After my recent “McGangBang” post, I’ve been running into burger related images.  The above slider themed cupcakes satisfies my craving for a burger and sweet tooth at the same time.  Lisa Smiley over at Smiley’s Sweets and Creations made the slider themed cupcakes by combining vanilla and chocolate cupcake as the bun and meat.  To enhance the mirage, she strategically colored coconut flakes to mock lettuce.  I’m really amazed at how the frosting really resembles ketchup and mustard.  Finally, a burger wouldn’t be complete without a sesame topped bun.  According to Lisa, orange juice was brushed on top so the sesame seeds would adhere properly. I don’t know how to properly conclude this other than saying, I want 1 or 3???

Image Source: NOTCOT.ORG via Smiley’s Sweets and Creations

Sweeten up your winter blues with soft white chiffon and silky layers of grey and violet tiers. This Interlud Cupcake Top is not only perfect for Valentine’s day, but will also add a dash of girly charm to all of your summer and spring outfits.

The top is made of a double layer of white chiffon. A sweetheart neckline at the bust gives way to five tiers of soft grey silk. The thick straps in the front becomes a split racerback cut in the back, and a zipper up the back allows you to comfortably get into the top.

What I love about tops like this is that they are so versatile. They elegantly dress up a pair of dark skinny jeans for a night out, but will also look just as great tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt (like the one on the model) or a pair of shorts.

Pick up this swingy Cupcake Top at one of my fave online shops Pixie Market for $128, and you’ll be lookin’ all sugar, without the calories!

Buy it HERE.

I love the color combos on this Missoni (one of my many fave designers) perfect for the fall…I can just see this tote in hand at the cafe sippin on this and biting into one of these (this is my own cupcake creation)

Purchase this beauty at: Revolve Clothing