Have your cupcake and eat it too.

While doing some research for a wedding last year, I realized that cupcakes have far surpassed traditional wedding or sheet cake as dessert of choice for parties and events, at least for Seattleites. That led me to do some delicious “field research” to find out: where’s the best place to get a cupcake in this town? Yes, it’s a tough job but I’m so devoted to bringing the best to my dear readers that I rolled up my sleeves and literally dug in.

Cupcake Royale- Why do I feel like I’m 5 years old again when I go into Cupcake Royale? Maybe because I stare at their pastry cake, eyes wide and mouth watering, trying to decide- Chocolate? Vanilla? Lavendar? Red Velvet? Salted caramel? Yep, Cupcake Royale’s got ‘em all, even a seasonal Irish Whiskey Maple cupcake for March. I find their cake: frosting ratio to be the best, but that’s because I don’t like a ton of frosting mucking up my cake. They brew local Verite coffee, which makes for a delicious pairing, and adorn their walls with local artists’ pieces. And with scattered locations across key Seattle neighborhoods, this is a great alternative to the corporate green mermaid for coffee and wi-fi. (And yes, since I’m still 5 years old at heart, I always go with the vanilla cake with pink frosting and sprinkles…sometimes coconut if I want to feel more grown-up.)

Trophy Cupcakes and Party- Located in an historic schoolhouse in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, Trophy is a tad more upscale but just as delicious with a magical buttercream frosting and lovely vintage party decorations. Owner Jennifer Shea and her chocolate graham cracker cupcake with marshmallow frosting were featured on an episode of Martha Stewart. Don’t miss their chocolate Guinness stout cupcake with Bailey’s buttercream frosting, available only in March.

New York Cupcakes- This is technically located on the eastside of Seattle in Bellevue, but I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t include the cozy pink NYC in my list. Even though the ‘cakes have names like Soho Strawberry, Manhattan Mint Chip, Long Island Lemon and Grand Central Smores, the ingredients are all local. And a proceed of sales from their October-featured “Cupcake for the Cure” goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I’d say that’s a pretty sweet deal for everyone.

So whether you’re having an anniversary party or just an afternoon coffee with a friend, why not indulge your inner child every once in awhile with a cupcake? It may just make you slow down long enough to appreciate the sweet things in life.