Small Wonders

Cupcakes are hot—but that’s not the only reason to follow the trend. They’re practical, too. With no fork or plate required, no slicing or serving needed, guests (big or small) can just dig right in, leaving you with less work to do at the party and fewer dishes to contend with later.

And nowadays, they come in endless varieties and styles, too (even Little Mermaid), so you really can substitute them for a birthday cake.

We’ve discovered four places worth trying in Ottawa. Just reading about them might make you want to rush out and gobble some up right now.

In New Edinburgh, the place to head is definitely Isobel’s on Beechwood Avenue, where all cupcakes are baked from scratch using real butter and natural ingredients. Isobel’s also makes hand-decorated cookies and can imprint photographic images on them. Got cupcake-loving nieces or nephews on the west coast? Isobel’s ships nationwide.

The Flour Shoppe is a new spot that just opened in the Glebe. This place also uses all-natural ingredients, so that you can be sure the lemon cupcakes have real lemon in them, not just extract or flavouring. Options range from classics like vanilla bean and double chocolate to unique variations such as coconut lime and chipotle chocolate. Delivery can be arranged within Ottawa. The Flour Shoppe appreciates 24 hours notice for custom orders, but there are always cupcakes ready to go in the store.

In Old Ottawa South, Yummy Cookies is run by Ottawa mom entrepreneur Colleen Forer, who until recently has sold her treats only to fortunate friends and neighbours. She is slowly expanding by popular demand, and specializes in chocolate, vanilla and lemon cupcakes. Her specialty is an award-winning “lemony lemon” cupcake with homemade lemon curd in the centre of Italian lemon meringue buttercream. Custom orders are no problem, but call ahead, since this business is home-operated. Yummy Cookie sells cakes and cookies as well.

If you’re in the west end, don’t miss My Little Cupcakes, run by Jen Bergsma, another mom entrepreneur. This place works with any theme you can dream of—Pokemon, Olympics, Dora, princesses, flowers and more. While the base is usually vanilla or chocolate, optional fillings include peanut butter, caramel cream, lemon, cream cheese, raspberry, orange, strawberry and even piña colada.

Of course, why wait for a birthday? Any time is a good time for cupcakes!

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