If there is something that can instantly bring a smile to one’s face, I couldn’t think of anything that would better deserve this accolade than the humble cupcake.
The Magnolia Bakery has been credited with reinventing the cupcake and elevating it to popular culture, and with its expansion across New York (with counters in Grand Central Station and Bloomingdales in the Upper East Side) to internationally, it doesn’t look like our love for this sweet treat will be stopping any time soon.
The original bakery was started in the West Village almost 20 years ago in 1996 and is famed for its signature hand swirled frosting (a quick youtube search should yield plenty of results), resembling a fully, marshmallow-like cloud. Situated within a red brick facade and contrasting navy blue awnings, despite its expansion, the bakery itself oozes character and evokes a down to earth, cosy atmosphere.
The cupcake
The ‘Red Velvet’ Cupcake
I had two cupcakes when I visited The Magnolia Bakery late last year, the popular Red Velvet with vanilla cream frosting and a Southern American classic, the Hummingbird.
Whilst The Magnolia Bakery may be known for its red velvet cupcakes, I found myself more excited by the Hummingbird, which is by far one of the best cupcakes I have ever eaten. The hummingbird is topped with a cream cheese frosting and is comprised of a heavenly combination of banana, pineapple and coconut. The result is texture that is similar to carrot cake; moist, decadent and incredibly delightful.
If for any reason you can only get one cupcake from Magnolia, I would definitely recommend the Hummingbird.
The ‘Hummingbird’ Cupcake
The Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleeker St and West 11th Street
New York, NY 10014
Magnolia is a classic! Have you had ‘The King’ cupcake from Sprinkles? It’s a banana cake with pb frosting. Amazzzzzze.
Not yet but you had me at pb frosting – on my list to try when I’m there next!
I looooove these cupcakes!