Craving a sweet treat? Where locals go when they want a great cupcake in Champaign-Urbana
Seriously, WHO DOESN’T LOVE CUPCAKES? (Oops, sorry. We shouted.) We’re lucky to have many options for cupcakes in Champaign-Urbana, whether they come from a specialty baker, a big grocery store, or a small solo operation.
Cupcakes just might be the perfect sweet, and here’s why. You don’t need a special occasion to eat a cupcake. They don’t require the commitment that a full sheet cake does. They are great for impromptu celebrations, especially when you don’t want to deal with cutting individual servings or bringing in plates. There’s simply no good reason NOT to eat them.
Of course, sometimes you — and your budget — need to make decisions based on speed and quantity. Our recommendations for cupcakes fall into two categories: the bakeries that will work with you to make completely custom cupcakes, and the stores you want to visit when the middle school soccer team needs four dozen cupcakes in 15 minutes.
Our readers have some recommendations for you.
Editor’s Note: chambanamoms.com does not endorse the businesses listed. We have taken these recommendations from our Facebook readers.
Custom bakers
Art Mart, Champaign “Art Mart cupcakes are great for special occasions.”
Cake Artist Studio, Champaign “Best in town.” “Cake Artist Studio has beautiful and delicious cupcakes. “Many flavors to choose from – the salted caramel is amazing!!!” “Has a brown sugar oatmeal cupcake that is to die for.” “Has a great mini-cupcake option.” “Her frosting is sooo good. Not too sweet. However, if you want to indulge … I recommend either salted caramel or cookie dough frosting.” “Has vegan (dairy-free) or gluten-free options.”
Hopscotch Bakery + Market, Champaign “They’re delicious!!!” See our review of Hopscotch here.
Hunny Bunny Bakes, Champaign See our article about Hunny Bunny Bakes here.
Lucky Moon Pies and More, Mahomet “Fun, delicious, and beautiful” “AND cake pops!!” See our article about Lucky Moon Pies and More here.
The New Sweet Indulgence, Champaign “SO good!” “I like Sweet Indulgence’s mega cupcakes for fanciness.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes, Champaign “The mini bundts would be a good alternative for upscale cupcakes.” “Their bundtinis are perfect for bite-sized desserts for larger crowds, great assortment of flavors.” “WONDERFUL product quality and customer service!” See our article on Nothing Bundt Cakes here.
RegCakes, Urbana “They are great.” “They account for food allergies.” “Cakes are gluten-free and you can’t even tell… I had a friend tell me he only comes to my kid’s birthday parties for the cupcakes.”
Readers gave shout-outs to Sugar Momma Bakery (Bloomington) and Giggles (Decatur) as well as these area non-storefront operations:
- Amy’s Sweet Delights (Royal)
- Buttercream Dream Cupcakes & Balloons
- Field of Sweets
- Piato Catering
- Panda Cakes Cakery (Sidell)
- Pan & Cake Catering
Grocery/Big box stores
Our readers were happy to recommend cupcakes sold at Costco, County Market, Harvest Market, Meijer, and Schnucks — but heaped the most big-box praise on Sam’s Club: “Best prices for large quantities.” “Good flavor, good moisture.” “Staff is easy to work with.” “Sam’s has the best selection of sports-ring cupcake toppers and can customize in team colors.”
Note that many of these in-store bakeries offer a variety of custom designs if you order ahead.
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