Trophy Cupcakes and Party

Dining dilemma: You're looking for a tasty cupcake and a equally enjoyable espresso.

Seattle.net solution: Trophy Cupcakes

Quick and Easy
Why go: It doesn't make sense not to 
Highlights: Snickerdoodle, Hummingbird and Farmer's Market BlueberryCupcakes
Service: Casual, but impeccable

Cupcakes are all the rage these days, but it seems like a bold move for a new cupcake bakery to open up in a town that is already under the sweet, sugary control of Cupcake Royale. With three very popular locations, Cupcake Royale is the reigning force of Seattle’s cupcake consumption. Well, as of February 2007, Trophy Cupcakes and Party has thrown it’s hat into the ring.

Sitting in the very heart of Wallingford center, Trophy is hard to miss when you enter the building from any direction. Their turquoise blue tables and chairs spread out over the whole center of the building and the cupcake case is brazenly on display to tempt anyone  who may be walking through. Trophy boasts a “library” of 20 cupcakes, and has five to seven of them available on any given day. They include fruit curd-filled, plain-jane vanilla and chocolate and exotic flavors like chai-caradmom and snickerdoodle.

Because I am a sucker for anything covered in rainbow sprinkles, and am also a purist when it comes to baked goods, I chose the vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting. Trophy uses the highest quality ingredients, which is reflected in the taste of their cupcakes. The outrageously silky frosting tastes distinctly of sweet cream butter and vanilla and is generously applied but not overwhelming. The cake is buttery and moist but solid enough to not crumble all over you when you chow down seconds after paying for it (if you can wait that long.) I also sampled (ate several of) the chai and red velvet cupcakes, each with the same balance of silky frosting and moist cake, but packed with distinct flavor. Not only are they tasty, but did I mention how beautiful they all are? I recommend checking back often until you find your perfect cupcake. Alternatively, Trophy will customize cupcake flavors and decorations for your birthday, wedding or other celebration.

Trophy has heavenly cupcakes, but they also have the richest drinking chocolate this side of Belgium. Share a 3oz or 6oz size with a friend unless you really want a chocolate overload. Plus there’s a full espresso bar and Dry sodas. You can also pick up beautiful vintage party supplies like cute candles, decorations and invitations. Trophy is certainly worth a visit; you may even change your mind about your go-to place for cupcakes in Seattle. I certainly have.

Hours:
M-F 8am-8pm
Sat. 8:30 am-8pm
Sun. 8:30 am-5:30pm