Finding New York’s finest cupcakes can be a daunting task. Forget everything you’ve heard, because over the years I have tried them ALL and have narrowed it down for you. Does gluten disagree with you? Are you on a vegan regime? In true form, New York City makes sure you can still have what you want, when you want it.

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia is credited with starting the whole cupcake phase in NYC when their doors opened in 1996, and their cupcakes are I have never NOT waited in line to get a cupcake at their Bleeker Street, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal or Bloomingdale’s locations (yes, I have been to all four). Pick yourself up one of these for nostalgia’s sake – I would stick with the classic vanilla buttercream to benchmark all the others!

Butter Lane

Ever felt like licking the icing off your cupcake and throwing the rest in the bin? You will NEVER have this urge with a Butter Lane cupcake. Now with locations in Park Slope and the Lower East Side, Butter Land is less crowded than Magnolia, and you will find what are in my opinion superior tasting and more interesting cupcakes. They let you pick which cake and icing combo you prefer, from vanilla/honey cinnamon to chocolate/sea salt chocolate (two of my favorite combos, incidentally). In the mood for some Elvis? Try the banana/peanut butter creation. Butter Lane has my favorite cupcakes in the city!

Kyotofu

Manhattan’s best kept cupcake secret, Kyotofu is on the rise as one of the leading bakeries. Their chocolate soufflé cupcake was awarded “best cupcake” of 2010 by New York Magazine, and with innovative recipes like their Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes and vegan brownies, Kyotofu has something for everyone. They are also expanding their gluten free options every day.

Babycakes

Would even the sight of a full fat, buttercream cupcake make you cry? Have no fear – Babycakes is here! An entirely vegan bakery, their tasty treats pack a punch so delicious you’d never know (or care) that butter, dairy, etc…. is missing.

Don’t let the queue outside Sprinkles, Crumbs, Baked by Melissa, or any others fool you… Stick with these cupcakes and I promise you’ll be satisfied.

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Rebecca Jaymes is a local singer in NYC. To find out more about Rebecca, head to www.rebeccajaymes.com