Cupcakes have evolved from simple baked treats into culinary masterpieces. From classic flavors to inventive combinations and unique toppings, these bite-sized confections have become a beloved staple in bakeries across the U.S.
In this article, we will take you on a delicious journey through the best cupcake shops in all 50 states, showcasing the must-try treats that will satisfy every sweet tooth.
If you see a shop near you, grab one of the best cash-back credit cards in your wallet and head out for a delicacy you won’t soon forget.
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Alabama: JoZettie’s Cupcakes (Montgomery)
Family-run JoZettie’s Cupcakes is a staple in the Montgomery area. At JoZettie’s, everything is simple and sweet.
Choose from flavors such as Banana Pudding, Orange Pineapple Cheesecake, and Sweet Potato.
Alaska: Sweet Caribou (Anchorage)
Enjoy “Alaska-sized flavor” at Sweet Caribou in Anchorage. The shop’s handcrafted cupcakes are made with freshly whipped buttercream frostings.
In addition to cupcakes, the cozy cafe serves up sandwiches, macaroons, and puff pastries.
Arizona: The Great Gadsby Bakery (Gilbert)
The Great Gadsby Bakery has been offering sweet treats to the Gilbert area since 2017. The bakery describes its cupcakes as influenced by both London roots and favorite American recipes.
The shop is “baker-owned and operated,” meaning that each creation is either made or overseen by the owners themselves.
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Arkansas: Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe (Hot Springs)
Situated in downtown Hot Springs, Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe offers delicious cupcakes in flavors such as Creme Brulee, Red Velvet, and Salted Caramel.
The shop was even featured on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”
California: Kara’s Cupcakes (multiple locations)
With locations in San Francisco, Napa, and Palo Alto, Kara’s Cupcakes has a menu full of cupcakes with signature flavors, as well as seasonal and monthly flavors.
All of the ingredients come from local vendors, and they offer both vegan and gluten-free options.
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Colorado: Gold Mine Cupcakes (Golden)
Gold Mine Cupcakes is a family-owned shop in Golden that offers everyday flavors such as Red Velvet, Birthday Cake, and Double Chocolate
The shop also sells two to three seasonal, one gluten-free, and one vegan option each day.
Connecticut: Cake Gypsy (Avon)
Cake Gypsy’s cupcakes taste even better than they look. Take a bite of yummy flavors such as Chocolate Snowball, Cookie Dough, and Cubcake, which is topped with sprinkles and gummy bears.
The Avon-based shop even offers cupcake kits, allowing you to take cupcakes home and decorate them yourself.
Delaware: Sweet Somethings Dessert Shop (Wilmington)
Sweet Somethings Dessert Shop in Wilmington has been in business since 1997, using local ingredients for its delectable cupcakes.
Stop by to try out a traditional Chocolate or Vanilla cupcake — or get adventurous and try the popular Fruity Pebbles cupcake.
Florida: Big Mike’s (Coral Springs)
If you are searching for a gluten-free treat, stop by Big Mike’s vegan and gluten-free shop in Coral Springs.
This establishment not only serves freshly baked Vanilla, Chocolate, and Red Velvet cupcakes, but also other baked goods such as muffins, cinnamon rolls, and cookies.
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Georgia: Kupcakerie (East Point)
Started by husband-and-wife team Henry and Kascha Adeleye, Kupcakerie is an East Point establishment that has quickly become one of the best cupcake shops in Georgia.
These gourmet cupcakes are baked fresh daily, and you can pick them up or have them delivered straight to your doorstep.
Hawaii: Legendary Taste (Waialua)
Support small businesses by ordering cupcakes from Legendary Taste in Waialua.
You can text your cupcake orders straight to the owner or stop by the cupcake truck for delectable cakes straight from the oven.
Idaho: Sweet T’s Cupcakery (Twin Falls)
Stop by Sweet T’s Cupcakery in Twin Falls for a unique cupcake experience.
In addition to over-the-top cupcake creations loaded with toppings, the shop also makes liquor-infused cupcakes for those who want to get a little boozy.
Illinois: Molly’s Cupcakes (Chicago)
Winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” Molly’s Cupcakes is a Chicago staple.
Make sure you try the Red Velvet cupcake, as it was voted as the best of its type in the Windy City.
Indiana: The Flying Cupcake (Indianapolis)
The Flying Cupcake is a must-try in Indianapolis. The shop is best known for its creative seasonal cupcakes such as heart cupcakes for Valentine’s Day and ghost cupcakes for Halloween.
Iowa: The Bake Shoppe (Windsor Heights)
The Bake Shoppe does it all, from cupcakes to wedding cakes to custom cookies to gender-reveal cakes.
The shop was voted “Best Desserts in Greater Des Moines,” by Catch Des Moines, so make sure to try a little bit of everything.
Kansas: Cheri’s Bakery (Wichita)
If you can name it, Cheri’s Bakery in Wichita probably has a cupcake design for it. This cupcake shop features cute cupcake designs like dogs, cows, ladybugs, footballs, and flowers.
Cheri’s even offers fun Disney-themed cupcakes with characters from “Monsters, Inc.” and “Frozen.”
Kentucky: Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen (Louisville)
Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen is a cozy Louisville joint that serves as a bakery, cafe, and ice cream shop all rolled into one.
This shop features the famous “upside down cupcakes,” which are exactly like they sound: chocolate, vanilla, or snickerdoodle cupcakes flipped upside down and drenched in homemade icing.
Louisiana: Bittersweet Confections (New Orleans)
Local chocolatier Cheryl Scripter opened Bittersweet Confections in 2002. It has since grown into a successful bakery with two locations and a team of 30 chefs, baristas, and cake decorators.
This shop’s themed cupcakes include a Chocolate Overload cupcake, a Funfetti Cake cupcake, and even Taylor Swift-themed cupcakes.
Maine: Wild Oats Bakery & Café (Brunswick)
Wild Oats Bakery and Café was founded in 1991 and has only grown in popularity since then.
This chic Brunswick cafe offers delicious moist cupcakes, including several gluten-free options to choose from.
Maryland: Georgetown Cupcake (Bethesda)
There’s no shortage of flavors at popular Georgetown Cupcake in Bethesda. Here, you will find more than 100 flavors of sweet treats.
The cupcakes are made of high-quality ingredients such as European-style sweet cream butter, Callebaut chocolate, and Madagascar bourbon vanilla.
Massachusetts: Cupcake City (Reading)
Head over to Cupcake City to enjoy freshly baked gourmet cupcakes with no added preservatives.
This shop features eight “everyday” flavors, as well as several rotating “specialty” flavors, such as hot fudge sundae, Moosetracks, and Twinkie.
Michigan: Bakehouse 46 (multiple locations)
With several locations across Michigan, Bakehouse 46 has some of the best scratch-made cupcakes in the country.
Their commitment is to freshly bake and decorate their cupcakes every morning, providing every customer with a perfectly moist cake.
Minnesota: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe (Hopkins)
All of the sweet treats from Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe are “made by hand with love.” This Hopkins shop is not far from downtown Minneapolis and serves up from-scratch cupcakes.
It also sells filled cupcakes, which are stuffed with caramel, jams, and homemade curds.
Mississippi: Dolce Bakeshop (Long Beach)
When it comes to sweet treats in Mississippi, Dolce Bakeshop in Long Beach has you covered.
You can stop by the shop and grab cupcakes such as Birthday Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Lovers, and more.
Missouri: SweetArt (St. Louis)
SweetArt has been a staple in the St. Louis area since 2008. This bakery is 100% vegan, and all of its cupcakes are made from scratch.
The shop even offers a cupcake happy hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Montana: Bernice’s Bakery (Missoula)
Since 1978, Bernice’s Bakery has been serving up delicious cupcakes in the Missoula area. For something classic, try out the Old Fashioned Chocolate, which is a rich chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting.
If you are feeling more adventurous, then check out Old Fashioned Wine, which is a light floral cupcake infused with white wine.
Nebraska: CupCake! Omaha (multiple locations)
At only $3.75 per cupcake, CupCake! Omaha features flavors such as German Chocolate, Boston Creme Pie, Carrot Cake, and French Vanilla Strawberry.
With a location in Omaha’s historic Dundee district and another on the way in the Capitol District, this shop is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Nevada: Tsp. Baking Company (Las Vegas)
Tsp. Baking Company in Las Vegas is famous for its adorable mini cupcakes, offering bite-sized indulgence in flavors such as Cookie Dough, Brownie Batter, and Butter Pecan.
Perfectly portioned, these treats combine creativity and deliciousness in every bite, making them irresistible crowd-pleasers.
New Hampshire: Queen City Cupcakes (Manchester)
Queen City Cupcakes in Manchester is a charming family-run shop specializing in daily-baked, small-batch gourmet cupcakes.
With a rotating menu, there’s always a fresh flavor to discover. The shop also offers festive seasonal treats for holidays such as Halloween, making each visit unique.
New Jersey: The Bent Spoon (Princeton)
Although The Bent Spoon in Princeton is famous for its homemade ice cream, its mini cupcakes are a must-try.
The shop keeps it simple, offering only two kinds of cupcakes. These sweet treats are only $2 each.
New Mexico: The Grove Cafe & Market (Albuquerque)
The Grove Cafe & Market in Albuquerque is a gem that offers a full-service bakery with delicious breakfast and brunch options.
The signature cupcakes — available in Coconut, Red Velvet, and seasonal flavors — are a must-try. They proudly source ingredients from local Albuquerque producers and others across the Southwest.
New York: Little Cupcake Bakeshop (multiple locations)
With multiple New York City locations, Little Cupcake Bakeshop earned the honor of best cupcakes in the U.S. from Food & Wine.
Known for its creative flavors, such as Peanut Butter & Jelly, Blue Velvet, and Pistachio GrapeJam, this beloved shop is a must-visit for cupcake lovers.
North Carolina: The Peppered Cupcake (Wilmington)
Located in historic downtown Wilmington, The Peppered Cupcake has been featured in Southern Living magazine and on HGTV.
This self-serve shop lets you grab and go with creative flavors such as Blonde Turtle, Italian Creme, and Dirt Cake.
North Dakota: Mehl’s Gluten Free Bakery (Fargo)
Established in 2009 by the Mehl family, Mehl’s Gluten Free Bakery in Fargo is 100% gluten-free. It was inspired by five family members who live with celiac disease.
Offering single, half-dozen, or dozen packs of cupcakes, the shop also caters to vegan and dairy-free diets, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Ohio: PattyCake Bakery (Columbus)
PattyCake Bakery in Columbus offers “conscientious sweets handmade with love.”
This vegan, “100% natural” bakery keeps things simple with four delicious cupcake flavors: Lemon, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Carrot Cake. Each treat is crafted with care by the eight-person team of co-owners.
Oklahoma: Green Goodies Bakery (Oklahoma City)
Green Goodies Bakery — a winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” — is an Oklahoma City favorite.
Offering classic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly cupcakes, the shop features fun toppings such as a scoop of edible cookie dough.
Oregon: Saint Cupcake (Portland)
Stop by Saint Cupcake in Portland to enjoy some of the best cupcakes around.
This shop features cupcake flavors like Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream, Toasted Coconut Cream, and Confetti Cake. Their cupcakes come in both regular and mini sizes.
Pennsylvania: The Sweet Life Bakeshop (Philadelphia)
The Sweet Life Bakeshop is a cozy cupcake shop that is a must-try if you are in the Philadelphia area.
The shop’s soft and fluffy cakes come in flavors such as Red Velvet, Strawberries ‘n Cream, and No 'Nana Pudding. If you want to venture into other offerings, the shop is known for delicious puddings.
Rhode Island: Wildflour Vegan Bakery and Café (Pawtucket)
A staple in Pawtucket since 2010, Wildflour Vegan Bakery and Café offers gluten-free cupcakes in delectable flavors such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Carrot Cake, and Caramel Apple.
If you are feeling extra hungry, stop by sister restaurant Garden Grille, which is right next door.
South Carolina: Sugar Bakeshop (Charleston)
Made fresh every morning, the cupcakes at Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston are enough to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
With around 20 different flavors to choose from each day, everyone is sure to find something they will like here. Cupcakes come in both regular and mini sizes, with gluten-free options available as well.
South Dakota: Oh My Cupcakes! (Sioux Falls)
In Sioux Falls, you will find sweet treats at Oh My Cupcakes! It is known for inventive toppings, including signature flavors such as Chocolate Peanut Butter Attack and Cookie Cutter.
If you want the cupcakes brought to your door, the shop offers quick delivery to nearby businesses and residents.
Tennessee: Muddy’s Bake Shop (Memphis)
Muddy’s Bake Shop in Memphis is a neighborhood bakery that first came on the scene in 2008 and has since grown into one of the most beloved cupcake shops in all of Tennessee.
Stop by to grab a signature cupcake and a cup of coffee and sit in one of the window seats facing the bike lane and water tower.
Texas: Crumbville (Houston)
Crumbville in Houston specializes in vegan, gluten-free, and non-vegan baked goods. The shop is known for its “stuffedcups,” which are delicious cupcakes stuffed with sweet and savory fillings.
Signature flavors include Midnight Toffee Crunch and Peachy-cob-a-licious.
Utah: Cravings - Alisha’s Cupcakes (Pleasant Grove)
A past “Cupcake Wars” winner, Alisha’s Cupcakes in Pleasant Grove offers both custom cupcakes as well as staples such as Unicorn Cupcakes and Mermaid.
The bright pastel colors and sparkly toppings used at this shop offer a twist on the traditional cupcake.
Vermont: Superb Cupcakes (Williston)
With nearly 100 distinct cupcake flavors, Superb Cupcakes in Williston offers something for everyone.
Here, you will find classic flavors like Double Chocolate, as well as a few out-of-the-box flavors such as Fruity Pebbles and Chocolate Chip Pancake.
Virginia: Buzz Bakeshop (Alexandria)
Situated in the north end of Old Town, Alexandria, Buzz Bakeshop offers desserts, sandwiches, coffee, and more.
The cupcakes at this shop are nothing short of incredible and are decorated to perfection. In addition to regular cupcake offers, the shop also offers custom cakes.
Washington: Cupcake Royale (Seattle)
Cupcake Royale was founded in 2003 and was Seattle’s first cupcake bakery and cafe. The shop’s delicious, from-scratch cupcakes come in yummy flavors such as Red Velvet and Salted Caramel.
The shop also offers themed seasonal cupcakes, such as Pumpkin Maple and Boo Babies in the autumn.
West Virginia: Lil’ Bit of Heaven Cupcakes (St. Albans)
Head to St. Albans for Lil’ Bit of Heaven Cupcakes. The shop’s motto is: “Life’s simply too short for bad food.”
With savory flavors such as White Chocolate Raspberry and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake, you can’t go wrong at this shop.
Wisconsin: Simple Simon Bakery (Appleton)
Simple Simon Bakery in Appleton features made-from-scratch cupcakes, donuts, breads, and buns.
The shop offers both seasonal and standard cupcake flavors, including Lemon Poppyseed, Snickers, and Confetti.
Wyoming: The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House (Laramie)
Modeled after an English tea shop, The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House in Laramie brings a slice of England to Wyoming.
These luxurious gourmet cupcakes come in flavors such as Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Orange, and Creamsicle. Gluten-free options are available.
Bottom line
Journeying through the best cupcake shops in all 50 states makes it clear that amazing bakeries are more than just places to get a sugar fix. Each shop reflects its local culture, offering unique flavors and experiences.
So, the next time you find yourself in a new state, stop by one of these cupcake gems and indulge in the sweetness they have to offer.
Even if you have to make your paycheck stretch a little further to enjoy this type of treat, it will be worth it.
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