Central Park Cupcake Collision

I'm a little behind here, but a few weeks ago my great friend Marlie of Marliese's Sweet Treats held a genius gathering in Central Park: a cupcake tasting contest. Everyone showed up with three chocolate cupcakes and three vanilla from a bakery of their choice. I brought from Tu-Lu's Gluten Free Bakery, and luckily for me, another friend showed up with treats from Babycakes.

This day was fantastic for so many reasons: the weather was perfect, Central Park is beautiful, I got to eat cupcakes, and last but NOT least: I got to hear opinions from multiple Glutenous Correspondents on the gluten-free cupcakes. Not only their opinion- but their opinion as compared to regular cupcakes. A rare opportunity, my friends.

We judged on appearance, moisture, and flavor. Beyond that, it came down to personal taste: did you prefer a sugary frosting? A bit sized treat? A massive cupcake? A lighter flavor?

The rankings are HERE, on Marliese's Sweet Treats.

What I would like you all to note: out of eight cupcake contenders, the two gluten-free bakeries both made it into the top three.

Babycakes vanilla cupcakes came in third (tied with Sweet Revenge Bakery) and

Tu-Lu's chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting (drool) tied three ways for second place (with Butter Lane and Two Little Red Hens Bakery).

The chocolate cupcakes from Babycakes were not so well-received, and the vanilla cupcakes from Tu-Lu's did not make it to the final cut - but how could the vanilla compete with the chocolate/peanut butter combination? I love a savory-sweet fusion!

Babycakes was a love-hate situation for the discerning crowd. The discussion became about expectation, did someone like it because they expected sawdust? Were they just impressed by the magic chemistry of chick peas and pears? How COULD something be gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free? I love a Babycakes cupcake, but they are definitely their own animal (no vegan pun intended). The flavors are slightly earthier, fruitier, and with a thicker texture than a "regular" cupcake. Honestly, I prefer a solid baked good (and a healthy one.)

Then of course, there was Tu-Lu's: everyone agreed you couldn't tell the difference. That's the butter, eggs and sugar talkin'!

One more thing everyone can agree on: cupcakes and wine make for a perfect Saturday. And contests are a good way to feel sporty about gluttony.