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Best Places For Cupcakes in Los Angeles

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(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

'Tis the season for sweets and treats! Los Angeles is home to a number of gourmet bake shops, renowned for their cupcakes. If you're looking to spice up your next holiday party or simply looking to satisfy your sweets craving, check out the following bakeries where you'll find the best cupcakes in Los Angeles.

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Cupcakes from Sprinkles. (credit: www.sprinkles.com)

Sprinkles Cupcakes
9635 S Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 274-8765
Multiple Locations
www.sprinkles.com

Started in Beverly Hills by Candace Nelson and her husband, Sprinkles is often described as the "original" cupcake bakery and was voted as America's Best Cupcakes. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother, Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from only the finest ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, Sweet Cream Butter, Belgian Chocolate, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of the cupcakes are distinctly decorated with the company's signature trademark modern dot. Tech savvy? Be sure to follow Sprinkles on Twitter for secret cupcake giveaways, or download their iPhone app for games, virtual cupcake gifting, and of course, free cupcakes.

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(credit: www.susiecakesla.com)

Susie Cakes
11708 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 442-2253
www.susiecakes.com

This all-American bakery prides itself on offering desserts that are made from scratch daily using the freshest, finest ingredients which include European-style butter, Scharfeen Berger Cocoa, Ghiradelli Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, and Tahitian Bean Vanilla. The California-based bakery was started by Susie, who brought all of her grandmothers' recipes to the West Coast where she eventually opened her first shop. Be sure to try one of their seasonal cupcakes which include Gingerbread Latte and Chocolate Candy Cane. See also Best Pumpkin Treats in LA.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Big Man Bakes
413 S Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-9100
www.bigmanbakes.com

What started as a way to relieve the stress of studying for medical school is now a successful business in Los Angeles. William "Chip" Brown initially sold his cupcakes to colleagues, but these decadent cakes are now being sought out by locals and visitors in Los Angeles. Be sure to check out those uniquely individual flavors offered which include Mounds, Reese's, Nutella, and Caramel Apple.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Big Sugar Bakeshop
2182 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 508-5855
www.bigsugarbakeshop.com

This neighborhood, one-stop bake shop offers sweets and treats handcrafted and baked daily from scratch using the finest ingredients. What's unique about the bake shop is their gift offerings which include imported platters and vintage finds. In addition to offering 12 cupcake varieties each day, the bake shop offers daily specials which can be found on their blog. Some of their more unique cupcake flavors include dulce de leche, boston cream pie, cinnamon with hot cocoa buttercream, and Meyer lemon.

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A vanilla bean cupcake from Vanilla Bake Shop. (credit: www.vanillabakeshop.com)

Vanilla Bake Shop
512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-6644
www.vanillabakeshop.com

Inspired by her mother, Amy Berman and husband Jeremy started a dessert catering company which eventually led to the opening of Vanilla Bake Shop. Even the origin of the name is notable, as Vanilla is "the world's most universally loved flavor." Her assortment of cakes, cupcakes, and desserts are made from scratch daily using quality ingredients like madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, sweet cream butter, and cacao chocolate. Each day you'll find a new assortment of cupcakes including their famous Southern Red Velvet. Speciality holiday cupcake varieties include Gingerbread Spice, Peppermint Chocolate, and Chocolate Vanilla Bean.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Magnolia Bakery
8389 West 3rd Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4312
(323) 951-0636
www.magnoliabakery.com

With its roots in New York City, Magnolia Bakery offers vintage American desserts in a cozy, old-fashioned shop. Their selection of baked goods are made in small batches from scratch each day using quality ingredients. December's cupcake of the month is spiced gingerbread which is finished with a vanilla bean meringue buttercream.

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Jamaica's Cakes. (credit: www.jamaicascakes.com)

Jamaica's Cakes
11511 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 478-1971
www.jamaicascakes.com

Named for chef-owner Jamaica Vawter, not for the island nation, this intimate bakery offers a decadent retreat nonetheless. Favorites include red velvet, richly chocolatey black bottom, and vegan versions of many flavors, including the killer vegan carrot cupcake – packed with fruits, veggies, and nuts and topped with a dairy free cream cheese frosting that miraculously tastes like the real deal.

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Chocolate cookies & cream buttercream cupcake from Frosted Cupcakery. (credit: www.frostedcupcakery.com)

Frosted Cupcakery
4817 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 987-1080
www.frostedcupcakery.com

This Hollywood outpost of the Long Beach favorite provides one stop shopping for the cupcake connoisseur's sugary fix. In addition to a menu of traditional flavors (including a knock-out red velvet), the bakery offers ice cream-filled varieties, cupcake sandwiches called Hi-Tops, and even "pupcakes," cake-shaped meaty treats for Fido.

Caryn Bailey is a mother of two and an active blogger. See her work at Rockin' Mama.
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