Cupcake Update!

    Hello everyone! I'm currently writing this from good ol' Houston, Texas, my favorite city in the US. Not only is the weather here beautiful, but the shops, restaurants, and universities (Rice!) are fantastic as well. But Houston hasn't been my only travel destination this summer. Since early July, I've been staying in my cozy hometown of Nashville, Tennessee with my grandparents. As always, I try to see more and more of Nashville every time I go to not only rediscover places of my childhood, but also to experience new places for my future. This summer, my best chica, Madi, and I have been exploring Nash Vegas together and recording our findings. One place we discovered was Ivy Cake, a series of cupcakeries located in both Franklin, Tennessee and Brentwood, Tennessee.

    

  

 I'm always in the mood for cupcakes (What sane person isn't?!), so after a quick trip to Target, we walked 30 seconds away to the Brentwood Ivy Cake, found in the same Target plaza. As I walked in, I was surprised by the decor of the cupcakery. The walls had a classic flower design and half of the store hosted red velvet booths and tiny tables to sit and chow down. The other half was definitely better than the tables! A giant glass display case covered this side and a wide array of different cupcakes sat perfectly placed and ready to be bought and eaten. I perused the case with anxious eyes, excited about biting into one of the cute morsels. Ivy Cake bakes over 23 different flavors, so you can see how I was overwhelmed! I finally chose the carrot cake (If you cant' tell, carrot cake is a weakness of mine) with a cream cheese frosting. I also chose a mini cupcake called "Two Faced." This itty-bitty cake was a chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, drizzled with chocolate ganache. Madi got the "Big Dreams" cupcake (An entirely pink strawberry cupcake with tinted cream cheese icing), due to her obsession with all things strawberry. She also got a mini "Boss," which reminded me of a ice cream sundae cupcake. It's a custard-filled vanilla cupcake with eclair frosting, dipped in chocolate ganache, with a bright, red cherry on top! The normal cupcakes were three dollars each and the babies were one-seventy-five each; an average price for a cupcakery.


     Ivy Cake cupcakes are actually some of the best I've ever tasted. The cake on both the carrot and chocolate cakes was succulent and moist. Each bite of it was soft and spongey and along with the frosting, the cupcake was definitely a complete package. Both of my cakes, and Madi's also, had a great frosting to cake ratio which adds bonus points for Ivy Cake! Speaking of the frosting, the carrot cake's cream cheese was smooth and literally melted in my mouth after each nibble. The results were the same for the "Two faced" cream cheese. On that one the chocolate drizzle added a deeper, richer flavor to add a balance to the icing. Ivy Cake gets the ginger foodie's #1 spot for best cream cheese icing. Madi devoured her cupcakes and relayed her "Mmmmm"s between bites. Based on her reaction, I'm guessing we both could describe the desserts in one word: Tasty!

     Not only were the cupcakes delicious, but the service at Ivy Cake was kind and welcoming. The two women behind the counter, Sharon and Aubrey (Sorry if the spelling's off, girls!), immediately flashed big smiles and warm 'hello's. Their lovely dose of Southern Hospitality and delightful conversation kept us smiling too. The entire food adventure to Ivy Cake was definitely worthwhile and I'll surely go back. The only wish I have for Ivy Cake is to speak to Ivy Childers, the creator of the cupcakeries. I want to do this for a few reasons...1) To hear about the daily life of owning a cupcakery. I'm sure it's both stressful and rewarding, as most businesses are, but I think her job would also have a fun twist. Who wouldn't want to make and sell cupcakes all day long? I know I would! I'm also curious to her inspiration of starting Ivy Cake. and 2) To interview her about her appearance on Food Network's "Cupcake Wars." This is one of my favorite shows and I'd love to know her reaction to the judges, pressure, and crazy flavor combinations that press the limits of normal cupcakes. She was, sadly, not at the Brentwood location at the same time we were, otherwise I would've been asking questions galore!

Bottom left; Chocolate Vanilla Bean, Top left; Red Velvet
Top right; Chocolate strawberry, Bottom right; Hummingbird

On a side note, while I've been in Houston, I've revisited my favorite cupcakery, Celebrity Cupcakes. Today I bought four little minis to try (Red velvet, chocolate strawberry, chocolate and vanilla bean, and Hummingbird) because I want to try and taste all their flavors over the course of four days. It's a challenge I'm willing to take! Just as I remembered, the cake was ambrosial and dewy. Each time I chewed I tasted a more poignant flavor! And the icing was still creamy and delectable. Out of the four, I think the Red Velvet was my favorite. The lady I bought the minis from was actually the owner's mother and she told me that Red Velvet is their most popular flavor. I can definitely see(And taste!) why! The presentation and flavor of the cupcakes was top notch and, not to mention, adorable.  

I'll be sure to keep ya'll updated on my summer foodie adventures. There's a lot more to come, from tapas to sushi, and of course, more cupcakes. A crepe update is also on its way, so stay tuned for more delicious adventures of a ginger foodie!

-The Oaklavore  

More Pictures: 

   

Mini’s need love too!

         Left: Ivy Carrot Cake, Right: “Two Faced” mini