Over the past decade cupcakes morphed from a children’s party staple to a major dessert trend. In any metropolitan area you are guaranteed to find at least one gourmet cupcake shop – and every cupcake owner has their own unique recipe with a goal to make their dessert stand out. Below are a few of my favorite cupcake haunts in Chicago.

My personal favorite is the New York import that arrived this past summer, Magnolia Bakery. Magnolia sells other baked goods beyond cupcakes, but their special cupcake recipe surpasses the rest. They focus on only a few basic flavors, and they have the vanilla-on-vanilla combo down pat.

Sprinkles Cupcakes, originally from L.A., is the first ever cupcake-only bakery. If you love icing, this cake is your calling; they pile it high and top each with their iconic sprinkle logo.

(Photo courtesy of magnoliabakery.com)

Sugar Bliss is the Loop’s go-to cupcake joint, offering a variety of full and miniature-sized cakes. Its goods can be recognized by their ornate, flower-shaped icing.

Crumbs Bake Shop‘s cupcakes are massive, decadent and original. Their cookie dough cupcake is vanilla cake with chocolate fudge filling topped with vanilla cream cheese frosting mixed with soft chocolate chip cookie pieces and topped with a chocolate chip cookie–how delectable!

(Photo courtesy of sprinklescupcakes.com)

Molly’s is the Lincoln Park hot spot that stands out for its adorable interior and delicious aromas. Molly’s even has a sprinkle station where you can embellish your own cakes!

More Cupcakes is a Gold Coast oasis boasting obscure flavors like Bacon Maple, Margarita and Chocolate Champagne. Be sure to visit this hidden gem if you’re looking for more than the average cake.

Lastly, Sweet Mandy B’s. I love these cupcakes for their fun, fluorescent frosting. I must admit, although I am a cupcake lover at heart, Sweet Mandy B’s double doozy (two chocolate chip cookies with buttercream icing in between the two) is my most favorite sweet treat.

Now go get yourself a cupcake of your own and decide which will reign as your #1.