What is more delicious than the perfect cupcake? Well that depends; have you ever had a cupcake from LaBella Cupcakes? If not, you’re missing out on more than just delicious gourmet cupcakes, you’re also missing the chance to support a local family who have turned their dream into a reality, working together every day in their brand new Cleveland cupcake shop.
Find out more about Cleveland’s newest cupcake shop by watching this video interview with the baker behind the cupcakes, Laura Williams.
I learned about LaBella Cupcakes back in 2009, when I was looking for a sugar-free alternative for a family member’s birthday. It’s difficult to find bakery that those who struggle with diabetes or gluten allergies can really enjoy, so I thought the search might be long. Instead, I quickly came upon LaBella Cupcakes and noticed that they have both sugar-free and gluten-free options. My first interaction was also memorable. Even though it was only one day before the birthday, and even though my family member’s party was well out of the 20-mile radius, Laura worked with me to make sure I was able to get the cupcakes on time. She made a big impression with her customer service and I’ve been a loyal LaBella customer ever since.
What makes these cupcakes really stand out is an extensive list of creative, gourmet flavors. Starting with a few tried and true cupcakes like Red Velvet and Vanilla Bean, Laura Williams, the creative culinary mind behind LaBella Cupcakes has built out a menu of over 50 delectable flavor combinations. Getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day? Stop by and grab the “Guinness Trifecta,” which is a dark chocolate stout cupcake, soaked in Irish whiskey and topped with Bailey’s buttercream. Planning for a summer campout with the kids? Order a dozen “S’more For Ya” or “Rootbeer Float” cupcakes. Getting married? Consider the “Cassata Cupcake,” which is buttery yellow cake filled with vanilla custard and topped with fresh strawberries and made-from-scratch whipped topping or the “Wedding Whisper,” which is a delicate white cake with a sweet almond butter frosting. In fact, there are so many delicious flavors, it’s hard to choose just one from the glass case of freshly baked cupcakes in the shop.
You might be thinking, “Hey, can we get the address for the shop already?” You certainly can! The Williams’ new shop is located @ 15208 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. The shop features a selection of their more than 50 flavors each day, and posts their menu every morning via Facebook. Connecting on Facebook has other benefits as well. The shop offers occasional discounts for Facebook fans only along with announcements about new flavors and limited time only flavors.
Get out to Lakewood and extend a warm welcome to the Williams family. Laura’s husband Michael left his position in construction to join his wife full time at LaBella and their two daughters can be seen lending a hand as well. Their youngest isn’t quite tall enough to reach the counter yet, but she serves as an official taste-tester for the shop. If you can’t make it out to visit, the shop also delivers within a 20-mile radius of the store for small fee, which is a big help if you forget an office birthday or even worse, an anniversary. However you get your hands on these tasty cupcakes, you’re sure to enjoy them. If you can’t quite decide which flavors to try first, my all-time favorites are the Red Velvet and the Lemon Raspberry. Bon Appetite!
LaBella Cupcakes is open Mon-Fri 10AM – 5PM and Sat 9AM – 3PM. Visit their storefront location @ 15208 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, or visit them online at http://www.LaBellaCupcakes.com, or find the shop on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/pages/LaBella-Cupcakes/132926163418107 or on Twitter http://Twitter.com/labellacupcakes.
Watch the video interview with Laura Williams here.
Julie Cajigas is a Cleveland girl who grew up on the East & West Side and now lives near Akron – she’s got the whole town covered. Cajigas holds degrees in Communication & Music from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication at CSU.