“F” is for Food: Kiss Me Cupcakes Review

source: http://kissmecupcakes.co.uk/gallery/general

“F” is for Food will be a regular series about my second favourite topic. I am an unapologetic lover of food and I’ve never tried a cuisine that I don’t like. Get ready for gratuitous, stylized, full-frontal shots of yummy food and my thoughts about them. After all, food is a thing of beauty.

Cupcakes. Call them a fashion trend in the world of desserts, if you want. I just call them a bliss-filled treat dressed in beautiful packaging. It has been nearly a year since I moved from Washington, DC to Birmingham. Since then, I have been on a search to replace my beloved Hello Cupcake. I tried most of the cupcakeries in the DC area, and Hello Cupcake  rose above the competition (even the over-hyped Georgetown Cupcakes). Alas, they wouldn’t ship a box of cuppies to Brum for me (I tried) so I had to seek out a new love.

Vanilla cupcake. Photo by Kadian Pow

Kiss Me Cupcakes sweet beauties were the first ones I tried in Birmingham. Since then, more cupcake bakeries and cafes have sprung up in the wider Birmingham area and I have tried most of them. Like any first experience, one always compares each ensuing experience to the first. So it is with Kiss Me Cupcakes.

Maz (l) and Dali (r). Photo by Kadian Pow

Founded by Dali and Maz, KMC has been in operation for about two years now. They describe their lovingly made cupcakes as beautifully handcrafted, delicious, light & fluffy. They strive to promote locally sourced, fair-trade, free-range and organic ingredients wherever possible, resulting in scrummy, ethically positive cupcakes with plenty of choice. Here’s my breakdown on their brand.

Looks

KMC have a very sweet brand, but not in an overly twee way. They offer cupcakes in 4 different sizes: mini, standard (shown in the above photo), muffin (aka standard American size!) and large novelty cupcakes (see below). Their standard size makes a perfect afternoon or after-dinner treat that promises not to leave you with any guilty feelings after consumption. Visually, the ratio of piped frosting is in proportion to the sponge cake below it. Even vanilla cupcakes come in a variety of frosting colours for more visual appeal.

KMC novelty size cupcake

Flavours

Hands down, KMC offers the most variety in their flavour combinations. Even their vanilla cupcakes are sumptuously infused with organic Madagascar bourbon extract. Maz and Dali endeavour to use organic ingredients where possible, but only if they don’t compromise the taste and consistency of their sweet treats. In addition to a sizeable roster of mainstay flavours, KMC also offer seasonal variety. Last fall I had the pleasure of tasting their apple cupcake. Pure heaven! They had managed to keep the cake moist and the flavours were layered so that the notes of apple were present but not overwhelming.

Frosting in action. Photo by Kadian Pow

Value

A standard size cupcake from will run you about £2 and can be found at several cafes in the city centre and at the 24 Carrots Farmers Market  in the Jewellry Quarter. You can also order bespoke cupcakes online.  KMC’s cuppies are among the most affordable of the six brands I have tried so far. For the quality, freshness and variety available, their brand give phenomenal value for money.

Mmmmmm. Photo by Kadian Pow

Morish?

Definitely. If I enjoy something, I tend to want more of it. The size, weight and density of KMC’s cuppies naturally lend themselves to morishness.  They are generally airy and moist, although the chocolate flavour could use a bit more moisture. However, I have zero complaints about the flavour and consistency of the frosting, which is whipped to perfection. Sometimes I lick half the frosting off the cake before eating it! In summary, after you’ve eaten one of KMC’s cupcakes, you’ll definitely want more.

Stay tuned for reviews on cupcakes from Manton’s Finest, The Happy Cupcake Company, Fallen Angels Cupcakes, Shakes, and The 90 Day Café. If I have left any out, give me a shout!