After having lunch at Sando’s Sub Shop in Manhattan Beach (four-and-a-half stars on Yelp, by the way, and absolutely delicious), I had a strong craving for some type of dessert item. After convincing the boys (okay, they didn’t really need much convinging) that we should walk further down Highland Avenue to see if I could find some type of dessert place, we came upon Cake Bakeshop. I had noticed this little place several times before during various visits to the area, but I never had a chance to take a peek at what this shop had in store. I always thought that the simple, minimalist store sign looked rather cute, tasteful, and modern. With hopes to satiate my dessert craving, I decided to pop inside.

This little shop is all about cupcakes. They do have other items on their menu, such as cakes, pound cakes, cookies, and bars. Upon entering, however, you immediately notice the cupcakes inside the glass counter and the novelty cupcake-related items on the shelf to the right. Cake Bakeshop sells mini cupcakes ($2.00 each) and regular cupcakes ($3.00). They have the typical chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet flavors available daily. Other flavors are available immediately in-store on the flavor’s designated day (see their flavor schedule). This day’s special cupcake happened to be carrot cake, topped with a cream cheese icing.

I opted for a mini chocolate cake cupcake with chocolate buttercream icing, and Allan opted for a mini carrot cake cupcake – the flavor of the day! Ji and Jeremy didn’t want any. Jeremy loves sweets, but he was already busy with an ice cream bar that he had purchased from the convenience store next door.

I love the simple yet tasteful design of everything from Cake Bakeshop, from the box, to the label, to the business cards, to the decor. To top it off, these mini cupcakes are adorable, and they taste absolutely delicious too! I only got one mini cupcake for myself to try it out, but next time I stop by (and there will definitely be a next time), I will be sure to buy more than one!

Cake Bakeshop has special deals when you buy a dozen cupcakes (mini or regular sized). In addition, you can order any of their other flavors on any day (for no extra charge) as long as you order at least a half dozen. The specific item on the menu that caught my eye is the Bailey’s Irish cream cheese frosting. The lady who was working there said they have that flavor of frosting available for purchase in-store once in a while, and it is usually placed atop the chocolate cake cupcakes. Perfect combination in my opinion! I will definitely be phoning-in an order of those some time soon.

If you’re in the Manhattan Beach area, be sure to stop by Cake Bakeshop. I’m not a huge cupcake person, but this place is definitely one of the best places from which I’ve tried cupcakes. Visit their website at http://www.cakebakeshop.com. They’re also on Twitter: @cakebakeshop. I would recommend checking their Twitter daily as they post special deals daily.