Smallcakes: A Cupcakery Review

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Amidst the latest trend of cupcake shops popping up everywhere, I’d venture to say one stands above the rest when it comes to taste and attitude – Smallcakes: A Cupcakery in Overland Park, KS.

Though they’ve recently been featured on such national tv  programs as “The View” (where Sherri Sheppard & Whoopi Goldberg announced Smallcakes’ Red Velvet Cupcake was the best they’d ever tasted) and “Cupcake Wars” on Food Network, Smallcakes maintains the same sense of family and community that gave them their start.

Owner Jeff Martin used to own a sub shop and would bring cupcakes in for his friends and employees on birthdays and other special occasions – using them as guinea pigs for his new recipes. After enough people convinced him he’d really stumbled upon something special, they opened their storefront in Overland Park, KS last May. Smallcakes (the name comes from a nickname Jeff & his wife gave their daughter, Lily) welcomes you in with their cheerful pink and brown décor.

A smattering of deliciousness: Red Velvet, Birthday Cupcake, Caramel Crunch & Peanut Butter Cup

As regular customers fought over the last pink chocolate cupcakes (ok, maybe fought is a bit over the top, but I could immediately tell is was a crowd favorite!), I feasted my eyes on the dozen other flavors they were featuring that day. Perennial favorites Pink Vanilla & Pink Chocolate are always on the menu and happened to be surrounded that day by Lemon, Birthday Cupcake, Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Cup, Hot Fudge Sundae, The Hostess (looks just like it’s namesake!), S’mores & Caramel Turtle Crunch…just to name a few!

Of course, what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t sample a few…I knew you’d expect that of me! What I was surprised to find was that the ones I expected to like the least, I actually loved the most! I was not shocked that my kids both wanted to try the Birthday Cupcake, but not being a fan of birthday cake myself, I was reluctant to dive into the whip cream and sprinkles; however, I soon ate my words! Not too sweet, this was the perfect combination of fun and deliciousness (yes, I said deliciousness).

Britton enjoying his Birthday Cupcake

My other favorites were the Lemon and the Caramel Crunch – a delightful chocolate cake with caramel frosting, crumbled chocolate pretzels and sea salt…. I know – sounds weird, right??? But I could NOT stop eating this one! In fact, I think I’m drooling a little as I type this. And at only $3 a cupcake, you don’t have to feel bad about picking out a few and sharing them with some friends 🙂

My kids under a picture of the original "Smallcake", Lily

What was most endearing about this cupcakery was the attitude within. Mitchell & Sara couldn’t have been kinder and more accommodating. They truly embraced the spirit of the shop – one that appreciates how something so small like a cupcake can bring so much happiness to people. I would venture to say that very attitude is what keeps people rolling in to Smallcakes: at a time in our history when there is so much one could complain about, people can take a break and find small pleasures in the simple things that remind them of their youth! Couple that with the fact that the folks at Smallcakes don’t take themselves too seriously and you have a winning combination!

Our gracious hosts for the day, Sara & Mitchell (Jeff was actually in Nashville the day we visited!)

If you’re looking to spend even more time at Smallcakes, ask them about their special events, like their “Cupcake & Cocktail” parties or consider them when booking your next birthday party, baby shower or even just a girls’ night out event.

For someone who’s not a cake lover (as well as someone who’s trying to eat healthier!), I couldn’t help but fall in love with this darling shop. There wasn’t too much icing, the cake wasn’t too sweet and the flavors were so inventive and so well blended that we all walked out very happy campers. With locations in Overland Park & Olathe, KS, you’ll definitely want to indulge your sweet tooth at Smallcakes the next time you find yourself in the heart of the Midwest.