Buttercup Cakes & Farm House Frosting

The place has been around for 4 decades and just recently, they move to the downtown Santa Cruz location. Just the first second I walked into the place, I already noticed it’s elegantly decorated and inviting. I found their cupcakes are quite moist which I like! Though, a little bit too intensive on the sweetness for me. That’s why the most favorite out of the three of them I had is the Hibiscus flower. The deep red color of hibiscus frosting actually has that little sourness which helps with the too-sweet taste. The Carrot Ginger was lovely too. The vegans would die for this. A vegan sweet treat that’s actually very delicious! WAY BEYOND PAD THAI

Well hello big kid sugar shop and more!! If you can decide on a dessert, you can also order drinks and food, or how about a cute tea party? Absolutely adorable & quaint set up for tea time! I will have to try that some day! The Cherry Crumb mini pie was to die for! The staff is super friendly and quick. Forgot our cookie, but was quick to hand one over ☺️

If on a budget, try the imperfect cakes on sale! (5/5 green stars) The cupcakes seemed a bit pricey at $4.50 for a large or $2.50 for a mini. BUT, then I discovered that they had a selection of “imperfect” cupcakes at 50% off! I like this idea – kind of like the ugly fruit and veg movement; saves on food waste. So, I tried a half-price rhubarb, almond, raspberry large cupcake ($2.25) and also a pesto palmier for $3, which she heated up for me. The palmier was a little dense but not bad. The cupcake was great! I’m also giving Buttercup Cakes 5/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons: • It’s a three-generation, woman-owned local business! • They use organic, local ingredients whenever possible. • For cakes to order I think that you can specific that you want it to be all-organic. • Several vegan options. • They won a Green Business Certification award. • For individual items they use simple brown paper bags. • For multiple cupcakes they use cardboard boxes (many other bakeries use plastic clamshell containers). I appreciate this – I don’t need a see-through plastic box for my pastries. Find out more at the Green Stars Project.

High tea was lovely, but very expensive. Something to experience once. The overall experience would have been much more enjoyable if the large party directly next to us kept their small children more under control, but unfortunately they just screamed into our ears for most of our time there. The menu lists scones, but you only get one scone. The gluten free cupcakes are much drier than the regular ones.

This place is a gem, the flavor/texture/freshness of everything is unreal. The staff is really sweet too and the atmosphere is adorable. The cupcakes stay good for at least 2-3 days if you take them home, but are best same day.

So glad we found this place! The cupcakes and coffee were delicious! The space is elegantly decorated and inviting. Great for a quick sweet bite!

The baked goods are superb. My complaint came from my order of hot chocolate for my child. On a Saturday night (12/10/16), my daughter said it was "very bland." The waitress removed the liquid and added more chocolate. I tasted it and it still tasted like water. She then added about a 1/4 cup of sugar. My daughter accepted it out of embarrassment but tossed it once she left the counter. I then overheard the barista mention to her colleague that the chocolate had been "made the prior evening" and she noticed that it was "very watery," when she came to work that morning. So, why would you give an inferior/poor product to a patron? I wish I had requested another item or a refund.

Cute and lovely bakery, staff are friendly and professional. Lots of unique flavors and choices to choose from.