Last week, when I was waiting for my glasses from Lenscrafters, I wandered down 6th Avenue and stumbled up on Royale Cafe & Pastry (though I swear the outside said Cafe Royale). I walked into this tiny shop and saw everything Baked: Baked brownies, Baked marshmallows, Baked Coca-Cola cake, and yes, Baked cupcakes, Baked being the beloved bakery all the way in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Unfortunately, I was having camera issues so don't have great photos for you, but I'll stop in and take some soon. They also have sandwiches and coffee and such.
I was delighted, and promptly got a box of 4 cupcakes, which I then shared with Stacie and Nichelle. Baked's frosting is very buttery and rich, and this place oddly seemed to have more flavors than the actual Baked, including salted caramel, pistachio, and peanut butter. Even though they're not giant cupcakes, I don't know if I could finish a whole one, they were that rich. Very cute-looking cupcakes, good for parties and well-packaged for travel. Not as cloyingly sweet as some buttercreams. So if you're a Baked fan but don't want to go all the way to Red Hook, check out Royale Cafe.
Then I went back and got a few more the other day to bring to friends, and at $2 each (cash only), they're a huge bargain. The close at 6 though. Supposedly they have a website, but my internet sleuthing and limited time didn't locate it, but here's their Yelp listing. And to try your hand at home, see the recipe for Baked's red hot velvet cupcakes.
Royale Cafe & Pastry
461 6th Avenue
New York, NY
212-255-5236
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