I was recently in Denver for a few days. It was my first visit to Colorado. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see much of the city other than the 16th Street Mall area … I didn’t have a car. But fortunately, I had the 16th Street Mall to keep me entertained … since I didn’t have a car. If you’ve been to downtown Denver then you know what I’m talking about. Shops and restaurants and restaurants and restaurants.
I managed to eat at many of them.
And I even stumbled on a few treats.
Stop 1: Mermaids Bakery and Pie House
Such a cute logo. The shop is quite small, but neat because you have a view of all the action behind the counter right from the street. Not that you can tell any of that by this picture. Sorry, I was sidetracked by the logo.
I ordered a small box of four cupcakes. You know. A snack.
Three chocolate variations and one vanilla.
One vanilla with cinnamon that turned out to be the winner.
(Cinnamon Churro – vanilla cake flavored with pure Saigon Cinnamon, vanilla buttercream sprinkles with sugar glitter and more cinnamon)
I don’t know how that happened. Chocolate is such a favorite for me, but so many times I lean towards vanilla cupcakes.
I dunno.
I contemplated it while eating my next treat.
Stop 2: Crêpes ‘n Crêpes
Okay, this was so much fun. A friend and I sat at the counter for breakfast and watched crêpe after crêpe being made. It was really quite mesmerizing.
This is Logan. He made a ton of crêpes for our viewing pleasure.
Here, I’ll show you how…
Drop some crêpe batter on a hot plate. : )
Spread it around in a circular motion with a miniature windshield wiper thingamajig thingy.
And keep spreading until it’s super thin.
Look at that steam.
This is Jose. He made a bunch of crêpes, too. Non stop. It was almost like a sport with these guys. Lots of action and teamwork. They were really focused on what they were doing and what the person next to them was doing. Ready to jump in and fill or fold or move them to another plate at any moment.
And if they couldn’t, someone else was ready to jump in at all times.
There were several of these hot plates going at the same time and never any of them empty.
When ready… lift it off the plate.
Fill it. Fold it.
And repeat. And repeat.
You can have them filled savory or sweet with anything from eggs and bacon to bananas and nutella.
I recommend the ratatouille crêpe for the savory. I even recommend it over something sweet. What’s the matter with me?
It was kinda sad when our breakfast was ready, because it had been so fun watching all the action.
And the staff was pretty entertaining, too.
So, naturally we had to go back at night for dessert.
Stop 3: Lovely Confections Bakery
This cupcake shop is several minutes from the 16th Street Mall area, but I had to check it out based on a recommendation from Cupcake Julie.
So my friend and I took a quick cab ride to investigate.
I love how the cupcakes are decorated with different sizes and colors of sprinkles.
And I loooooove these chocolate sprinkles. I must acquire some immediately.
All of the cupcakes were yummy with this chocolate one coming in third. Again, I don’t have an answer for myself.
Second was this vanilla cupcake. The strawberry frosting was to die for and that’s saying a lot since fruit isn’t really my thing.
Also, hello … are these the sweetest baking cups or what.
But this was my favorite. The Bees Knees.
No, for real. That’s it’s name, too. It was a lavendar cupcake with a honey lemon buttercream. Amazing!
This is Porche. Lovely Confections is her shop. Thanks for making our cab ride so worth the drive.
Stop 4, 5, 6 and 7: Amore Gelato
Back on 16th street was this little gem. I wanted to pack this store up and bring it home in my suitcase.
I’m now completely in love with gelato.
And I’m especially in love with Dulce de leche gelato. So thick. So creamy.
I don’t know if I can go back to regular ice cream anymore. Okay, you know that’s not true … but still. It was soooo goooooood.
I did find a brand since I’ve been back called Ciao Bella Gelato. It has a dulce de leche gelato that’s delish.
And like the store, it also carries sorbets, but I really couldn’t tell you much about that.
I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t free to roam the city in search of more sweets.
But if I had been with car, do you know of any Denver sweet stops I’ll be sad I missed?
Everything you make looks just unbelievable and I bet it tastes that way as well.
Looks great!
Crepes and crepes is one of my all time favorites!! They even make gluten free crepes for unfortunate people such as myself!!!! Have u ever made any gluten free yummies?
Erin
Ok, I’m officially in love with your website! A co-worker introduced me to your blog and it has become my #1 site to visit. So many sweets, so little time…I better get baking!
Dulce de Leche gelato?! ahh, i’ve died and gone to heaven.
I love the pics!! And I really want some of those cupcake liners! When I put sprinkles on my cupcakes with tweezers, my family calls me crazy, but I want to know how they did theirs!
King Arthur is a bust. The chocolate flake sprinkles are unavailable.
I agree with #89. I would also like to get some of those lovely cocolate sprinkles! I am thinking S’mores cake pops??? Yum!
glad there is someone else out there spreading the lavendar love! I make these amazing lavendar lemon cupcakes with a light lemony glaze……o sooo good and to die for! (the secret: marscapone in the batter to make them light yet rich)
Oh, man I’d kill for a nutella banana crepe. I used to get them all the time when I lived in Germany. Soooo goooood.
Hi! I stumbled across your site a couple weeks ago and I love your site! Then the following week I pre-ordered your book (which arrived last week) – it is amazing! I live in the SF Bay Area and you will be signing at W-S next month but I am sad I won’t be able to meet you and sign my book. I just started a new job and I can’t take time off yet : ( Good luck to you and I look forward to more books from you!!! : )
You missed D Bar, Little Man Ice Cream, Big Fat Cupcake, the Denver Cupcake Truck and Sweet Action Ice Cream.
Next time your in Denver you’ll have to stop by Cake Crumbs and The Denver Cupcake truck… Yummy!!!
OK OK… first my funny hubby makes nutella crepes on Saturday mornings (esp. when guests are here) They are SO yummy! =) those guys might have been funnier than my hubby while cooking… he isn’t so funny! ha ha! ahem…
Those cupcakes from The Lovely Confections Bakery… are SO cute and also look delish! I need sprinkles like those! the chocolate ones and the sparkly ones! My little girl is having her birthday soon and we are doing some bakerella fun at it! So I need to get on practicing baking your style!! =) I will tell you when I post about it! one of my old dreams was to own a sweet bakery! in a little tiny tourist town… not sure I still hold that dream… (too early for me) ha ha! but anyway… I would love to take classes one day just because!! frosting classes… decorating … baking tips… ya know… all of it!! alright I am done!! =) THanks for the mini tour of Denver sweets!
You MUST try rice gelato! It’s like icey cold creamy rice pudding. Trouble is I’ve only found it in Italy.
I really like yum yums, but they aren’t quite in Denver, they are in littleton, or close to littleton at least, in park meadows mall.
I do love crepe and crepes, but I’ve only been to the cherry creek location, I like the mushroom filled crepe and my boys LOVE the ham and cheese crepe, my daughter is the sweet lover in this family, she gets the nutella with strawberries and bananas.
I love lovely confections… I get cupcakes and if I remember I order a cake for family birthdays….My daughter goes to
East High School, just down the street. The red velvet ones are the best…..
Oh Yum…. I could watch crepes being made all day… I love watching people whip up a creation using food, which is why I love your website/blog so much!!
If you ever make it out to San Francisco/bay area, there’s a local gelato shop – two locations, Berkeley & Oakland – that makes THE best gelato I’ve ever tasted.. and I’ve tasted quite a few! (Including Ciao Bella, which seriously does not hold a candle to my local shop..) It’s called Lush Gelato. Their dulce de leche is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.\.usually a chocolate girl, but this has me converted! But they also make various random flavors which usually change by the week, and use a lot of local ingredients. Some favorites include bananas foster gelato, creme fraiche gelato, semi-dark mexican chocolate gelato (dark choc. w/ cinnamon. YUM.) And of course their fresh mint chips- They literally pour a thick layer of melted dark chocolate into the finished gelato, stir, and then break up the chocolate into humongous chunks.
Convinced yet? :)
Oh, and they don’t mind if you sample ummm.. every flavor… ;) before deciding what to get. They have delicious sorbettos too, made with local fruit, but I can’t leave there without gelato.
I really don’t even buy ice cream anymore, now that my gelato place offers up to three flavors in a pint. (For those of us who can’t choose just one!)
I think I need to pay them a visit tonight. :)
Oh my word. I have a lot of family here and have never visited any of these locations! Now I know where I will be stopping with in hours of arrival on my next visit! :D
I’m in Denver now on vacation and had dinner at Crepes n’ Crepes. It was HEAVENLY! There was nutella involved, of course!
Try Paolo’s for gelato in the highlands – very yummy, but not as good overall as Morelli’s Ice Cream. Any one in Atlanta must try both.
Oh dear. Now I just have to go back to Denver. Thankfully, it’s only about four hours away.
Cool neon sign. I wonder if you ate at Dixons’ on that very same street? I heard that was good from my Coloradian family
Bummer you didn’t check out Happy Cakes – best cupcakes in Denver, bar none. But yes, you would have had to hail a cab or hop in a car. I have to stop myself from driving there weekly.
Also, D Bar Desserts on 17th is owned by Keegan Gerhard (Food Network Challenge host) and his wife. They have sweet and savory delights, but my favorite is their in Elvis cupcakes with chocolate dipped bacon. They don’t always make them – you just have to know to ask.
The Gelato D’ltalia Cafe in Cherry Creek is also a great spot for the authentic Italian treat. The staff offers specials that mix together two flavors, turning the gelato into an entirely new flavor. Last time I went, I got dulce de leche with raspberry and it ended up tasting like apple pie – figure that out!
What delicious treats. The cupcakes look absolutely scrumptious. Looks like you found some great places to spend your time.
So glad you enjoyed our city! One of my favorites places is Gelato d’Italia in Cherry Creek. They make a wonderful drink with sorbet called a Sorbetto Breeze. Try it with White Peach Champagne and Passion Fruit. It’s awesome.
I am a missionary in Costa Rica and gelato is BIG here. We love it! Thank you so much for the time you take to take pictures and how you describe things…even love the “thingamajig” descriptions, makes you “real” like the rest of us. I feel like I just went on vacation to Denver! Thank You! And I’ve been a stalker, but couldn’t let this post go by without a comment because it’s a lot of hard work on your part!
I know you found Ciao Bella, but if you’re ever out in Madison, GA, you should stop by Ella’s Sweet Shoppe. It’s right in downtown Madison and serves authentic Italian gelato that is to die for! They also have the tastiest truffles I have ever had in my life. The Grand Marnier and Cherries Jubilee are the best in my opinion. My husband and I visit the shop about three times a week… but supposedly gelato is “better” for you than ice cream, so we blindly believe that and don’t feel as bad about ourselves!
They do look great… the cupcake wrapers or ones just like them are from wilton.
Everything sounds delicious and decadent! I love sweets and will have to try out some of these next time I’m in Denver. I have a niece there and hopefully will be back early next year.
Thanks for all the tips-they just moved there so I need to let them know of these places too!!
This place looks amazing! I can’t wait to meet you in Atlanta next month at Food Blog Forum! We finally meet!
Here’s where you can find those little chocolate flakes, they are so delish, and the texture on the tongue is neat too.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/sweet-chocolate-flakes-4-oz
Happy baking!
~ MaryJane @ KAF
After reading this post I made a visit to my local crep stand called Le Crepe Experience. I had a chocolate and bananas crepe that was sooo yummy.
You are simply faboulous! you made me taste those cup cakes!!!
Kisses
Etta
saw these and had to share…cute & quirky? check! :)
http://www.modernchichome.com/KITCHEN-AND-TABLETOP-All-Kitchen-&-Tabletop/c3_100/p617/Cupcake-Salt-&-Pepper-Shaker-Set/product_info.html
http://www.modernchichome.com/KITCHEN-AND-TABLETOP-All-Kitchen-&-Tabletop/c3_100/p15/Cupcake-Pedestals,-Set-Of-6/product_info.html
Love this post, the cupcakes look delish!
PS. I was reading this and your site was mentioned as well, congrats! :)
http://www.thestar.com/living/food/article/848963–buy-12-cake-pops-to-help-a-child
those chocolate sprinkles are on my wish list now! and crepes…crepes for dinner it must be. :)
Love seeing the nutella recipe! Love Nutella!!
I would highly recommend D Bar on 17th and Franklin, Keegan Gerhard and his lovely wife own the place and it is hands down, divine. I go there once a month and the menu is always changing. There’s a cupcake place on 17th and Pennsylvania called Yum Yum’s and I would love your opinion about them as well. Duffyrolls, they have a couple locations but there’s one in Old Pearl Street area off of I-25 has the most amazing cinnamon rolls I have ever had the pleasure to eat. I’m a sweets girl, and I would definitely recommend the D Bar next time you’re in town!
I saw it mentioned above but…. I heart Happy Cakes! Plus the neighborhood is fabulous!
If I had to create a quick list of things that would Make Me Feel That Much Closer To Heaven, So I Must Try Them Before I Die, I’d say lavendar cupcakes with honey lemon buttercream would probably have to go in the No. 1 slot.
Next time you’re in Denver, if you need a chauffer, just shout. I’d love a day/afternoon of sweet-shop-browsing!!! Especially since I don’t get out to Downtown enough to visit those awesome places. It sounds like you have several volunteers on here, so definitely let the blog-world know the next time you’re here!!!
Hi Bakerella! You are amazing with all your mad skillz. And you are my “go-to” for anything fun and sweet. However, I need help in a different cupcake venue, I am wondering if you know of any fabulous quotes about cupcakes. I am making a scrapbook and needed one, but can’t really find any. Can you help me? Thanks so much for your website and inspiration.
It’s a secret insiders tip, but they sell Ciao Bella scoops behind the pastry counter at Dekalb Farmers Mkt in Atlanta! Try the Mango, it’s heavenly!
Such a fabulous post- I felt like I was right there with you. The crepes looks amazing!
You’ve really got me craving some cupcakes. Putting that on the to-do list.
Also I keep hearing about crepes everywhere I turn.. it’s been too long since I’ve had some. They’re calling for me.
Thanks for the inspiration.. and drool worthy photos!
Oh my word! There is nothing like an amazing crepe! Delish!
I love the Nutella Crepes!
You visited Denver, and didn’t tell us? :) I live in downtown Denver and frequent all of those places, but I have to say, you missed out on my absolute favorite place, DBar with the FN Chef Keegan. So delicious. And so close to downtown. Maybe next time when you visit Denver. :)
It’s not a bakery but for breakfast I love Snooze! Their Cinnful pancakes are the best!
Hello dear!
I’m from Brazil and today a felt like talking to you.. I don´t have an answer for myself eider! I have to tell you that I´m hypnotize for that lavender cupcake with honey lemon butter cream… I wanna taste it!!! But unfortunately this is not a cab ride away from hear… is more like a plane flight…
Kisses and keep amazing me with your wonderful pictures!
Fernanda
Yeah! You got to meet Porche! I’m jealous. Also, KAF sells bags of those chocolate flakes/sprinkles.
i’m here to tell you that while i do like Ciao Bella (um their key lime pie flavor has graham cracker crust bits in it). But go find a publix and look for the brand Talenti. It comes in a cute little clear container with a chocolate brown screw on lid. Personally the Double Dark Chocolate is my favorite. You’ll have to let me know!
Okay, I was born and raised near Denver. And I still live there. So next time you come, I must say, you HAVE to try:
Snooze.
It’s this awesome little breakfast place, with bright and cheerfully modern decor, and breakfasts to die for. I only wished I could have stuffed more into my mouth.
Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Cinnful Pancakes (complete with bacon caramel) and much more – non-sweet stuff too. (But who would want that? :) )
Colorado is a GREAT state – hope you come back!
Those crepes looked delicious. I loved the staff’s expressions. Priceless!
Hammonds candies does free tours of the candy making process and you get free samples. It was really fun and I can only imagine all the photo opportunities you would have had with all the beautiful looking candy. http://hammondscandies.com/
If you ever come to Buenos Aires, Argentina, you must try dulce de leche and brownie gelato. It is to die for.
http://www.persico.com
http://www.freddo.com.ar
You’re in Atlanta, right Bakerella? If so, then you can get awesome gelato at Paolo’s in the Highlands. It’s on Virginia, just past the intersection of VA & Highland – next to Figo Pasta and across from the gas station. http://www.paolosgelato.com/index.html
Bakerella~
Can you give some ideas on buttercream frosting for cupcakes? Recipes, piping, tip size, etc. The thick layers on the cupcakes you showed here are perfect and I cant get it right with a Pampered Chef decorating tool. I know I need a pastry bag, but what kind of tip?
Any recipes you love?
arent you fat enough without the crepes?
the shoppe is my favorite cupcake spot! delicious cupcakes and an awesome atmosphere with games and art from local artists on display on the walls that are for sale. they also have an interesting cereal menu!
WOW! Now I am really hungry!!! I love cupcakes!!!
Ooooh, that gelato. Makes my mouth water!
When I had my first gelato in Firenze/Florence, I was ruined, too! Fortunately, one can make this addicting treat at home. Great photos!
BTW, thank you so much for spelling “crêpe” correctly! Just remember that “José” has a diacritic or accent as well. :)
I live in Hawaii and am in Fort Collins visiting family. I made my sister in law drive me all the way to Denver just to go to D Bar Desserts. Keegan was there working! I felt silly being so star struck and i resisted the urge to take a photo op. The food was amazing and the desserts were to die for! I just may have to return before flying home!
ok, THANK YOU. I live in Boulder and have tried google, and a variety of other sources to find good bakeries in the area. I’m absolutely tickled that you found good cupcake shops there. There’s a fabulous cupcake shop in Boulder (Tee and Cakes) but it’s Boulder which means everything is very very over priced. I’m not kidding. It’s cheaper to get gas, dental work, clothes, …you n ame it anywhere outside of town.
Oh, and gelato truly is fab – the best I’ve ever had was grapefruit. I know, I know, sounds so not for chocoholics, but I seriously could NOT stop eating it.
Anyways, again thanks.
That all looks like SO much fun, now I want to go to Denver! I’m a big eater when travelling too… nothing goes untasted! LOL.
Hi! I’m new to blogging and I love your blog so much. Check out my blog. It’s about event planning. I would love your comments. http://www.eventsbytammy.blogspot.com Thanks!
Ya know…I’m not big on fruit in most of my desserts but I recently found the best cupcake I’ve EVER had. And it was a strawberry cupcake from the Market Street Tavern in Chattanooga (home for me…sadly I just moved to Wichita, KS for a job…I WANT A CUPCAKE NOW). Oh my goodness…the first time I ate one…I was just in shock. Soooo good.
Mmmm…hope there’s a good cupcake place in Wichita since I’ll be here for about 9 months. :D
You missed out on D Bar, I am from Hawaii and am visiting family in Fort Collins. I made them drive me all the way to Denver just to try it out. Keegan was there in person and working. The food was to die for and the desserts…well all I can say is OMG!!! I just might go back on Monday before I fly home!
I have to add a Happy Cakes recommendation to Jem & Kristi’s posts- I take all of my visitors there at least once! Try the spiced pear cupcake with sauvignon blanc butter cream- it’s the best cupcake I’ve ever had
You are an AMAZING photographer!!!! Oh how I aspire to have the skill and eye that you have!
Just an hour to the south, in Colorado Springs, you’ll find Sweet Daphne’s to be a wonderful little bakery. You’ll love the mountainous scenery and the sweets! Well worth the trip.
Im like you and can watch crepes being made all day. They make the best crepes in Okinawa. I always ordered mine filled with whipped creme, bananas, and chocolate syrup. Delicious!
There’s a gelato chain called Paciugo based out of the Dallas area. it’s so amazing. My favorite flavor is the Mediterranean sea salt caramel. It will change your life.
Gelato is one of my favorite desserts! I usually go with half chocolate and half amaretto…delicious!
omigosh! i was just in Denver walking where you were, and i am so sad now. i did no see any of those shops! although, i may get to go back next year and for sure i will definitely hit those shops!
Omg, I live in Denver! (Well my parents do—now I live in Savannah, GA most of the year). Next time you MUST go to the Shoppe. Amazing cupcakes with really creative flavors and a really cool atmosphere (they serve cereal and ice cream too!). Snooze is also amazing, it’s a retro-inspired breakfast/brunch place that has the most unique and delicious pancakes around. There’s so much amazing food in Denver that I don’t even know what else I can say, but I’m glad you got to experience some of it and I hope you’ll be back soon to get the full Denver experience.
Oh amore! I am from Denver and currently live in Las Vegas. You’ve totally taken me back to my hometown (sniff!) It all looks so wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
The Mulberry bakery in Denver is great! I hear the Makery in Lonetree is great and of course there are always some great places in Boulder. Definitely let us know if you are back in the area!
Thanks for letting us know about those places, its been a few years since I really explore 16th Street Mall and now I have new places to check out!
I looooooooove Nutella crepes!
If you find those CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES, you let us know!
Next time, you have to go to D Bar and have the macaroni and cheese. I know! It’s not dessert (which are also fabulous), but the mac and cheese is the BEST I’ve ever had in my life! And Keegan’s really cool too! And next time, let me know you’re coming to town, and I’ll be your designated driver!
Shannon
I would definitely recommend D Bar, Keegan is just to die for!
It has been a while since the last time I visited your site, It is ALWAYS fun and very interesting to read you, this time (once again) you Thrilled me with your story. For a moment I even forgot about everything and you made me travel to Denver. You are AWESOME, I love your page and like this wonderful report of your findings in Denver. I must go back to finish cleaning the house arghhhhhhh.
When you have a chance (if ever) I invite you to visit me at my blog, and would love you to see the work I do with Marshmallows, (I hope you like them) If you do go, let me know you were there, it will be a great honor to have at my ciberhouse. Kisses.
http://kreartdiva.blogspot.com/search/label/Bombones
I’m your follower from México
mmm.. definitely in the mood for crepes with Nutella, banana and strawberries now…. RIGHT now. ;D
BTW, you could try Gateaux; they have cute cupcakes and pastries :)
Yummy! I live in south Denver and rarely make it into downtown. Now I have excuses to make it there to try out these places. That cinnamon cupcakes sounds heavenly! I love crepes too! Thanks for pointing out these gems to me!
I’m so bummed we didn’t know you were in town. I’ve lived in Denver the past 27 years and have never even heard of those cupcake places. The crepes one has other locations I’ve just never been to one of those either. Oh to be a tourist…I’m loving all the suggestions of the locals as well.
Thanks for giving me a few new places to check out!
Yum!
I just have to mention, when we were in Paris Nutella Crepes were everywhere and they were so yummy. Did you know Nutella is the substitute for peanut butter over in France.
I’m a breakfast girl… morning vittles at Snooze (also in Ft. collins) and also brunch at Panzano’s are both fantastic. I don’t think I’ll live anywhere but Colorado… Glad you had a great time and thanks for some recommendations, too!
Those cuppies are so pretty! Mmmm, vanilla is my favorite even though I adore chocolate.
Have a great weekend Bakerella!
oh my Lord. Clearly I need to not just visit Colorado, but move here. Like immediately.
Thanks for these great photos and reviews (LOVE the photo of the plate being served..it’s fantstic!)
If you come to Boston, you can join me at Mr. Crepe in Davis Square, Somerville or at Johnny D’s across the street for an oatmeal that I actually travel over an hour to get. Yum!
(There is also a number of cupcake places, but I do not recommend Kickass Cupcakes. They tend to be more of a dry cupcake novelty place.)
Next time, be sure you go to Hammonds Candies, an old-fashioned, family-run candy factory. They offer factory tours with samples (yum!) and are a cab-ride away from downtown Denver. We went in March and had a fab time – it was WELL worth the cab fare. Be warned that the factory store is enticingly dangerous!!
I too love the chocolate sprinkles from Lovely Confections’ cupcakes…any ideas where to find them?
Glad you enjoyed my city!! I LOVE it here. There are numerous fun places. Drop a note next you’re here and we’ll arrange for you to “get out of town.”
Ooh thanks! My daughter goes to University of Denver and we are headed out there soon. Now I have know exactly where to go!
If you’re ever in Boulder, try Tee and Cakes. It’s a cupcake shop that also sells screen-printed T-shirts. They are famous for their bacon cupcakes.
Next time I’m visiting relatives, I’ll make a point to try this bakery! Yum! Anyone know where to score those chocolate sprinkles– those were the coolest cake topping ev-ah!
I live in the Denver area and because of your wonderful report of your findings, I now must add them to my TO DO List. My hips thank you!!!
You gotta let us know when you’re headed to town – we would have played tour guide/chauffeur for you the entire time you were here!
Sorry you missed Happy Cakes Bakeshop (www.happycakes.com). They’ve won the Top Cupcake for the 3rd year straight this year! Soooo worth it to have to risk paying a deductible to parallel park in the Highlands!
Come back! we’ll show you all of the good stuff you missed!
i love crepes n crepes~!!! thanks for the other bakery recommendations! i recently moved back to denver so i’m tryin to find yummy goodies that make up for all the deliciousness in nyc :)
You must try Sugarland in Chapel Hill, NC. It has wonderful gelato that I paired with a cookie cone. Yummy. Thank goodness my niece goes to UNC we can visit this shop often.
http://www.sugarlandchapelhill.com/
Honey lemon buttercream???????!!!!!! I must try immediately!!!
I’m sooo in love with crepes at the moment! I did a post on them a few months ago on my blog ( http://www.madewithpink.com ). I discovered that my fav combo was Nutella with some French salted caramel. Soo delicous! I’ll be going to Paris tomorrow for the weekend and can’t wait to try one of the famous creperies I’ve heard rave reviews about!
If anyone is interested in making Crepes they can get the recipe here: http://www.madewithpink.com/2010/06/salted-caramel-nutella-crepes-french.html
“lavendar cupcake with a honey lemon buttercream”
That sounds amazing!
OMG, the places I could tell you that you missed! Little Man Ice Cream is the best.ever. Not only is the ice cream, sorbet and gelato awesome, the atmosphere is so cool.
http://littlemanicecream.com/
Next time you must try Snooze for breakfast! Can you say Pineapple Upside Down cake pancakes? Everything there is divine!
If you like a little bit of spice, 8 Rivers is an awesome dinner locale. It’s Jamaican cuisine and the smoked jerk dishes are to die for!
Oh I could go on and on…
those crepes remind me of france! i had the most incredible nutella crepe right in front of the eiffel tower.
and those chocolate sprinkles look like the ones that sprinkles uses on their… either milk chocolate or dark chocolate cupcakes… yumyum!
My very first “real” job in high school was when I was living in Japan, and I worked at a Japanese crepe shop making those crepes all day. My fave was rum raisin with ice cream – yum.
And thanks to the poster with the source for those chocolate sprinkles. My fave Seattle cupcake shop uses them and they melt in your mouth so perfectly I’ve been wanting to use them at home too!
Those baking cups are so darling!
I’m so stoked you were in Denver! Next time, if you need a car, I’d be happy to chauffer you around town! :o)Two places I would take anyone visiting Denver to…1) Racine’s off of about 7th & Sherman. I’ve never had a meal that was anything less than awesome, but their desserts are to die for. Their Brownie a la Mode is famous and delicious, but my new love is their Flourless “Paris” Chocolate Cake, covered in fluffy whipped cream and yummy berries. Mmmmm… 2) Happy Cakes Bakeshop in the Highlands area of Denver. They always have new flavors and something for everyone…even vegan cupcakes! In fact, I believe they sell cake pops :o) My favorite flavor of cupcake is Pom Poms (covered in Trix cereal). They have a ton of different flavors: Blackbird’s Pomegranate Margarita, Maple Bacon, Arnold Palmer, Trail Mix, Snickerdoodle, Sticky Bun, Peppermint Patty, Lemon Drop…so many to choose from! Hope you come back to visit soon!!
Can we set up a Bakerella food tour next time you are here? We can all go around eating at fabulous desserteries!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Wow – makes me want to hop a plane to Denver. I love cupcakes and just last night whipped up several different confections for a work party today (baking is my job security!). Chocolate chip with chocolate ganache frosting, vanilla (flavored with madagascar bourbon vanilla) with strawberry icing and fresh strawberry garnish, french vanilla with chocolate buttercream frosting and shaved chocolate on top….I love em all!
Waiting on your recipe for the cinnamon cupcake…….
pretty please?
Looks like you had a sweet time! haha
Those churro cupcakes look amazing
Your dessert vacation looks awesome!
Oh the gelato is calling me name. Love gelato!
oh my, I’m soooo hungry right now! It reminds me of christmas markets when everything is covered with snow and it’s really really cold. And then there’s always a chalet where they sell crepes with nutella : )
Now I know why I wanted to see Colorado on my to do list of places to see. Must visit it soon. Wonder if I should lose about six pounds before I go. LOL Paulette
Wow, that post has made me sooo hungry!! So much beatuful food!
YUM! I’ll be in Denver next year and will put those shops om my to-go list. Everything looked great, particularly the Crepes- served by men in aprons no less!
I was born and raised in Colorado and have never been to any of those places…guess it’s time to go home!!! If you ever come to Japan make sure you try a crazy crepe! Amazing ice cream custard filled dessert!
The Bee’s Knees sounds soooo delicious right now!
Wei-Wei
I don’t know Denver, but Ciao Bella also has a wonderful Chocolate Hazelnut!
…um, I’m off to make cinnamon ones … for breakfast! x
Love your adventure! Looks like you had a great time and all those places look definitely worth the while and delicious!
It isnt exactly a “baking” place, but well worth the visit, The Cherry Cricket! Best burger place ever! And their deep fried Mac and Cheese ROCKS!!!!!
Sugar rush.. I need that now! Oh so so yummy. Thanks for posting such photos. I’m already full. Hihi.
omg i am drooling here
mmm..looking at all these pictures is making me hungry!
This is too funny. We were also in Denver this weekend and also were obsessed with Crepes & Crepes and Amore Gelato. Crepes & Crepes has incredible happy hour deals . . . any crepe for $4!! And I tried a bunch of gelatos but ended up with the chocolate hazelnut and LOVED it. Now I see it was a shame that I didn’t try dulce de leche!
Too bad we didn’t run into you! I would have made you autograph something so I could tuck it into my cake pop book when I buy it! :)
Rachel and Sara are right, Sweet Action Ice Cream is the best!!! It’s in Cherry Creek, just south of downtown, and you MUST try next time you’re in Denver! I don’t even live there but whenever I go visit my mom we end up eating ice cream every night! which explains why I gain 5 lbs. every time I go to Colorado… Sweet Action is definitely my favorite, but Bonnie Brae and Little Man are two other really fun ice cream spots. Hope you get a chance to go back!
that’s some skilled crepe making! jealous …
Well heck, I live in Denver (okay, a suburb) but I’ve never heard of any of those places you visited. I don’t get downtown much! I have been to the Shoppe, and loved their cuppies. Will definitely put these places on my list!
crepes n crepes! I went to Denver during memorial day weekend. And on the last day of the visit we went to crepes n crepes only to find out they had closed 20 minutes ago. I was extremely sad. Glad you got to try it though!
Why go sight seeing when Bakerella takes us sweet-seeing? Thanks for the AbFAB tour, Ms. B…..I’m feeling a little mile-high sugar-high just looking at the sweet treats!
Those all look so delicious! And I love LOVE Ciao Bella gelato. Their blood orange sorbetto is to die for.
Oooh! Thank you for all these suggestions! My husband works about a block away from the 16th street mall but somehow we’ve never made it to any of these places!
why bakerella, thank you for combining my favorite 3 things that begin with C. Actually, I take that back. You forgot some delicious cookies. So…maybe next time we could hit up a cookie place with you, eh?
mm the Bee’s Knees cupcake sounds so good. Now I’m hungry.
oh, i wish i’d known you were in denver!!! i would have come and picked you up in a totally non-creepy way!
The Ciao Bella Key Lime Graham gelato is TO DIE FOR. Like, it’s so amazing, I actually will not buy it anymore unless someone else will be over for dinner because I will eat a whole container in 10 minutes flat.
I’m going to second Sweet Action Ice Cream. 4 words: Stranahan’s Whiskey Ice Cream. I know, whiskey ice cream sounds 18 kinds of crazy, and it is. But in a delicious kind of way, the flavors are surprisingly complimentary. But perhaps my favorite flavor is the Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream.
Also, the Shoppe has a breakfast cereal bar. I’m intrigued. I’ve only ever gotten their cupcakes.
I may be silly, but I could not stop staring at the jar of Nutella…I think I’m officially inspired to make some banana nutella crepes for breakfast this weekend!!! Mmmm!!!
Lovely Confections also uses local and organic ingredients besides being absolutely delicious!
I love dulce de leche! YUM!
I recieved a lovely assortment of cupcakes from Lovely Confections for my birthday this year. I got to try 6 kinds. Bees Knees was my favorite. Glad you found some delicious eats here
I live in Denver and can testify that Lovely Confections are my favorite! My friends and I did a cupcake tour of Denver a couple years ago, a link to pictures are below. Across the street from Lovely Confections is The Shoppe. I don’t like their style of cake as much (sweeter and spongier) but they have really fun, kid-like flavors.
My favorite Denver treat spot THIS year is Sweet Action Ice Cream on Broadway. They have the most interesting, tasty flavors. I love Biscuits and Jam, Salted Butterscotch, and Cherry Chocolate Chip.
Cupcake pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelsmason/sets/72157618212804173/detail/
LOADS of goodies in this post! I love gelato, too, and am sort of a newbie to it. I also love to watch crepes being made — it’s sort of magical.
Haha the minute I saw you say you now loved Gelato I was going to recommend Ciao Bella! Everything they make is amazing their gelato is fabulous and the sorbet is like a miracle. It’s somehow creamy which I feel like sorbet never is and the flavors oh mah gahd the flavors!! Blood Orange is to die for and Blackberry cabernet holds its own too…as does everything else. Ok, I need to make a trip to the freezer now! If only that lavender cupcake were in there too all my desires would be fulfilled!
Crepes with Nutella and banana is brilliant! So fun to eat your way through a new area.
LC’s Bee’s Knees are amazing:-) but my ultimate favorite is the Salted Caramel Cupcake
Raelynn, D Bar ROCKS!!! And the crepes place is my fave. Haven’t tried Lovely Confections, but guess where I’m going tomorrow???
Love, love Denver. :) Prolly won’t ever move anywhere else after 13 years of bliss here.
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I’ll be in Denver in a few weeks and MUST get a Nutella crepe! I am currently looking for places to go, and this helped a lot. Thanks. :)
Wow, I think I need to visit this area, it looks fantastic. I love crepes with nutella, mmm mm mmm mmm. And I love that you went back at night for more. That makes me jump up and do a little heal click…how fun!
wow. I wanna go on vacay with YOU! I never come across that much good stuff… clearly, I dont look hard enough!
yum!!! it looks like you had so much fun!! all of those cupcakes are making my mouth water!
Everything looks soooooooooooooooo good!!! Someday you’ll have your own little cake pop store and people will be be blogging about it! Great pics!
Yum Yum Yum, I think Im going to have to visit Denver sometime!!
I grew up in a suburb of Denver ~ none of those places were there when I was there. Can you share why you were in Denver???? I know Food Network films a lot of things there…..?????? Hmmmmm????
I agree with Sami…you were here in Denver and didn’t tell us. Thanks for these reviews, I’m new to the Mile High City so I will have to give these places a go….I have been dying to go to D Bar, which is Pastry Chef Keegan Gerhard place, and it’s on 17th Street, you could have walked there! :-)
you can get those chocolate flakes/sprinkles at King Arthur Flour. I love baking with them
Denver is on my bucket list….now more than ever!
Omgosh you were here! You are my hero and I would have done anything to take a picture with you! Glad you enjoy the great treats of Denver. You must come back again
I have had the crepes before and they are delicious!! I would love to try that Bees Knees cupcake! My mouth is watering!! Thanks for sharing Bakerella!!!!
Lucky!=)
mmm i wish I could fly out to denver right now! Jealous! Such delicious treats
MmmMMMmm this makes me smile :)
That looks like my sight seeing!! Everything looks so delicious, but especially those crepes! It’s been hard to find good crepes in most of the places I’ve lived. My faves were at The Merry Table in Portland, ME! Thanks for sharing, Bakerella!
Wow, that’s my kind of trip. So much fun seeing how the crepes were made. I agree… there’s just something amazing about a really good vanilla cupcake with creamy smooth frosting! :P
Oh yum, those cupcakes look delic. I think the Bees Knees would top a choc cake anytime. Thanks for sharing.