Vanilla Bake Shop

Although they focus more on cupcakes, I I always buy everything other than cupcakes while at Vanilla Bake Shop. I always intend to post about the yummy chocolate chip cookies, but I never am able to hold onto a pack of their cookies long enough to take a picture. Either my own monster comes out, or my cookie monster boyfriend gets to them. Hopefully one day soon, I will summon enough cookie control to get at least one picture of them - even if it means taking the camera into the store.

Last time I was there I did something I never do - ordered a slice of cheesecake. Although it is one dessert I think is good, I never order it or really crave it. But, when you put “Pumpkin” in front of another word, all bets are off and I become interested. Although a little hesitant about Pumpkin Cheesecake, after first bite, my reluctance disappeared. Insanely rich, thick, and not too subtle, but not too much pumpkiness taste with a cheesecake texture was just perfect. Of course I can’t forget to mention the dollop of cream cheese frosting that officially started the sugar party in my bloodstream. Delicious. I wish I could eat it all the time. I recommend.

Vanilla Bake Shop
512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-6655

Leda’s Bake Shop

I had to bump this post up in line because of the few days left that you can actually get them. Last week my boyfriend and I went to the Valley to find some cupcakes. Driving down Ventura longer than I would ever think I need to (I am never in that area), we finally found Leda’s Bake Shop. As you can see, the facade is cute and the bake shop is small.

While sampling the numerous cookies and scones, I chose a couple of cupcakes. Of course the Red Velvet cupcake, which was vegan (probably use oil). It didn’t stand out to me at all, probably because of the vegan frosting not being as good as a dairy-ful / dairy-licious cream cheese frosting. Although I wasn’t too impressed by the Red Velvet, I loved the Peanut Butter cupcake. It was a peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting. Delicious. This place is notorious for having frosting that has a dab of filling (curd, ganache, cream) inside. A hidden gem (sorry no picture of that).

They have a plethora of cupcake flavors. I don’t know the gossip behind it, but they are shutting down cupcake sales in a few days (the 19th to be exact). Supposedly they will still sell cupcakes, but only for orders. I think this is a little ridiculous, because good cupcakes are a great cash cow. However, I do understand that it takes a lot of time and effort to make them (especially the little ones!). But - to stop selling something that people obviously enjoy, is like making alcohol illegal. Exactly like the Prohibition. I don’t know.. it’s 7 in the morning, you get what I’m trying to say.

So if you’re a fan of them already, this is a reminder to go get some. If you’re not a fan and live close enough, this is a recommendation for you to go try some. Or order some.

Leda’s Bake Shop
13722 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-386-9644