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Whoever thinks cupcakes are over haven’t seen or tasted some of the gorgeous ‘cakes coming out of Bay Area bakeries lately. They’re every bit as delicious — and Instagram-worthy — as the ice cream-stuffed doughnuts clogging your feed.
What makes a great cupcake? Certainly the cake’s moistness is a factor. But should that cake be vanilla, chocolate or red velvet? Should it be filled with something, like fruit or lemon curd? What about the frosting — buttercream or cream cheese? Sprinkles?
With so much variety to choose from and so many important opinions, one thing is certain: This calls for a cupcake contest, bracket-style. We asked readers to nominate their favorite Bay Area cupcake shops and bakeries, and they responded with nods to Cupcakin’ Bake Shop in Berkeley and Oakland, San Jose’s Frost Cupcake Factory, San Francisco’s Sift and oh so many more.
Now we’re pitting 16 spots against one another to see which deserves the title of Best Cupcake — and asking you to be judge, jury and eater. Be sure to hit the “done” button at the end of the ballot to submit your vote. First-round voting for the Sweet 16 closes at noon on April 15. Voting for the Amazing Eight begins at 6 a.m. April 16.