This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

LITTLE CAKES CUPCAKE KITCHEN WINS COVETED FOOD AWARD FOR THE SECOND TIME

Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen won the October 5th episode of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”. This is the second “WIN” for the cupcake shop. Little Cakes previously won in April, 2012.

Each week on Cupcake Wars, four baking teams from across the country compete in three elimination challenges until only one remains.

Saturday evening’s competition was themed around the Broadway musical, “Annie.”  To celebrate the one year anniversary of its return to Broadway, an event was held in Manhattan for the actors and crew.  Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen won the opportunity to cater the event, which took place at the Times Square Hard Rock Café in August, 2013.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Little Cakes is extremely honored to take home the top prize a second time after the grueling day of competing,” said Little Cakes Owner, Don Hein. “The competition was fiercer this time and I felt the company had more at stake.” Don Hein and Assistant Kitchen Manager Jessica Sanchez competed on the show in Los Angeles in June, 2013.

Following are the winning cupcake flavors created for the show’s challenges:

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Red Deliciousness – A cranberry apple buttermilk cake with beet cream cheese frosting topped with pomegranate seeds.  (For Round 1, in which each team needs to come up with a recipe comprised of various random ingredients.)

The Sandy – A coconut cake basted with a traditional tres leches mixture with coffee flavored Italian buttercream topped with toasted coconut, marshmallow ears and a dark chocolate covered espresso bean “nose”.

Daddy Warbucks – A rich chocolate port cake dipped in a white chocolate ganache topped with vanilla Italian buttercream, chocolate crispy pearls and a chocolate bow tie.

Princess Annie – A pistachio almond cake with raspberry Italian buttercream topped with a marzipan heart.

“When we were approached to do the show again, I thought it would be fun, as well as, a great challenge,” said Hein. “However, we were hesitant at first, because we were worried that anything less than a win could take away from what we’ve already accomplished.” 

Yet, the true motivation to return and compete again was all about the beginnings of a new family.  “My wife and I put off starting a family so that we could start a business.  The first win on Cupcake Wars helped get our business on its feet.  We thought another appearance (and definitely another win) would give us the financial boost needed to have children.” 

Little Cakes Cupcake Kitchen opened in downtown Vista in 2010.  “My wife Becky and I strive to recreate the experience of being welcomed into a home kitchen. We have been accepted into this community with wide open arms,” said Hein.  “We always wanted to be that place you bring people to when they visit - because they can’t get the same experience anywhere else.”

Having lived in Vista for several years, Don and Becky are enthusiastic to have their one-of-a-kind bakery just down the road from their home, adding to Vista’s already exciting local flavor.

History of Little Cakes
After many years in the corporate and managerial world, Don was searching for a new and fulfilling experience. He was lead back to his roots, coming from a family full of self-starters and business owners, which includes several bakeries. Don and his wife Becky have always enjoyed hosting special events and most of all, feeding people excellent food in a welcoming atmosphere.

Each day Little Cakes offers a selection of cupcakes from a list of over 130 flavors. The kitchen also make little pies, little cheesecakes and gourmet cookie sandwiches called “Becksters” (named after co-owner Becky’s childhood nickname). Several unique beverages including Italian Lemonade, made from scratch, and create-your-own Italian sodas are also offered. The bakery is open 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 11am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday and is located at 30 Main Street, #180 in downtown Vista.

The public is encouraged to consider Little Cakes for their next special event, whether it’s a wedding, meeting, birthday party or “just because.” Special orders can be placed by visiting the shop or by calling (760) 842-5138.

For more information about the shop, flavors and special orders, please visit www.LittleCakesKitchen.com or download their app now available on iPhone and Android smart phones.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?