Molly's Cupcakes

Molly’s Cupcakes: Everything You Want to Know

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Curious about Molly’s Cupcakes in Chicago?

If you have any kind of sweet tooth, add Molly’s Cupcakes to your list of Chicago must eats. These delicious, center-filled cupcakes are some of the best you’ll find in this city!

While Chicago certainly has a solid gourmet donut scene in place, Molly’s Cupcakes also deserve a spot on your must eat treats list. 

Molly’s Cupcakes FAQ

How did Molly’s Cupcakes come to be and what’s this bakery’s claim to fame? Read on to find out.

Who is Molly from Molly’s Cupcakes? 

These sweet cupcakes have an even sweeter origin. Molly’s Cupcakes is fondly named after the owner’s third-grade teacher, Miss Molly. She used to bake delicious chocolate and vanilla cupcakes for her students on their birthdays, and clearly they left a lasting impression. 

When you step into a Molly’s Cupcakes shop, you’re transported back to school days. You’ll see colorful walls, board games, simple yet inviting tables and chairs, bench swings and a sprinkles station. 

To further honor Miss Molly, a portion of proceeds is donated directly to schools in the community. So, a visit to Molly’s means supporting a local educational institute. A delectable win-win!

Molly’s also donates cupcakes to school events and fundraisers. Email mollyscharity [at] gmail [dot] com to submit a request if you’re a teacher, principal, parent or student looking for support.

3 plates for 3 cupcakes

Who is the owner of Molly’s Cupcakes? 

The original founder and owner of Molly’s Cupcakes is John Nicolaides. He found success early on, and Molly’s Cupcakes was profitable after only the first 4 months of being in business. 

Where did Molly’s Cupcakes originate? 

Molly’s Cupcakes began in Chicago’s Lincoln Park location. It began winning awards and popularity early on, and has since expanded into other cities. 

So far, you can find Molly’s Cupcakes locations in Chicago, New York, Iowa City and Cincinnati.

Did Molly’s Cupcakes win Cupcake Wars? 

Yes! In fact, Molly’s Cupcakes was the first season finale winner of Cupcake Wars back in 2009. The winning cupcake flavor was Peach Cobbler.

Molly’s Cupcakes: What to Order

So, what are the best Molly’s Cupcakes flavors to try when you visit? Well, there are plenty of options to choose from.

In addition to classic flavors you’d expect at any cupcake eatery (chocolate, vanilla, etc), they offer a build-your-own option. This allows you to choose your own cake and frosting flavors. 

But the real shining stars at this establishment are the center-filled cupcakes. There are 14 standard flavors and 2 seasonal options at any given moment. Based on my personal taste-testing experience, here are my top recommendations:

Blueberry Cheesecake 

Blueberry Cheesecake cupcake best flavors of molly's cupcakes

This one is my ultimate favorite Molly’s creation. It’s stuffed with cream cheese filling, topped with fresh blueberries and thick graham cracker pieces. 

Crème Brulee 

I avoided this flavor for a long time because I usually find crème brulee to be a bit bitter and not very substantive as a standard dessert. But as a cupcake? WOW. The vanilla bean pastry cream filling in this one is divine. 

Peach Cobbler

The Peach Cobbler cupcake is the one that stole the show on Cupcake Wars, so it’s certainly a must try to discover what the hype is about.

Biting into the Peach Cobbler cupcake means biting into homemade whipped cream, a peach-puree filling, streusel-topped vanilla cake and a fresh peach slice. Yum!

The Ron Bennington 

One of the first flavors I ever tried that was recommended to me by a friend. If I’m being honest, this isn’t a personal favorite because I find the chocolate a bit too bitter. But I know its a combination many will love — peanut butter and chocolate!

Cake Batter

This cupcake screams celebration — vanilla confetti cake, funfetti sprinkles on blue-colored vanilla buttercream and filled up with liquid cake batter. Drool-worthy.

Boston Cream

If you love Boston Cream donuts half as much as my sister and I do, you’ll devour this cupcake version. 

Pumpkin Spice

pumpkin spice cupcake

This seasonal flavor is available in fall and winter and is one of the best pumpkin-spice flavored foods I’ve ever tasted. 

Molly’s Cupcakes Wrap-Up

In addition to cupcakes, Molly’s Cupcakes also serves cookies, cheesecakes, brownies, coffee and more. But of course, the center-filled cupcakes are a must. Which flavor will you try first?

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