It’s no secret that Seattleites have an affinity for cupcakes. The expansion of popular cupcake chains across Seattle neighborhoods demonstrates that even in an economic downturn, we are still shelling out our hard-earned cash for these sweet treats.

So with multiple chains having already established devoted clienteles, do we really need one more cupcake shop? In this blogger’s opinion: YES. Seattleites now have another cupcake mecca in Yellow Leaf Cupcake Company.

The difference is in the frosting. Owners Mike Hein and Tony Portugal describe their Italian buttercream frosting to be “lighter while not being overly sweet.”

But more than that, it’s in the unique set of flavors Yellow Leaf Cupcake offers. Their “wow” factor comes from their Tomato Soup cupcake, a recipe coming from Hein’s childhood through a family friend. It comes across as a pumpkin-carrot cake mixture – and it’s received rave reviews from customers. “Only Campbell’s works!” says Hein. “It offers a certain sweetness that the other brands don’t have. We put it in every batch.”

Yellowleaf cupcake

While you can expect to find the classic vanilla, chocolate and signature Tomato Soup flavors each day, their other 6-10 daily offerings are constantly rotating – one day you mind find an orange-vanilla, creamsicle flavor, or a peanut butter and jelly cupcake the next.

Customers can wash down their cupcakes with French-pressed, local Victrola coffee or a selection of organic and dessert teas from the Art of Tea or Choice Organic teas.

Hein and Portugal chose Belltown as the locale for their cupcake venture because of its revitalization efforts. “We wanted that strong sense of community,” Hein says. “We wanted to be able to help make this neighborhood better.”

One way they’re accomplishing this is through their Yellow Heart Charity, where a different cupcake flavor and Seattle charity are picked by a child every month. $1 of the proceeds from each cupcake sold is then donated to the selected charity. For June, the flavor of the month is a Root Beer Float cupcake, while the charity is Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Insider’s tip: Stop by between 10 am-noon each day to get the most variety of flavors. Come a half hour before closing to get 25% off – but be warned, the cupcake selection can be scarce!

Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co.
2209 4th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98121
http://www.theyellowleafcupcake.com

Store Hours:
Monday thru Friday – 8am to 5pm
Saturday – 9am to 5pm
Sunday – Closed