Dozen Bake Shop
Pittsburgh has finally joined the cupcake cult.
Popular in hip metropolises like New York City, high-end cupcakes are beautiful to look at and an experience to eat. Some are so pretty that it seems a shame to even think about consuming them.
That sentiment quickly vanishes with one taste of Dozen’s cupcakes. With five locations, Dozen is quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular bakeries. In addition to cupcakes, the bakery also offers morning pastries, pies and cakes, and vegan options. The Lawrenceville location serves lunch and Sunday brunch in addition to holding themed “PrixFixe” dinners.
But let’s get back to the cupcakes. Each day brings a new cupcake menu–everything from Key Lime Pie to Banana Butterscotch Bliss. On a recent trip, I chose the Twinkilicious cupcake and found myself arm wrestling my toddler to get the last bite.
Good cupcakes don’t come cheap. At $2.50 each or $25 for a dozen, these treats are meant to be savored and eaten fresh. It’s good Dozen doesn’t post nutritional information in the store, because it’s hard to leave without at least two cupcakes in hand (or in belly).
So take advantage of the pedestrian-friendly Dozen locations in Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, downtown, the North Side, and South Side to stroll off the extra calories. And while you’re at it, daydream about which cupcake(s) you’ll choose tomorrow.
Written by: Rachel Handel
Dozen Bake Shop Lawrenceville: 3511 Butler St Squirrel Hill: 1707 Murray Ave Café at the Warhol: Located in the Andy Warhol Museum Downtown: 807 Liberty Ave South Side – 1509 E Carson St
Chuck Kerber, Corporate Executive Chef, Site Author
these are beautiful!! I have only been to cocos cupcakes in shadyside (which i love) i will have to try dozen and attempt to eat only one!!
I’m sorry you think so highly of such dry and tasteless cupcakes. It occurs to me that at such a pivotal point in one’s career a serious chef probably shouldn’t write articles on which his taste level will undoubtedly be called into question. However as a wise man once said “De gustibus non est disputandum.” This is a shame since if such a dialogue were possible the sexist and racist owners of Dozen Bake Shop might have to think twice about both the levels of butter and bigotry that are allowed to escape into their wares and shops.
As I assume you will not print this, happy reading and choose your friends well.
DL
Wow, quite a comment Dave!
I would have to agree! As natives of LA my wife and I, both cupcake lovers, thought we had left behind good cupcakes upon moving to Pittsburgh with our jobs (Mmmm sprinkles!). However, we were pleasantly blown away by Dozen Bake Shop. For three years we have been frequent customers and love to see such a wonderful local bakery flourish.
As to Dave’s comments, Im slightly taken aback. We have had more interactions with the employees and the owners than either of us can recall and have always found them warm and welcoming, as if we were friends dropping by for a visit. As a black couple we have never felt as though we are in the presence of “racists”,an occurrence that unfortunately we do encounter from time to time in this city.
Perhaps Coco’s or Vanilla’s are more your cupcake political scene. However for my family, we enjoy Dozen and will continue our patronage.
A wonderful article Rachel and Chef Chuck, I would also recommend the lavender passion fruit. It is superb!
Thanks Josh, couldn’t agree more. I just wish Dozen was closer to where I live. Though, like I said in the article, it’s probably a good thing it isn’t too close or I’d weigh 300 pounds and have to write an article for Pittsburgh Hot Plate on food served at The Biggest Loser Ranch.
Dave, it’s unfortunate you had a bad experience at Dozen. Good to share thoughts, both positive and negative, though. Hope you’ll continue to read our blog here. Let us know if you have suggestions on places to review.
-Rachel
All,
I think that Dozen is great cupcake shop. Cupcakes are top notch and creative. What is interesting to me is that cupcakes are one of those things that I would tend to not go out of my way for. Usually when I’m going for top end pastries I would venture toward more of a full service bakery. I know there are a good deal of options and if your looking for a cupcake shop, this is good. I’m not sure on the niche though.
Regards,
Nate
http://www.natecielieska.com
@Dave:
Dozen’s owners “sexist and racist”? Oh, please. No one works harder to create a warm, tasty, welcoming, delicious, inclusive environment than James and Andrew.
As for “dry and tasteless,” you sound like someone who prefers box cakes, Dave.