Twelve Cupcakes

Cupcake fever has been going on in Singapore for quite a while, and it was quite recent that Twelve Cupcakes, arguably one of the fastest-growing and most popular cupcake chain in Singapore, increased their prices. It now costs $3.20 per cupcake for their regular range, and $3.70 for their more premium flavours, some of which include alcohol. The question is, is it worth the hype and money we shell out for it?

I would say that their cupcakes in general are good. You definitely get what you pay for with their regular flavours such as PB Jelly, Cookies and Cream, Red Velvet and Espresso. Their other more special flavours such as Longan, Raspberry White Choc and Strawberry Champagne are certainly better than their regular ones. That being said, the primary distinction between the cupcakes is through the whipped cream which is flavour accordingly. There is a generic selection of either chocolate or plain cupcakes, and then the respective-flavoured cream is put on top. Without the cream, one cupcake would be largely indistinguishable from the other. Although this is somewhat disappointing for a few flavours, you get a consistent result of a moist and not-too-sweet cupcake base, and a well-made whipped cream topping. Those cupcakes which claim to have alcohol in them do have trace amounts of it, but its certainly insufficient for people who want the full flavour that is promised. 

"But you're not answering my question, is it worth it?" I would say at regular price, no, not really. Unless you have a party or a function, which makes it pretty neat for you to bring a box or two of Twelve Cupcakes, which is rather classy and neat in the box and bag. Or perhaps someone is celebrating their birthday and you want to use a cupcake as a substitute for cake. Or perhaps for the occasional indulgence, I guess it's fine. However, there are a few promotions at closing time that might be of interest. They usually go for Buy 4 get 2 free near closing time, or 6 cupcakes for a fixed rate of $12, regardless of whether the flavours are under the regular range or premium range. They also do have occasional tie-ups with credit cards so that makes this little luxury a little more affordable. In summary, if you don't mind paying premium for a cupcake that is of a guaranteed quality, then go ahead and get it! Otherwise, I would probably be more frugal as you probably can make your own cupcakes to a standard that's pretty similar, if not better than theirs.