Scratch Cupcakery

Well after a long day at work, I was really looking forward to getting my favorite kind which is only available on Friday’s. I was pretty bummed when I arrived just after 4pm only to find out that they were already out.
I left work earlier than usual hoping that I could get there in time, but really not knowing when they actually run out of these. The last couple times it’s been after 6pm when I’ve went on Friday and they were out of Triple Chocolate, so figured I’ll just get in a little earlier. I guess they run out before 4pm evidently.
So this being the 3^rd time this has happened to me recently, I’m wondering if there is way they can make enough to last through the evening for people that can’t get there early enough?
I guess I don’t understand their system fully, so maybe it’s really difficult to make the right amount to where they aren’t wasting, I don’t know.

Pretty Freakin’ good… in fact if the vegan wedding cake cupcake had been fluffier and not so dense it would have been 5 stars. My husbands maple cupcake was very light and fluffy (being non vegan). But having worked as a vegan baker I know a light fluffy vegan cupcake is possible. In fact, I would say Scratch Cupcakery is 4.5 stars… sooooo close. Just lighten up that batter y’all and maybe a few more smiles behind the counter. It’s sugary cupcakes… feed those employees some of that delicious icing and brighten up the mood. A cupcake store should be a magical happy place of light and fluffy goodness. You’re so close to 5 stars… just reach for it… reach for it…

This is just a fun, adorable shop. $ 2 for a cupcake isn’t really that expensive if you think about it like a dessert anywhere else. You pay $ 2 for the same volume of ice cream right? This is so worth the stop, if you read all the negative reviews it’s snobs who think they’re too good for something with this much hype. If you’re such an expert, where exactly is your cupcake shop? It’s like the sour puss that didn’t get invited to the party.
If you want a tasty treat in a fun atmosphere, Scratch is a must. Get the Wedding flavor, it’s amazing!

While I wasn’t so fond of the cupcakes I originally tried, I keep coming back here because I like other varieties, so I figure that my review deserves an update. Some of the cupcakes are a bit more «meh» (like «Carrot» or «Maple Bacon»), but I really do love a couple of the flavors: Doughlicious, Chocolate Doughlicious (!!!), Wedding Day, and Samoa. I do love that Scratch takes the interior of the cupcake to the next level. They don’t just make a chocolate cupcake then use the frosting to describe the flavor. Usually, the interior of the cupcakes have just as much detailed paid to them. For triple chocolate types of flavors, the interior of the cupcake might have tiny melted chocolate chips with a chocolate filling.
As someone else has mentioned, these cupcakes are REALLY rich. If you don’t like super-​sweet, rich cupcakes, do not choose one of their chocolate flavors. Their fruity flavors or white cakes tend to be much less intense with the sweetness.
Be aware that not all flavors are sold everyday, so check their website if you want something to see if it’s sold that day. I’ve been pretty annoyed that I can’t seem to get nutritional information for any of their food. Employees are clueless about it, and it isn’t available on their website either.
$ 2 per cupcake. They also sell chilled and warm coffees.
Decent seating here too. Lots of two-​person tables and bar stool seating.
They don’t have their own parking lot, but parking around here usually isn’t so bad. You might have to walk two blocks — tops.
As a bonus note, if you haven’t looked into it, Scratch Cupcakery also offers a «Cupcake Tour». Pick up a cupcake tour card, try lots of their flavors, and make it a challenge to try all of the flavors that they sell. I’m a bit annoyed that I can only try «one» flavor per day (instead of stopping in and picking up a box of six to last most of the week), so I have to stop in pretty regularly.

Okay I have to be honest about my cupcake reviews — because cupcakes are an über serious issue, right? Scratch cupcakes are too thick/​rich/​heavy for me. I prefer the cake to be lighter as if I could inhale it, which I probably will if it’s my preferred texture. I have never been able to finish an entire cupcake at this place in one sitting — that’s how heavy and rich it is. But hey — if that’s what you’re looking for in a cupcake go for it! I did watch a lady eat an entire box of these at a cheerleading competition once but we won’t get into that right now. .. bottom line is the cupcakes are too heavy for me.
That being said — the flavors are great and interesting. Great frosting, great toppings, and creative ideas. They can even turn your favorite cupcake into a shake — which I prefer! The place in clean and the bakers are friendly. If it’s a busy time of year like back to school or family weekend they will have a line out the door so plan ahead. Everyone has to try this place when you visit Cedar Falls at least once!

So many different delicious flavors. They list what is in the frosting and cake– very helpful for those with allergies. There are no other cupcake places in the area, but I’ve had friends say before that they’ve had cupcakes from downtown Chicago and nothing beats a Cedar Falls hometown cupcake!

I’m no cupcake aficionado-​connoisseur professional taster guy, but…
In my hometown there are 2 different cupcake stores that specialize in cupcakes. One of them more popular than the other take pride in letting you know they make their icing and cupcakes from scratch. This place for whatever prideful, secretive reason will tell you,
«We are not allergy free, but we are allergy friendly»
Nice vague pitch, you will do well in politics… My mother in law is deathly allergic to Palm oil. I’ve eaten in places with her that will go as far as bringing a binder of all their menu items and show me the dish she’s placed interest in and read the ingredients section. This place? Well you already know, the quote above is all we got, with what looked like a genuine smile from the gal on the other side of the counter.
Also, she said they (the one’s only selling the cupcakes) don’t even know what goes into making them.
For the cupcake itself, as stated in the beginning, not a cupcake tasting pro, but have had tons of experience with making from scratch, out of the box, and purchasing local business cupcakes. The cake part of these cupcakes taste like they are made out of a box, they might also supplement some flour in but the texture is more dense and they have a bit of an aftertaste that make me skeptical.
I might be wrong about that, I’m just sharing my conspiracy theory with the public here. Conspiracy theories can be just as false as they can be true. Until further notice this store and their cupcakes will remain a 2 star in my book.
Unless you’re in a hurry, just make your own cupcakes at home.

Great place downtown to satisfy a sweet tooth. I have been here many times and never have been disappointed. Love all the seasonal flavors they have during the year, especially fall. The staff here is very friendly and if its your first time there they explain all the different flavors.

Best cupcakes anywhere! You can’t beat the price and it is my favorite stop when I am in Iowa. Better yet… they deliver!!!

Best cupcakes in Iowa! Just had s’more, peanut butter and chocolate with vanilla cream. Yummmmoooo!!!

I can’t understand why one wouldn’t give this place a 5 star! Scratch has been doing it for many years now. In the past few years they upgraded their Cedar Falls store and added a few more around Iowa. It’s more or less the original «cupcakery». They have all sorts of different favors to choose from. Judging by the buzz and lines out the doors they are certainly doing something right!

LOVE these cupcakes! They are always very moist and fresh. Try the Sully if you like monster cookies. Flutternutter is great too. They have lighter cupcakes like Wedding Day and also very rich chocolate cupcakes like Molten Caramel. All are better than the cupcakes I’ve tried on the East Coast (Crumbs, Cakelove, etc). Plus service is friendly and price is great.

Trying to find parking downtown is also worth it once you get to scratch cupcakes. You are welcome by delicious smells and friendly smiles.
A very nice girl welcome me and offered to help me right away. I knew I wanted a dozen cupcakes to take to work but the bad part is I couldn’t choose between the flavors. There are so many delicious varieties with different flavors that make you want to have one of each.
I’m partial to anything chocolate or peanut butter but I like to try the odd varieties as well. Today they had one that was a lemon chocolate chip cupcake with chocolate frosting and Oreos on top but I didn’t get that one to try. I didn’t know if my employees would be brave enough to eat that one.
The place is really clean and very tidy. No-​frills here except for the cupcakes. At two dollars a cupcake it’s not too bad of price. It makes a nice treat every once in a while. And the best part is I’m supporting a local favorite.

I was overwhelmed when we went in to this store! Incredible smells and awesome displays! We didn’t know where to start.
We were just driving through town and saw this and decided to check it out. Very glad we did!
My daughter was frustrated by trying to decide which ONE to get — I made her day (and mine) when I said to get a dozen. That even proved to be difficult. So many choices!
We took 10 different kinds home and ate a few there. There really wasn’t a bad flavor in the bunch. The only thing I would say, from my families experience, is if you don’t normally like a flavor combination you probably won’t like it in a cupcake format. Stay with what you like and you will NOT be disappointed!
We will be stopping there every time we head by now!

I am a new Unilocal member. I switched over to Unilocal from UrbanSpoon. Here is my review of Scratch Bakery (dated May 23, 2011). Please forgive the date! But I wanted to add to the positive reviews for this cupcake place!
I love trying new cupcake places. This place, hands down, tops the «cake.» We got four cupcakes: Mint Chip, Wedding Cake, Chocolate Chip and Coconut Love. All of them were amazing! The mint frosting on the Mint Chip was to die for. They also serve freshly squeezed lemonade in their shop. It was phenomenal! Pure and fresh lemonade. Everyone definitely ought to check out this place. My better half loved the cupcakes as well. He had a frozen espresso drink and thought it was yummy.

My cousin goes to UNI, and often brings cupcakes from Scratch with her when she comes home. I am generally not into cupcakes or cake in general, but the cupcakes at Scratch are delicious, and the frosting is AMAZING. The peanut butter buttercream is to die for. I dream of it at night. (Anyone who complains about buttercream frosting is out of their mind.) I’ve never been to Scratch in person, but would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone visiting Cedar Falls.

YES.
I have had lots of cupcakes all over the place (including the big $$ places, like Georgetown Cupcake, Sprinkles and Crumbs) and Scrach, well, it’s legit.
Cupcakes here are $ 2 each. Now, for those I see complaining about price in this thread, let me tell you something: GOURMET CUPCAKES ARE NOT CHEAP! These are not your run of the mill Betty Crocker cupcakes at some backyard birthday party. Serious. The cupcakes are here definitely a great value for their quality.
That said, a few notes:
— I’m usually a HUGE chocolate fan. These chocolate cupcakes were alright, but not the best. They were a tad heavy-​tasting.
— Surprisingly, the vanilla cupcake was perfect! Light flavor, moist and perfectly complimented with the buttercream.
— I had a strawberry lime cupcake, which I cannot seem to find on the website, I think it was a special, but dang, that was good.

I wasn’t overly impressed with Scratch. Do they have good cupcakes, yes. Are they AMAZING? No. Especially not for the price. I don’t understand how they have a line out the door. They do switch up their flavors daily, but every single one has butter cream frosting, is overpriced, and doesn’t seem original. It would be better if they have more variety in frosting and more fillings. I am an avid Cupcake Wars watcher… and I don’t think these could match up to some other things I’ve seen. I tried 3 different flavors… and honestly they weren’t that different. I got a vanilla-​raspberry one that didn’t taste like raspberry at all. they do have gelato as well, but I didn’t try that. I don’t know… I just don’t get the hype.

Scratch made me like cup cakes again with their ever so delicious cream topping. I used to like their old shop better, the new place looks and feels kind of oddly designed. Perhaps they should consider reorganizing the place if not redecorating it.
Finding a parking spot was not an easy task so be prepared.
Now that I am back in Minneapolis I need to find some place similar… Dang Scratch you are so far away: p.

My mom & I tried both their chocolate and vanilla cupcake. The frosting was some of the best I have ever had. The cakes were moist which can be difficult to keep in a cupcakes and had great flavor.
We are still in sugar shock.
Once I recover I will be back to try more.