Best Disney World Cupcakes
Walt Disney World bakeries and restaurants offer a lot of decadent snacks, including cupcakes. Here’s our list of the top Walt Disney World cupcakes, along with photos of our favorites, and where to find them.
Cupcakes at Disney are something of a running joke. It seems like Disney has a special cupcake for every occasion, and while there’s a certain humorous truth to this, there’s good reason for it: many Walt Disney World cupcakes are delicious. However, not all Disney cupcakes and snacks are created equally. Some are utterly amazing, and some taste like a grocery store “day old” manager’s special–the only real thing in common among these snacks is that they’re all expensive.
Whether you’re paying for snacks out of pocket or using your precious Disney Dining Plan snack credits, you’ll want to make sure the snack you’re ordering is delicious. Since the sheer number of snacks can be overwhelming, and you can’t sample them all (okay, you probably could, but it would take a lot of time and be a lot of work…fun, delicious work!), we’re here to help by offering you our list of our top cupcakes at some of Walt Disney World’s best bakeries!
The cupcake craze swept Walt Disney World a few years ago when we originally compiled this post, and is still going strong. We have updated this post when we’ve tried new cupcakes (last update May 13, 2017), so check back for our new favorites periodically…
The latest cupcakes to make waves at Walt Disney World are those from Sprinkles at Disney Springs. This is a West Coast chain offering gourmet cupcakes (their first location was in Beverly Hills, California) and the cupcakes are really high quality.
Sarah loves these, calling them the best cupcakes at Walt Disney World. Part of the reason she gives it such high praise is because of the quality of the ingredients. While I’m with her on that part, I wouldn’t go as far as to call them the best. They are consistently really good (and do score points for using quality ingredients), but I find the inventive nature of some of Disney’s cupcakes to be better.
Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom boasts several gourmet (in Disney parlance, that basically means “smaller”) cupcakes, including the Master’s Cupcake (a.k.a. Grey Stuff Cupcake) and several other choices.
These are reasonably strong options, with the Grey Stuff Cupcake mostly having appeal for it’s photo-worthiness. (It tastes pretty good, too.)
Here’s the German Chocolate Cupcake from the newly-redone (as of Spring 2017) Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
It was a really good, and well-balanced cupcake with a moist center and delicious toppings. This is one of the few Disney-made cupcakes that’s of the same quality as Sprinkles–and I’d say the flavor is more complex, too.
Contempo Cafe is one of the best counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World, and part of the reason why is because it always has an excellent selection of freshly baked desserts. (They actually have a cupcake calendar!)
A variety of Frozen cupcakes have been offered in the years since the movie’s release, with this being last year’s “Christmas” cupcake (the Contemporary has a Frozen gingerbread display, so I guess this matches that?). Regardless, it’s a really good peppermint cupcake.
Above is the new-look Mickey Mouse Oreo Cupcake from BoardWalk Bakery.
Almost as good as the original, albeit slight smaller, with less-cool of presentation, and not as good of texture.
Here’s the Minnie Mousse cupcake (get it?). It was moist, chocolate cake, topped with a light and rich dome (not just a thin layer—an actual dome!) of chocolate mousse on top. We highly recommend this cupcake, but it’s probably one you’ll want to split due to how rich it is.
This is the S’mores Cupcake. We were a bit skeptical of this one when we saw it, but it was so unique that we just had to try it. Although we love cupcakes, and we love s’mores, the two combined just didn’t seem right. Sort of like combining ice cream and french fries (although we hear some people do that, too; what will they think of next?!). Both great on their own…but together?! Well, we are happy to report that not only does the S’mores Cupcake combine two things we love, but it combines them masterfully!
The S’mores Cupcake is made of graham cracker-flavored cake with chocolate inside. The cake is perfectly moist, and not too dry. The cupcake is topped with melted browned marshmallow on top with a consistency that’s more on par with regular frosting than it is marshmallow. It tastes like marshmallow, though, so all is well. On top of it all is a piece of Hershey’s chocolate, which is the finishing touch on a really unique, and really delicious, cupcake! To our knowledge, this cupcake is only available at Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
The Chocolate Cappuccino Cupcake is an interesting creature and may not appeal to everyone. The cupcake has a chocolate cake based which is moist and great-tasting on its own. Haven’t lost anyone yet, have I? There are bits of toffee and chocolate on the outside, which are also great.
Now, the divisive parts: the rich frosting and fill have a distinctive coffee flavor. Not just a subtle undertone or hint of coffee, but an actual coffee taste. I’m not normally a fan of coffee, but I found this cupcake to be exceptional, as the coffee flavor wasn’t too much for me. Sarah thought it was a bit over the top, so your mileage may vary. We’ve only seen this cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery.
The Butterfinger Cupcake is one of the most iconic cupcakes of Walt Disney World. Popularized by WDW Today podcast and its Butterfinger Cupcake-challenge, the reputation of this cupcake now precedes it. This fine specimen has proven unconquerable for many a Disney’s Hollywood Studios guest, due to its massive size. We normally split this cupcake for that very reason (and because it’s relatively rich). The Butterfinger Cupcake masterfully combines Chocolate cake, vanilla frosting, chocolate coating, and real Butterfinger crumbles.
We’ve only seen this cupcake at Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but there are rumors that it’s available elsewhere. It’s probably the most well-known of any Walt Disney World cupcake, but it doesn’t quite make the #1 spot…
The Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake with Candy Cane Sprinkles is the un-disputed #1 Walt Disney World cupcake. Unfortunately, it’s only available seasonally. This cupcake is truly a work of art. The base is chocolate cake that is perfectly moist and it’s covered in perfectly-flavored peppermint buttercream that tastes like a candy cane in frosting form.
There are candy canes around the outside that taste like real candy cane, and it’s all topped with two zebra sticks to garnish this masterpiece! Oh, I forgot about the best part, inside the cupcake is a fair amount of rich chocolate syrup. This is easily the best cupcake we’ve ever had anywhere, not just at Walt Disney World. Our tip: don’t share.
The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake is a Walt Disney World mainstay that can be found in multiple places. Quite frequently, cupcakes lack balance. Too much thought and effort are spent on the savory frosting on top and the cake is an afterthought…a dry, sad afterthought.
While the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake is certainly top-heavy with its exquisite layering of thick cream cheese frosting with a center of actual cheesecake (center of the frosting, not the cupcake), it’s surprisingly not lacking in balance. The red velvet cake holds its own, offering the perfect compliment to the cheesecake and cream cheese frosting that attempts to collapse this light cake under its heavy weight. This cupcake is a real masterpiece!
I have no idea if this is the actual name of the cupcake (pretty sure it’s not), but this cupcake at Animal Kingdom is huge and quite the value.
It consists of white and dark chocolate for the monkey’s face, which sits on a mound of butter cream. Since all of that is so heavy, the cupcake itself is in an actual cup. The chocolate base is good, albeit a bit dense without any filling.
Here’s the PB&J Cupcake from Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Maybe we got unlucky with this one, but it was underwhelming. Too dry and just a weird flavor. In theory, it’s a great idea, though…
Some other great cupcakes we’ve tried include: Marble Cupcake, Carrot Cake Cupcake, and Peanut Butter Cupcake. It’s also worth noting that we, sadly, have not consumed every single cupcake sold on Walt Disney World property.
If you have questions about any of these cupcakes, please let us know!
To read Disney restaurant reviews from Walt Disney World and other dining resources, check out our Walt Disney Dining Reviews Index. Want more dining tips? Check out our 101 Delicious Walt Disney World Dining Tips. If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip, make sure to also read our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
Your Thoughts…
What are your favorite Walt Disney World cupcakes? Any good ones we missed? Any tips we have that you think are bad? Hearing from readers is half the fun, so please share them or any questions you have about these cupcakes in the comments!
Totally drooling over the pictures in this post! I had a fantastic red velvet cupcake at Captain Cook’s last month while staying at the Poly. It wasn’t particularly creative or imaginative but boy, was it good. 🙂
My favorite is the gingerbread cupcakes that I had in December 2012. Can’t remember where they were though! I think it was at Hollywood Studios.
I was just going to say the gingerbread one we got at planet pizza (i think?) at Hollywood studios was amazing!!
I tried the butter finger cupcake from all my friends recommendations and I really was not impressed maybe it was just me.I thought the best cupcake was from Animal Kingdom the white chocolate elephant cupcake was so tasty that my husband who does not have a sweet tooth tried to take it from me it was so delicious!
I’m thinking you might need a full-time dessert-tasting assistant during your WDW travels… me!
Although I haven’t read through all the responses here, I wanted to share that my favorite cupcake is the seasonal Darth Vader chocolate cupcake at Hollywood Studios. It seriously takes 2 people to eat it and is only available during Star Wars Weekends (this year it was available, although limited, on “May the Fourth”). You have to like chocolate, but it is amazing.
That cupcake is an excellent one. I should add it to the post!
I Love your list, but I have one that I simply have to recommended. The Cotton-Top Tamarin cupcakes from “Island Java” on Discovery Island inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park are to die for. They are inspired by the Cotton-Top Tamarin Monkey that are right in front of the Tree of Life. The cupcake has the a candy face of the monkey and tons of vanilla frosting over a chocolate cupcake. The name of the coffee kiosk changes all the time, but it is in between Island Mercantile and Outfitters, right next to the Tipboard. Love your blog!
Click the link for a photo:
http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1440&bih=771&tbm=isch&tbnid=9E3V3dzTwlE-EM:&imgrefurl=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/08/its-cotton-top-tamarin-month-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-and-were-celebrating-with-sweets/&docid=94PYYgaY-vHSiM&imgurl=http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.com/media/disneyparks/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tcc031399LARGE.jpg&w=900&h=1350&ei=-m0AUfPMMorMqAHe-YHoBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=4&vpy=87&dur=708&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=59&ty=143&sig=118025894112719137698&page=1&tbnh=141&tbnw=94&start=0&ndsp=35&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:84
I *think* they serve that (sometimes) at The Mara, too. I’ve heard some great things about it. We just need to remember to try it next time (remembering once we get there is more than half the battle!).
You can also get the chocolate cappuccino cupcake at Pizza Planet in DHS. I am not a coffee fan, but like you, I love that cupcake. Delicious!
I’ve heard this, but I figured it was a one-time or sporadic thing. Anyone know if it’s a permanent menu item at Pizza Planet? That would be huge for Disney Dining Plan guests!
Going in Apri. Will let you know.
it’s currently on the menu!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/toy-story-pizza-planet/menus/
My vote goes to any of the ones from Karamell Kuche in Germany. Perfect snack when you’re waiting for Illuminations to start 🙂
Oh the butterfinger cupcake! It is my FAVORITE! Although that chocolate peppermint one needs to be found ASAP. Come on Winter! We found the butterfinger cupcake at Disney Quest in downtown Disney last August. Thanks for your amazing blog!
I had one of the Butterfinger ones recently… they now have caramel inside the cake!
I have only tried the butterfinger cupcake. I regrettably ate it as a dessert after a lunch of chicken fingers and fries at Backlot Express. I didnt realize it was a meal in itself. I very much look forward to trying the rest on this list!!! Just not after a meal!!!
If you ever decide to visit Babycakes NYC, make sure you visit Ghirardelli’s while you’re in the area! Best ice cream/chocolate in Walt Disney World. Bold claim, but I really think you should check it out!
Great list. My all time favorite is the chocolate peanut butter cupcake at Starring Rolls. But let’s be honest. It hard to make a bad cupcake IMO.
Planning my first trip to WDW for the fall and I’m super excited about it. Your blog has been instrumental in figuring out what I need to do, pack, and plan as well as fueling my ever growing excitement to visit the happiest place on earth.
That said, I have a few food allergies and wondered if you knew of some tips on perusing the parks with food issues? I have read up on where is safe for me to eat, etc, but I was curious if you’ve seen the cast members work in person in regards to dealing with people with allergies.
Yes, the CMs/servers take this very seriously & will meet your every need (& then some)! One of the things I love about Disney!
Sadly I never got the peppermint one it looks great but I’d say Oreo was #1 & Peanut Butter second. Babycakes Had great gluten free ones also.
You are killing me with these! I must have them right now!
Guess I will have to wait 18 more days!! The agony!!
In case it’s not clear from the post, Starring Rolls and BoardWalk Bakery are GREAT places to stop for cupcakes. There are a lot of other places around property, too!
Yummy, yummy, yummy!!! I love that you put the chocolate peppermint cupcake as #1 – I am in total agreement!!
That cupcake haunts my dreams. Actually, I’m not sure if “haunts” is the right word. I mean, I really miss it and wish I could eat it for every meal, but I cannot associate something so great with “haunting.” 😉
I have obviously been remiss in my cupcake consumption at the World. Goal for next trip: eat more cupcakes! Thanks for the suggestions!
A very admirable goal, indeed!
How about BabyCakes NYC vegan and gluten free cupcakes? We’re looking forward to trying them on our visit!
OMG! They were great esp. for gluten free. Red velvet was good, carrot also but the strawberry shortcake was by far my fave I had it twice rather than try a new one.
We have actually *never* tried the Babycakes NYC cupcakes. Heard only great things about them, but Downtown Disney is pretty much dead to us. Too bad, because we used to love Earl of Sandwich, and now we’re missing out on Babycakes, too!
Soon enough you can enjoy Earl of Sandwich at DLR!
YES! And we are VERY excited about this! Downtown Disney is SO much easier to access at Disneyland than it is at Walt Disney World!
We tried the gluten free cupcakes from BabyCakes last year. We tried four different flavors and they were all awful. It was the first time I’ve ever thrown cupcakes away!
So my comment has nothing to do with cupcakes but I thought I would share it here…
So last night my fiance and I watch “Tin Tin” and I don’t know why, especially since I have never met you in person, but “Tin Tin” reminded me so much of you, which is good thing by the way. I really loved the character. I felt your fun remarks and quirkiness fit well into the movie character. Perhaps for fun you can get a dog called “snowy” and work him into some of your posts, he could be your service dog 🙂
I’m not familiar with Tin Tin, but isn’t he a Scotty or some other type of dog? So you’re saying I remind you of a dog, and that’s a compliment?! I don’t know about that one! 😉
No no no… “Tin Tin” is a new movie just released to DVD. The Character “Tin TIn” is a journalist/detective and he HAS a dog named “Snowy” hence why I thought you should recruit a service dog. If you rent the movie I suspect you might have a better idea