DOTS CUPCAKES

“Keep calm and eat a cupcake” Dots website advises. Sounds good to us. And Dots’ 11,000-plus Facebook fans certainly agree. Inspired by her former colleagues’ reaction to an office cupcake gifting, Dot’s soon-to-be founder Hailey Kwon was amazed by how cupcakes made people (very) happy. Despite not being an experienced cupcake maker, Hailey borrowed a friend’s Kitchen Aid and set out to create the perfect cupcake recipe. And lucky for us she succeeded. Now Hailey makes lots and lots of people happy in her charming shop, opened on Fair Oaks in 1993. She further caters bringing happiness to brides with her cupcake, wedding cakes, and mobile delivery. Dots praises have been put in print in multiple glossy publications, including Bon Appétit and Sunset Magazine. Singing sensation Katy Perry gave Dots a thumbs-up plug in InStyle.

Repeatedly voted Pasadena’s “best cupcake,” Dot’s delights are baked fresh daily using the best natural ingredients, including French Valrhona chocolate, Madagascar Bourbon and Tahitian vanilla extract. With a rotating menu, Dot’s flavors include the must-have standards, such as Red Velvet, as well their own signature Fluer De Sel, Black Forest, Vanilla Passion Fruit and Tiramisu. Whether it’s a quick-fix “mini” or as a full-sized delectable dose, Dot’s cupcakes serve up the perfect ratio between not too sweet icing and cake topped with charming edible decoration. All cupcakes leave the store tucked neatly in an adorable, eco-conscious, custom cupcake box adorned with Dots signature pink polka dots.