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701 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN, 55343
United States

952-479-7516

Baking gourmet cupcakes, custom cakes, macarons + other sweet treats in Hopkins, MN. We always bake from scratch with only the best ingredients. 

Blog

Nikki and Jon's Wedding

Amy Brace

One of my favorite cakes to make are the rose smash cakes. They are fun to make and so beautiful to look at. Nikki definitely agrees with me and wanted her whole wedding cake that way! I was more than happy to make it happen. Her favorite cupcake is salted caramel, and loved the idea of an almond cake with cherry frosting. Jon loved the cake so much they ordered a birthday cake the same flavor. Love this small intimate wedding with gorgeous details and only the best smiles from everyone there. So excited for you, Nikki and Jon! 

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Photos from the Bees Knees Studio

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Dinner at W. A. Frost, can't wait to try it for myself. Enjoy the married life you two! 

Will & Kristina's Wedding

Amy Brace

You know when you meet a person, or in this case a couple, and you can tell from the get-go they are awesome sauce? Yeah me too. Will and Kristina are those people. They were referred to me through a friend who found me at the Minnetonka Farmers' Market. Referrals are the best! They came to my house for a tasting of six cupcake flavors and four macaron flavors. Talking with them about their wedding and their love for each other beamed. A glowing couple in really real true love. So much fun to watch. We laughed lots! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your epic day! 

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Photos by Kelsea Fehlen at Simplee Photography

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Elizabeth and Jeff's Wedding

Amy Brace

I met Elizabeth and Jeff through our amazing nanny Anna. Originally they were thinking cheesecakes for their wedding, and Anna convinced them that just maybe they should try cupcakes. So we set up a tasting and by the end, we (my cupcakes and I) had them convinced to do half cupcakes and half cheesecakes. Love it! After a couple weeks and a few more cupcakes, they decided all cupcakes was the way to go. Even better! Liz and Jeff had a gorgeous venue and the weather was perfect. Thanks so much for trusting me with the sweetness of your day! Cheers to the married life! 

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Photos by Russell Heeler, Pumpkin Spice

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Lemon Chiffon

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Salted Caramel

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Red Velvet

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Special cake made just for the bride and groom as a present from Anna. So sweet!

Caleigh's Frozen Birthday Party

Amy Brace

My little lady has turned three. I can't believe it's already been three years. I never knew how amazing motherhood would be. I always imagined myself as the career mom, but as soon as I saw that sweet little baby girl I never wanted to leave. Watching her grow into the little rambunctious toddler she is has been the best adventure in my life. Watching my husband melt into a little gooey puddle after holding her after she was born, is an image I will never forget. 

And now she's three! And like many little girls loooooved watching Frozen. So I started planning her birthday about four months early, as usual, during the height of the Frozen watching. So a Frozen party we shall have! 

Cookies, cupcakes, macarons, cake, and a fun blue beverage were on the menu to be made by me and then some lovely hors de vours made by Byerlys. Cause I'm willing to try and be semi-super mom, but not that much. Help is never over-rated.  

After a couple days of baking and decorating and crafting, we were all ready to party! And Caleigh was so excited about her birthday party and presents. We even had a little photo booth complete with Anna and Elsa hair, Olaf noses, Sven's antlers and Kristoff's hat.  

I loved watching her get so excited about every present and playing with her little friends and our friend's alike. Our bestest of friends and our loving family all came to celebrate. We have the best people in our lives. Can't wait to see what the next year brings our sweet little lady! 

Invitations done by Jess Kasteler Design Studio

Invitations done by Jess Kasteler Design Studio

Dessert table all set up

Dessert table all set up

Snowflake cookies with my new fancy royal icing techniques 

Snowflake cookies with my new fancy royal icing techniques 

Princess crowns and Love to thaw a frozen heart!

Princess crowns and Love to thaw a frozen heart!

Olaf dancing cookies!

Olaf dancing cookies!

Blackberry macarons filled with chocolate ganache

Blackberry macarons filled with chocolate ganache

Ginger Spice, Chocolate Ganache topped with homemade marshmallow frosting and fondant snowflakes, Dreamsicle with orange glaze, and Salted Caramel cupcakes 

Ginger Spice, Chocolate Ganache topped with homemade marshmallow frosting and fondant snowflakes, Dreamsicle with orange glaze, and Salted Caramel cupcakes 

Vanilla cake filled with triple berry jam and Nutella topped with fondant and homemade marshmallow frosting

Vanilla cake filled with triple berry jam and Nutella topped with fondant and homemade marshmallow frosting

Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff proudly on top of the cake while I left that other guys off because...well...you know

Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff proudly on top of the cake while I left that other guys off because...well...you know

Ombre vanilla cake filled with triple berry jam and Nutella topped with fondant and homemade marshmallow frosting

Ombre vanilla cake filled with triple berry jam and Nutella topped with fondant and homemade marshmallow frosting

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Caleigh and her friends Baylor and Kellen

Caleigh and her friends Baylor and Kellen

Sweet little birthday girl after her nap 

Sweet little birthday girl after her nap 

Our very own Olaf! Lanterns from Yellow Pinwheels 

Our very own Olaf! Lanterns from Yellow Pinwheels 

Leah and Matt's Wedding

Amy Brace

As some of you know and maybe some of you do not know... I officially started my business in May. Yup, May of 2014. So, I'm just a newbie, but no worries I've been baking as long as I can remember. I also tried starting my business in 2011, but then had my daughter. Business put on hold till now. And I am going for it with gusto!

So! My very first wedding was on Labor Day Weekend at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis. Such a gorgeous venue. And the way Leah had it decorated was incredible. Elegant and breathtaking. The tables, flowers,  and all the little details made all the difference.

And of course my favorite part, getting to see the pictures of the cake cutting! And the special request from the bride? "I want the whole cake covered in cream cheese frosting and I want to be able to stick my finger in it so no one will notice" THE BEST! Ha! So excited for all the weddings I have done this year so far, but I will always remember my first official wedding.  

I also learned quite a bit about stacking my insulated carriers. I was so excited to use the two of them together with the dolley to wheel them around I didn't really think about the difference in weight between them. I made it up the curb, over the five thresholds on the various hard floors with the help of a very kind man, and then he had to leave to do other very important things. And then I saw it. The carpet. It was a test of the new dolley. Passed with flying colors. And then the door that opened towards me going into the reception area. I couldn't find anyone but guests so I knew I was on my own. I held the door open with my hip and tried to pull the carriers towards me, but I had put the heavy carrier on top and the whole thing started tipping over! My heart was beating like crazy and felt like it was in my throat. I let out a little yelp. I managed to keep it upright and everything inside was still in tact. What. A. Rush.

After the almost tipping over fiasco, setting up was a breeze. Got on my gloves and got to work. I got the cake put together and finished frosting it, and then placed flowers on top for a gorgeous finish. Everything was set up and ready for the bride and groom! 

I had so much fun baking for Leah and Matt's wedding. I learned so much and I'm so honored to have been a part of it. Thanks so much to Leah and Matt and cheers to married life!

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Holiday Season is Here!

Amy Brace

I love the holidays! I love getting together with friends and family and making the best of memories. And don't get me wrong, I love getting presents, but I have even more fun giving presents and seeing the looks on peoples' faces when they see what I got them. Waiting is not one of my strong suits, so yes I did already give someone their Christmas present....no judging. I just get so excited and they NEED it. And sooner rather than later, because I need them to open it ha!

So! In the spirit of the giving season I have teamed up with the super fantastic Stacia Christensen with Mary Kay to create gift towers of amazingness! I did my first one today and it was so much fun to put together. Here are all the pieces and then put together.  

So if you have someone you want to thank for always being there for you, helping you when you most need it, doing all your dirty work, holidays, birthdays, or just because, these gift towers are perfect. They range from $100-$300 with up to 12 layers! If you are interested in ordering one let me know and we can customize it just for you. Cupcakes, macarons, or cookies from me, and all sorts of amazing product from Mary Kay such as lotions, satin hands, nail polish, lip balm, makeup brushes, and skin care products. I love love love this idea and I can't wait to make more!  

Here is my first tower I made for a "Thanks for being amazing" gift. Enjoy! 

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Smallest box included nail polish and lip balm from Stacia with Mary Kay

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Next box is four specialty delicious gourmet cupcakes. These are Black Cocoa and Cinnamon Spice

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Next box is Stacia's Mary Kay Satin Hands in special edition Pomegranate

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And last but not least a 16 pack of macarons!

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All the boxes....

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And all the boxes all dressed up and ready for delivery! There are so many fun options and they are a perfect gift for anyone on your list! Please contact Stacia or me to place your order for these gorgeous gift towers!

Dessert! How much to order

Amy Brace

Having an event and need to know how much dessert to order? Well, let me assist you! There are quite a few things to take into account, but when it's all said and done, if you know your group of people and their dessert habits well, that will help you. Do they see different flavors and want to try them all? Or are they reserved and take one dessert and call it good? 

When it's a smaller more intimate party, you will probably know better, but if it's a wedding, there will probably be quite a number of people who's dessert habits you are unaware of. That's ok. We'll figure it out. If the crazy dessert monger shows up, you will be prepared! And they will not steal all the tasty desserts you have worked so hard to procure.  

So here we go! To start, here is a wonderful chart that will help you know how many servings that cake you ordered will serve. Round cakes and square cakes comin up. 

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Make sure to note the numbers on the right side will be serving size normal for any event other than a wedding. The left side is what's left up to the professional cake cutters for weddings.

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Sameo sameo but square cake version. If you order a star shaped cake I'm not sure I can help you... 

And in case you are doing the dirty work yourself of cutting the cake, here is a guide for getting the most out of your cake! Or....here is a way to get yourself half the cake and still feed the rest of your guests. No worries, secret safe with me!  

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Yay for circles and triangles! 

Now super important information. How many servings to order per person. What you order will make a big difference of how much to order. This is a fantastic chart, but keep in mind those guests that will take one of every flavor. Because there is no security (although you may want to think about it) and they can.

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I had a bride who didn't even get to eat the cake or cupcakes because guests were taking one of every flavor of cupcake. So, yes I agree having cupcakes at your event allows you to have lots of super amazing flavors, but just make sure you order enough for your guests to have cupcakes till their bellies are content. 

So! Now I hope you feel more prepared to make delicious decisions about your next event. And of course ordering from yours truly, I will help you make sure you have enough for everyone, including yourself, and perhaps have some leftovers. You know you want leftovers. I hope you found this very informative and now you are ready for the dessert world! 

Feeling Pretty, A Little About Me!

Amy Brace

A short while ago I decided to fancy-pants up my business and take some professional photos. With the incredible Poly Mendes behind the camera, I knew I was going to get the pictures I imagined. I wanted them to be casual and fun, yet I wanted to make sure people knew my business is just that, my business. I'm not just playing cupcakes on the side for fun.
A special thank you to my friend AJ for styling all my outfits, and as always my mom and Anna for coming with and helping me stay beautiful. I wanted to make sure people know just where to go to get their cupcakes, cakes, and macarons. For everything. 

I also wanted to do a little "about me" piece so you all can see where I've come from! I've grown up in Minnesota and we've had a cabin up north ever since I can remember. We are definitely cabin people. We would have birthday parties with our friends, water ski, tube and have bonfires. We still go up as often as possible. I've also been in competitive sports since I was 3. Dance for a few years, gymnastics for 16 years, diving for 5 years, track and field, and softball. Needless to say I love competitive sports, and have learned so much from them. 

I am a perfectionist from birth and I could have never imagined how much it would help me. I am meticulous in every aspect of my life and I love it. I love that everything has it's place. And when I learn something new, I don't go half way, I get every option possible and go all out. You should see my yarn and needle collection from when I learned to knit!

After high school I got my associates degree in Radiologic Technology, and have been a CT tech at the University of Minnesota ever since. I went back to college in 2008 and received my bachelor's degree in Biology. I also applied for Physician's Assistant school and didn't quite make the cut. Turns out, no problem. Life took me in a completely different direction.

I met my husband in 2005 at work and we started dating in 2008. We had our beautiful daughter Caleigh in November of 2011. I always imagined being a career mom, but that wasn't the case for me at all. I wanted to be home with her as much as possible. I tried starting my business in 2011, but after having Caleigh, it just wasn't good timing. But this year is perfect! Everything is coming together, and I'm loving it. I have been making delicious treats for so many people, and I always love the look on their face when they taste their treats. 

This year I have been doing the Minnetonka Farmers' Market and I love being able to reach so many people by staying in one place. I've had many return customers and they all tell their friends which I love, of course. Spread the word, Amy's Cupcake Shoppe is here to stay! My dream is to open my own storefront in the Minnetonka, Hopkins, or Excelsior area. I will be at the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt this year and I'm so excited about it! Christmas time is one of my favorites. Families and friends all getting together just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. 

My business is growing and I couldn't be happier! So without further adieu here are my photos. I love them and I hope you do too. The face of Amy's Cupcake Shoppe. Thanks so much for all of your support!

 

Commercial Shoot

Amy Brace

I never thought I would be the type of person to have my very own commercial for my own business. Since I graduated college as a CT Technologist, I thought it would be my career for life. Thankfully after ten years in the medical field, I have found my real passion. Baking. I have been baking with my mom as long as I can remember. And now with the support of my husband, daughter, family and friends I have started my own business. 

Through cupcakes, cakes and macarons I feel like I can change the world. Or at least make people amazing desserts to share with their loved ones. Baking for me is home. Spending quality time with the people I love. I love baking with my mom and will make any excuse to do so. When I bake for someone, I hope they feel the passion and love I put into each and every order. Baking is comfort and baking is my happy place.  

I was able to capture all these moments on camera, which I will be able to share with you in a couple short months. Homemade desserts with only the best ingredients because you deserve only the best.

Shooting the commercial was beyond nerve racking, and for me meant only the best of the best in procrastination. I knew many months in advance when the commercial was going to be shot, but I kept putting off planning because I was nervous. Nervous to be on camera, and nervous to represent my business in the best possible way. I had A Precious Petals Florist deliver a gorgeous bouquet to make it beautiful, I borrowed beautiful jewelry from SBG Designs to make me sparkle, and I had hair and make up done by Candra Ruiz Makeup Artisty. I baked a three tiered cake, dozens of cupcakes and dozens of macarons. I shopped with my mom for what felt like hours for the perfect stands and platters to display my goodies. 

So as far as it looked from the outside I was prepared. Any and every detail was accounted for and ready to go. I was ready? I was ready to put myself and my business out there for everyone to see. Yup. I'm ready. We had such a great time shooting everything. I can crack eggs with the best of em. Then came the interview. For some reason my nerves were getting to me, and I couldn't get the words to come out of my mouth in the right order. Maybe I could've used more coffee...or maybe I had too much haha. 

After all said and done I can honestly say I can not wait to see the produced commercial. It's going to be amazing and I can't wait to share it with you. So excited! I'm imagining me looking very Food Network star-like and showing the world what I can do in my/Lindsey's kitchen.  

Here are a few sneak peeks and behind the scenes photos from that day! Loved it more than I could've ever imagined. I hope you all enjoy and so excited to share my incredible commercial with you! Thanks so much to Jenny and Gerick for being so patient with me and truly representing my business in the best way possible. 

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Interview time. Yowza. That was for sure the hardest part. Can't wait to see how it looks. 

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Yes I was really having this much fun! 

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Jenny and Gerick were having fun too! Lindsey's gorgeous kitchen she so graciously let me take over to shoot my commercial.

 

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Hair and makeup in the making and me multitasking and doing my nails at the same time. Candra did an amazing job and everything looked just how I imagined. 

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My biggest fans keeping themselves entertained. No picture of my mom or Lindsey, but they were there cheering me on too. Love you all!

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All done and finally getting to eat all the delicious treats! Jenny I hope you read this because in my professional opinion this will be the best commercial ever! It's whisky to say, but it had to be said.

Target Cupcakes

Amy Brace

I am so humbled and honored I got to work on a campaign with Target Corporate! I was asked many months ago if I could do three very specific cupcakes, and of course I said "yes!". The opportunity to be in my favorite store on the planet? Yes. Sign me up pronto! I was asked for a candy corn, bright green, and a ghost cupcake. I made them all and said my little cupcake prayers they would "make the shot". 

After what seemed like the longest day of waiting I would get texts periodically saying "you made the shot!" with a little sneak of my cupcakes in action. They are quite the talented little confections if you ask me! Three times I got the text. All three of my designs made it! Incredible. Is this for real? I hope so! Now was the hard part.....wait for months to be able to see them. 

And now here we are, Halloween season. I got a text from AJ (my fantastical friend who happens to do amazing work with Target) and she had pictures of my cupcakes on the merchandise. I imagined little tiny pictures in the circular. Nope. These cupcakes are the real deal, on tablecloths, aprons and other table decor. Real life happenings. 

I'm so excited to share these with you and I continue to be humbled by all the amazing people I meet who love my creations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I'm loving every minute. Here are some pictures I took of the merchandise I got from my Target this afternoon.  

And don't forget to decorate your Halloween festivities table with the real Amy's Cupcake Shoppe cupcakes. I look forward to making all your Halloween events amazing! Happy shopping and happy decorating.  

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My goodies! 

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Candy corn is a staple Halloween candy!

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Spooky witch cupcakes

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Ooooooh scary little ghosts!