Comments on: Dozen Cupcakes

By: jwsharrard

jwsharrard — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:07:33 +0000

Thanks for the detailed reasoning: always nice to see a because… instead of just a blanket statement and no explanation. If you want to address your complaints about Dozen to someone who could actually help you resolve any issues, talk to James Gray at the bakeshop in Lawrenceville… he’s easy to reach and I’m sure would be dismayed to hear about poor service, poor quality, poor impressions, etc.

By: MixinnMaggie

MixinnMaggie — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:41:30 +0000

“culturally behind” really? Well I will not debate this in this blog forum alas because it is about cupcakes, why would anyone living in this city support such a ridiculous sentiment. I’m from NY have lived in Paris and San Francisco, I suppose you could say these cities have turned me into a bit of a foodie. The only thing that makes the cupcake trend there (NY/CA) more achievable is the fact that the population is millions more than Pittsburgh.

Now on to the cake. I have tried about 20 flavors at various locations throughout the area and I have to say, I personally prefer CoCo’s not specifically because of their cupcakes, although some I have tried are the best bites of heaven I’ve ever tasted, but what it really boils down to is the customer service.

The customer service at Dozens is ridiculously terrible. There is no way they don’t use shortening in their frosting because it tastes butter flavored not like actual butter. Have you ever tried Molly McButter? It’s not butter, but it tastes like it. Then there was the order my friend’s mother picked up for an event and the cupcakes had mold in them after 1 day! ugh so gross. Then there was the time I ordered custom and they told me they couldn’t do it, and then when I showed up for my order it didn’t exist. All I got was a smirk from the man behind the counter and a very upset group of guests awaiting my arrival for our 2nd monthly “cupcake debate” cocktail party. . .let’s just say Vanilla Pastry Studio won that night.

As for CoCo’s they have a richer cupcake, but I would suggest the vegan if you are looking for something sweet. The minis are perfect if you are having a cupcake debate, but if you catch the baker just after they come out of the oven, always go for that flavor first. Plus the women (and the cute guys in the summer) are always so pleasant, the way a cupcake shop should be.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:39:23 +0000

“Gray notes that his shop, which he opened Dec. 29, 2006, would never have worked at that time in Chicago or New York, but in Pittsburgh, which he says is a little culturally behind those cities, it worked great.”

WTF!!!

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:09:30 +0000

Ewwww. I’ve never had a Coco’s cupcake, so I can’t compare it to a Dozen cupcake, but if you think Dozen’s buttercream tastes like the nine-syllable-ingredient-ridden drek they fashion from Crisco at Giant Eagle, well, you need to take your tastebuds in for a retread. Or come to terms with the fact that you don’t know much about food.

The two could hardly be less similar.

By: poulette23

poulette23 — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:09:41 +0000

I am in love with Dozen’s cupcakes. I tried CoCo’s cupcakes today (only b/c they are open an hour later than Dozen), but there was really no comparison in my book. I think that pikapoo (above) is right, though. For those who like a buttery frosting, CoCo’s is probably the place to go; for those who prefer a sweet frosting, stick to Dozen.
I like to think that I’m a fairly decent baker, so I tried to make my own “gourmet” cupcakes after visiting Dozen the first time. After all, why spend $2.50 apiece if I can do this myself? Well…not to pat myself on the back or anything…I managed to make some pretty darn good cupcakes. They were light and fluffy, with a lovely sweet buttercream. BUT, from start to finish, it took me almost 3 hours to make and frost two dozen cupcakes…plus, they were only *almost* as good as Dozen’s.
Based on that experience, I’d say the price is well worth it!
So far, I’ve tried chocolate, vanilla, root beer float, red velvet, almond (vegan…though you’d never know it!), and emily. The red velvet is my personal favorite, though the emily is a close second. I can’t wait to try even more!

By: zp

zp — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:28:22 +0000

I really liked the mocha and chocolate and the “Emily” - the mocha tasted homemade and homemade by a very good cook. Best cake in Sq Hill? Quite possibly.

By: pikapoo

pikapoo — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:51:02 +0000

Its sad that, what may possibly be the most happy food in the world, has become a subject of debate. Dont debate it just enjoy it. if you like it you like it, if you dont you dont. Some people like sweeter cakes and some people dont. But cake was made for celebration not war. So just enjoy cupcakes for what they are….i’ve had Dozen’s cupcakes and they were delicious and made me smile. Thats the point right?

By: jwsharrard

jwsharrard — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:10:16 +0000

While I fully acknowledge that Dozen’s icing is sweeter than CoCo’s, I must vehemently argue against your assertion that the frosting tastes like it came from Giant Eagle. The frosting at Giant Eagle is made of shortening and tastes like Crisco, whereas the frosting from Dozen is sweetened, flavored butter. There is a world of difference.

By: lauren

lauren — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:33:48 +0000

ooh, dozen is sickeningly sweet…. it tastes just like confectioners sugar and not real buttercream. go to Coco’s they are the real thing… dozen tastes like the icing at giant eagle.

By: shea

shea — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:09:11 +0000

hi-
i was so touched by your post about us… hope to see you again soon. Our vegan cupcakes have aquired a huge following and you must all come in and try them….
shea at coco’s