I suppose it’s no secret that we love our cupcakes here at Disney Food Blog!
And every year the holiday cupcake creations that crop up all over Disney World remind us exactly why we adore them so much. Last year we started a new tradition with our 2012 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl Challenge!
This year we found even more awesome holiday cupcakes, so we’ve decided to bring back the special Holiday Event from last year! Check out some of these unique and gorgeous holiday cupcakes around the Disney World resorts in 2013!
Welcome to the…
2013 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl!
Like last year, most of these cupcakes are available as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan, so stock up those credits, and get ready to roll!
The Beach Club Resort: Cupcakes Required = 1
Starting just outside Epcot’s International Gateway, The Beach Club’s Marketplace is home to a wonderfully sparkling Gingerbread Cupcake that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit!
Gingerbread Cupcake
The first thing to draw your attention is the large sugar crystals that serve as edible glitter among the red and green sprinkles of mini Christmas trees and candy canes. They sit atop a cream cheese frosting that is surprisingly dense. It’s almost like eating a sweetened cream cheese straight out of the container… and you will never hear me complain about that ;)!
The Beach Club's Gingerbread Cupcake
The cake base is more reminiscent of a mild spice cake than a stronger dark gingerbread flavor. I think it is a good balance to the sweetness of all the sugar on top (including the pretty sugar snowflake), but it’s a good thing to know if you’re expecting something different.
Inside the Gingerbread Cupcake
Not in the mood for gingerbread? You can grab this Vanilla Cupcake with red and green Minnie and Mickey Toppers for your crawl credit!
Vanilla Cupcake
BoardWalk Inn: Cupcakes Required = 1
We’re staying within the Epcot Resorts for our next stop. It’s just a stroll over to the BoardWalk Inn’s Boardwalk Bakery!
This gorgeous little gem – the Peppermint Cupcake – might be my favorite, because it actually glistens like snow. Another chocolate-and-mint combination here; however, this one lends itself to a Peppermint Bark flavor, and the filling just bursts with it. (Click here for the full review of this treat).
Boardwalk Bakery's Peppermint Cupcake
Peppermint Cupcake Filling
Contemporary Resort: Cupcakes Required = 2
The Cool Mint Cupcake has returned to Contempo Café at the Contemporary Resort this year – mint frosting paired with a dark chocolate cake base. It’s just so unique – from the color, to the flavors, to the beautiful presentation.
Cool Mint Cupcake at Contempo Cafe
Meanwhile, the Contempo’s Birthday Cupcake has received a holiday makeover. This wonderfully-vanilla cupcake is sporting red and green (as opposed to the birthday pink or blue), and comes with your choice of a candy cane or stocking ring topper :)!
Holiday Version of the Birthday Cupcake
Polynesian Resort: Cupcakes Required = 1
Over at The Polynesian, Captain Cook’s version of the Gingerbread Cupcake has tucked an adorable little Gingerbread Man into the frosting on top of a more traditional dark gingerbread base.
Gingerbread Cupcake at Captain Cook's
Wilderness Lodge: Cupcakes Required = 1
Staying at the Magic Kingdom Resorts (but veering off the Monorail Loop a bit), we’re heading to Wilderness Lodge. I love the beautifully swirled frosting topping the Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cupcake found at Roaring Fork!
Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cupcake
Had your fill of peppermint for now? You can earn your crawl credit with any of the other cupcakes available that day. For instance, the Chocolate Caramel Cupcake is sprinkled with snowflakes, so that totally counts :)!
Holiday Cupcakes at Roaring Fork
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Cupcakes Required = 1
For our last stop, we’re headed to The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This clever Vanilla Peppermint Cupcake looks like a lovely little Christmas tree, thanks to the bright green and the sparkling star on top.
Vanilla Peppermint Cupcake
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
So, there you have it! A friend of mine told me that once you do something three years in a row, then that equals a tradition :). With this second annual Holiday Cupcake Crawl, we’re well on our way, thanks to your participation!
We wish you lots of sugary-joy and fun on your 2013 Quest!
Which holiday cupcakes are you most excited to try during the 2013 Holiday Cupcake Crawl? Please let us know which one is at the top of your “Nice” list!
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I have such great memories of eating that peppermint cupcake outside at Boardwalk early December last year after having just flown in from Minnesota….and seeing Disney decorated for Christmas for the first time even though I had been there numerous times over twenty years. SO magical! We just loved the carrousel at Beach Club!
You totally forgot about the hidden Mickey holiday cupcake found at the hidat display inside the Contemporary Resort. It’s a vanilla cupcake with a hidden Mickey inside made of a dense brownie inside topped with luscious buttercream frosting including a holly leaf with Mickey and pearl decorations.
We, too, have had many trips and only went for our first Christmas visit just last year…pure magic! All of the cupcakes above look so good, but I like the cool mint from the Contempo Cafe best; it’s just so beautiful, and I have no doubt that it would be delicious, also. Great article and photos.
Laura — We didn’t forget at all! 🙂 The Hidden Mickey Cupcake is right here: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/11/18/five-legged-goat-krispy-treat-and-other-festive-snacks-make-holiday-debut-at-the-contemporary/