Swirls Bake Shop – Dainty Colourful Cupcakes

Swirls Bake Shop is an American-style gourmet cupcake bakery situated in Robertson Quay. The bakery is started out by a passionate couple, who were inspired by the widespread popularity of cupcakes they came across during a road trip in America.

After countless tastings of cupcakes from the largest chains to tiny independent owner-run stores, they decided to bring what they loved back to Singapore. Since then, they have been diligently baking, frosting and perfecting their 101 cupcake flavours (and counting), introducing a new set of specials every month to keep things novel.

The eye-catching colourful interior gives off a cheery vibe, lifting your mood instantly as you enter the shop.

The seating area is limited. During my visit, most of the sales are for take-outs. Art pieces that are splashed across the walls not only serve aesthetic purposes; they are for sale and proceeds will go to charity.

You can sneak a peek into the spotless kitchen through the glass windows. Baking is done throughout the day, ensuring a constant supply of fresh cupcakes.

There are about 10 different flavours available in the store each day, with one daily special. The specials range features a different cupcake flavour for each day of the week. For instance, Cookie Dough is available every Saturday of the month – and this changes monthly.

Red Velvet
Regular: S$3.95 / Tiny: S$2.50

Red Velvet is the bestseller here. This crimson chocolate cupcake is topped with cream cheese frosting. The bakers do not use piping bags to frost their cupcakes, thus each and every cupcake has an irregular rustic character to it. The ratio of frosting to cake is just right.

Strawberry Burst (front, right)
Regular: S$4.10 / Tiny: S$2.80

Strawberry Burst is composed of white chocolate cupcake and fresh strawberry, topped with a strawberry cream cheese frosting. The burst of flavour will surprise you. Instead of using artificial flavouring, real strawberries are used. Thus you can taste the fresh strawberry flavours infused within the cupcakes.

Nutella (front, right)
Regular: S$4.10 / Tiny: S$2.80

Nutella is a chocolate cupcake with a Nutella centre and hazelnut butter cream frosting. As you bite into the cupcake, you will instantly be reminded of Ferrero Rocher. The hazelnut buttercream frosting is simply divine.

Very Vanilla
Regular: S$3.95 / Tiny: S$2.50

Very Vanilla is simply a vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting. This dainty colourful treat will most certainly brighten one’s day by the mere sight of it!

The cake is crumbly yet moist. The intense sweetness of the frosting will bring you a sugar high. Some may find it to be excessively sweet, but it is pure indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Nuts About You (top left)
Regular: S$3.95 / Tiny: S$2.50

Oh So Cocoa (right)
Regular: S$3.95 / Tiny: S$2.50

Nuts About You is a highlight. The chocolate cupcake is topped with smooth peanut butter frosting and crowned with peanut M&M’s. This will warrant repeat orders.

Oh So Cocoa is a chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting and chocolate sprinkles. It isn’t as moist as the rest of the cupcakes. Perhaps the incorporation of cocoa powder into the cupcake batter makes that slight difference in texture.

What’s Up Doc?
Regular: S$3.95 / Tiny: S$2.50

What’s Up Doc? is a personal favourite. Carrot bits and crushed pineapples pervade the cupcake, adding moisture and delicate textures. The cream cheese frosting is a perfect marriage with the cake.

Chocolate cake with salted caramel frosting
S$4.50 per slice

For chocolate lovers, the chocolate cake with salted caramel frosting is truly decadent. The first bite elicits a panoply of sweet and salty flavours. Sink your teeth into the pillow-soft texture that is coated with luscious creamy caramel in every bite.

Swirls Bake Shop is for those who appreciate moist cupcakes and intense flavour; for those who want to take a break from their strict diet to indulge. If you are feeling down, these cupcakes will perk up your dullest moments.

Where can you enjoy the best cupcakes in Singapore? Share all your thoughts via Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment!