Crave Cookies & Cupcakes

4.0 star rating
39 reviews Rating Details

Category: Bakeries  [Edit]

1107 Kensington Rd NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P2
(403) 270-2728
Hours:

Tue-Fri 10 am - 6 pm

Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Sun 12 pm - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Seriously, try the red velvet cupcake." In 7 reviews
  • user photo
    "...they sell out fast, especially of red velvet and dark angel." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "I only tried the chocolate with the blue icing though." In 12 reviews
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

39 reviews in English

  • Review from Lauren H.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    4/13/2012

    These are a staple treat for my cake loving co-workers'-birthdays, new babies, goodbyes, you-are-about-to-have-major-surgery celebrations....if cake can be included in any office event, it usually comes in the form of cupcakes from Crave.

    I've not really a cake person and I don't really have a sweet tooth. But I have to say these cupcakes are pretty tasty. I love the mini ones as they are just enough cake to icing to make for a quick little bite. I am a fan of the peanut butter chocolate ones. Red velvet is okay but I still haven't caught on to what the fuss is all about over all the other flavours.
    Today I tried a carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese icing. To. Die. For. I even managed to convince myself it was healthier than everyone else's due to the carrot factor.

    My only beef with Crave is that they are a little pricey for what they are selling. But considering I am rarely paying I guess I can't complain. Also, on the regular sized cupcakes I find there is just a bit too much icing for my taste.

  • Review from Emilie C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    Sweet, cute, and simple. That seems to be the words to describe the way in which Crave runs the cupcake show. Cupcakes are such a treat, and it's nice to have two different size choices; standard size AND mini!

    Their cupcakes range from peppermint chocolate, peanut butter, coconut, red velvet, among others! You can purchase several to take-away too, which makes a great "thank you" for being invited to someone's place, or something of that nature.

    The only reason I don't award it 5 stars is because it would have been better to have cheerful and kind attitudes reciprocated from the servers. They have in my experience always seemed glum considering they work in a cupcake bakery shop. The servers should match the energy of what their company aims to display, I think.

    For a delectable treat, definitely stop and shop at Crave!

  • Review from Aisa C.

    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    12/11/2011

    When i first moved to Calgary, i heard of the infamous Crave Cupcakes in Kensington and saw the lineups out the door.

    So I had to go to try a Crave cupcake. My first impression was that there was a lot of icing and that it was very sweet though the cake was very moist. The more Crave cupcakes i ate, the more  i thought they were too sweet for my taste. Especially the regular sized ones with lots of icing. The only cupcake i can eat is the mini size chocolate with the peanut butter icing. That size is just perfect for me as a snack with a cup of coffee.

    Occasionally i will have a mini Crave cupcake or i'd frequent the front of their store for their beautiful displays.

    If you have a sweet tooth or would like to bring a nice treat for a friend i would recommend Crave cupcakes. Or even if you are new to Calgary you should definitely try it out.

  • Review from Monica K.

    • 9 friends
    • 80 reviews

    North York, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/20/2011

    Yum yum yum yum yum!! I had a cupcake at Crave every other week I was in Calgary. Needless to say, I went home a few pounds heavier, but very satisfied with my food experience there. Crave has THE best cupcakes I have ever had. It was so moist, fluffy, cute, and YUM!

    Totally beats Starbucks cupcakes (obviously), Whole Foods cupcakes, AND the famous Magnolia Bakery in NYC! In all honesty, I haven't checked out too many cupcake shops in Toronto but I will get to that in the summer and I'll get back to you, although I am quite confident my stance on Crave will remain the same. They have very friendly service, lots of variety and the miniature sizes are perfect. I just wish they had more seating options so we could sit and stuff our faces with cupcakes for a little while.

  • Review from Genre S.

    • 2 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    1.0 star rating
    11/30/2011

    You forgot to put some cupcake in that sugar, ack, choke. A fewsweet-tooth friends disagree, but I am way picky (IE discerning and fastidious) with sweet food. To me, Crave is the Cheese Wiz of 'foodie' cupcakes. Disgusting attempt at dessert. Head west down Kensington road to Malicher's (Austro-Hungarian bakery/deli). You will get real desserts, yo. Their Saacher-torte is formidable...

  • Review from Sabahat N.

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2011

    Seriously. The best. Cupcakes. Ever. EVER.

    I dont know what it is about Crave cupcakes that makes me so happy.. Whether it is the fact that they look adorable.. tiny round pieces of cake with bright icing, or the fact that they taste like heaven is melting in your mouth.. or maybe a combination of both.. But seriously, I CANNOT get enough.

    Have you even TRIED their Red Velvet? Or their Princess? Or oh oh, their Va-va Vanilla?! Their mini cupcakes are my favourite because you can get more than one!! Because they are so tiny! Seriously, in my ideal world, I would grab a cupcake every day after work and head home to bite into this piece of soft, sweet, delicious goodness. I would be one happy, HAPPY girl.

  • Review from Ochonueve R.

    • 0 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2011

    Best cupcakes in Calgary bar none!

    So gooooood!

  • Review from Stayc F.

    • 3 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Dublin, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2010

    I happened to stumble upon this place by accident while attending a conference in Calgary a couple years ago.  All I can say is OMG, OMG, OMG these are to die for!! I had not been bitten by the cupcake craze until I tasted Crave.

    Now I literally travel the world trying to find cupcakes that come close to the Crave experience - to no avail.  I have to have my Crave fix hand carried to us in California by friends coming from Calgary.  It's too funny - everybody working in customs at the airport recognizes the Crave bag and wants to know where their cut is.

    Please Crave come to San Francisco, we need you :)

    Yeah they are a bit on the pricey side, but how do you put a price on a little slice of heaven!!!

  • Review from Blair D.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    9/23/2010

    If you don't like Crave, you are a monster. I'm sorry, I won't compromise on this one. I think I might commit assault for one of their red velvet numbers.

    I'm heartbroken to be in another city this fall, since it means that I'll miss the inevitable pumpkiny crave-of-the month in October. I wish they would add one of their pumpkin/apple/gingerbread seasonal cupcakes to the permanent list, although that would mean that my waistline would never recover.

    I'll also be unable to get a crave cake for my birthday, which is just a tragedy. Their cakes, by the way, are pretty much humankind's greatest achievement.

    Tips: go early, they sell out fast, especially of red velvet and dark angel. The full size cupcakes are also kind of overwhelming; I prefer to get the mini cupcakes since the icing-to-cupcake ratio is better and you can get more flavors. If you have to get the full size cupcake, I'd advise sharing it with a friend or two, or skip a meal, cuz damn.

  • Review from Mike A.

    • 3 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    5/4/2011

    I think "dry" is way too strong a word for the cupcakes here, but they're definitely not what you'd expect from a place that is known for its cupcakes.

    Everything else -- inside of shop, staff friendliness, icing deliciousness level, appearance of cupcakes, is really well done.  But the cake part itself should blow me away.

  • Review from Mia T.

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Ive never actually bought a Crave cupcake ever..but Im lucky enough to work across the street from one of their locations. This means we get dozens of cupcakes at all times of the year. They are delicious and sugary and are very generous with their buttercream frosting. I love how they always have a monthly cupcake as well as seasonal cupcakes. They have mini cupcakes, but Ive never been able to eat just one, so I dont see the point in buying them. Seriously, these are harder to ween yourself off of than crack. So why the 3 stars only? I feel that despite the fact these cupcakes are so incredibly delicious, they are really pricey.

  • Review from Winnie B.

    • 182 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    USA
    3.0 star rating
    9/21/2010 3 photos

    Rounding up from 3.5 stars.

    Two regular cupcakes and a full dozen minis for about $23, I think? Sounds about right ;).

    I had their Princess on Vanilla cake, and it tasted a lot like a strawberry milkshake! It was delicious, to say the least, but way too sweet! I finished the outer edges of the cupcake, then left it in the fridge for two days before I gave it another knack... My mom made me finish it in one sitting (it was like I was 9 again!) and I cringed at each bite... I felt like I was eating full cubes of sugar, sigh.

    I didn't get a chance at the mini ones, but I'm sure they're more better in terms of not being overbearingly sweet. Hopefully next time I will get to try their red velvet! They were out by the time I got there :(.

  • Review from Shannon S.

    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    4/12/2011

    Maybe it's that I'm just not really a cupcake fan in general (or a donut fan for that matter), but the couple of times I had Crave cupcakes, I found the cake somewhat dry and the icing too sweet. I only tried the chocolate with the blue icing though. They were at some parties I attended. Anyway, not a fan and from what I've seen they are very expensive.

    I do like cake though... much better than I like cupcakes. I think I'm in the minority though.

    Maybe two stars is too harsh, but the definition of "Meh... I've experienced better" was pretty accurate. I'd probably give them a 3 star in other rating systems.

  • Review from Zoe L.

    • 19 friends
    • 273 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2010 ROTD 10/4/2010

    I was a Crave virgin, all I have ever heard was raves about their cupcakes, but had never had one myself.  Well goodbye virginity!  I finally got an opportunity to go here!

    It seemed as though I had come in that split second between the constant rush of people, there were only 2 other women in the store.  One of the girls behind the counter greeted me and asked how many cupcakes I wanted, I wanted 7.  So I just picked a couple of crave-o-licious, vanilla princesses, dark angels and one pina colada one.  It costs $3.95 for one cupcake, $16.95 for 6.  Personally I don't see the point in the little cupcakes, its torture really, one bite and its gone!  So It cost me $20 for my cupcakes.  It was so worth it!  Not only was I the coolest kid at the party, but I was in heaven those 40 seconds (or so) that it took me to devour my dark angel.  I also couldn't go without stealing a bite of the vanilla princess, the icing is made with pureed strawberries and is so, so very good.

    Ya this place is crazy busy and ya its expensive, but its not like I go here every day.  People spend $5 on coffee from Starbucks, why can't people spend $4 on a cupcake!  I will be awaiting the next opportunity I have to hit up Crave!

  • Review from Kate B.

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/17/2011 2 photos 4 Check-ins Here

    If you like cupcakes, you will like crave! I love the whoopie pies, I really do! I also think their cupcakes are a great splurge to bring into the office, cupcakes really seem to make everyone happy! If you are planning to pick up a dozen I suggest placing an order (if you walk in and hope to get an awesome selection, you might not as some flavours sell out quick!).

  • Review from Sapna G.

    • 1364 friends
    • 1115 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/20/2009

    I'm gonna make this one short and sweet. You know, kinda like a Crave cupcake.

    I popped in today and was reminded at how beautiful their cupcakes are, at how helpful their staff is, and of how much I really do love Crave cupcakes.

    Crave is truly a gem in our city and I salute the good people who do what they do to get Crave cupcakes from the bake sheet to my belly.

    Impressive selection, wonderful location, reasonable prices, exceptional staff and DELICIOUS goods. With a list like that, how can you go wrong???

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      11/3/2009

      Last weekend I was in Kensington meeting some friends and on my way home, I stopped in at Crave.

      WHY… Read more »

  • Review from Samantha R.

    • 35 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    9/14/2008

    They don't call it crave for no reason, because in my one month stay in Calgary this summer I was craving these amazing cupcakes like an angry pregnant woman... especially red velvet.

    Only downfall, is when they run out of cupcakes they close early... I was not a fan considering I hyped them all up to my little cousin who was oh so excited to get a cupcake and when we arrived there at 4PM they were closed... I'd suggest taking down the sign for your business hours unless your going to follow them. :-)

  • Review from Angela L.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    If you're in Kensington for the first time and are not sure where exactly where Crave is, all you need to do is go upstream from the flow of all the happy people leaving with trays of colourful cupcakes.

    We stopped at Crave to take a peek at the scrumptious selection too soon after a big brunch, so decided (mistakenly) that we would come back after some shopping. A quick couple hours later, we were shocked (and saddened) to find that almost all of the cupcakes had been sold! Although I was able to snag the last Passion (fruit with mango), the very apologetic server dropped it while trying to box it, so I went with the Lovely Bunch of Coconuts. There was a little bit too much frosting for my taste, but no shortage of fragrant shredded coconut atop of the moist, spongey cake. I cannot wait to try the Lemon Lime Twist next time!

  • Review from Carrie P.

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    7/4/2009 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    I have two words for you.... red... velvet.  Seriously, try the red velvet cupcake.  Even though the cake is red, it is chocolate, and it has a cream cheese icing on it.  Seriously, I don't know what they put in that cupcake, but it is mouth watering delicious.  Two personal stories I would like to share about Crave Cupcakes.

    1.  One of my co-workers, whenever she has a bad day, I go to Crave on my lunch hour and bring her (and me) a red velvet.  It seems to make all your troubles go away.

    2.  I did a charity event in September 2008 and Crave was VERY generous.  Not only do I respect them for a superior product, but also as a contributor to the community.

  • Review from dinah g.

    • 305 friends
    • 800 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    4/3/2010

    I recently received a half dozen cupcakes from the Kensington Crave for my birthday, I love how cute and small these are and I stopped my car several times to make sure the icing hadn't gotten smushed in the plastic carrying case.

    The staff at this location are very friendly which is very refreshing considering the folks on 17th avenue will hardly give you the time of the day.  I was very glad about the more personable service in this location and just love the new cupcakes they have for the Easter season.  

    There is one in particular that has green icing to make the cupcake look like a grass patch with hidden Easter eggs hidden inside... So Genius!  

    There is also your carrying cupcake cup which can hold a single Crave cupcake for you so you can not only Crave it but eat it wherever you go.  Love it!!

    As beautiful as their marketing is and as lovely as every cupcake is presented I still find it a little too sweet for my liking, but everyone is so different I am still a fan.

  • Review from Damian P.

    • 1 friend
    • 21 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2010

    YUM YUM!

    All I can say is WOW, the cupcake at Crave are AMAZING!! Anytime my sweet tooth is calling me, I am right there! Always delicious, always satisfying. The cupcake flavors are unique and fun, along with the classics, this place has it all. The best place to go for a cupcake!!

  • Review from Lee M.

    • 13 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    2/14/2009

    Quite simply - these are the best cupcakes you will ever taste. Period. This is the sort of place legends are made of.

    If you are ever in calgary, even for a few hours on a stop over at the airport, take a cab, don't call any of your friends you might know here, and go straight to crave.

    The earlier in the day the better - they often shut their doors early because they have sold out of that days batch!

  • Review from Katie C.

    • 72 friends
    • 357 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/15/2009 3 photos

    Back in my working days, we'd play a game: spot the Crave delivery van. If we saw it on our way to coffee or lunch, we'd know it was going to be a good day. We'd hurry back to the office hoping, praying that there were cupcakes waiting for us. And on the days there were... Heaven... Seriously, HR knew there was nothing like raising company morale by bringing in some delicious, delicious cupcakes.

    That being said, I have some cupcakes that I love more than others. The coconut cupcake, the red velvet cupcake and the chocolate frosted cupcakes all fill a heart-warming pit in me. That being said, I can only eat one. Sometimes even a half. They are rich and creamy and very very sweet, and I do start to feel all cupcaked out after a while. Some of the cakes veer a little to the grocery-store-cupcake side, which is unfortunate. Their made-to-order cakes are to die for though. My aunt had one for her wedding, and the chocolate cake was light and delicate and the chocolate frosting was the perfect addition. I believe you have to order months in advance to get one of those cakes though.

    I kind of miss when everyone I knew was all crazy about Crave, and every time you went down into Kensington there would be a gigantic lineup trying to make it before the cakes sold out. A new location and deliver has taken out some of the urgency of going a-cravin' but not all of the deliciousness. I can't pass by either of the storefronts without feeling hungry. The girls who work there can usually suggest the most delicious cupcake of the day.

  • Review from Julianna C.

    • 8 friends
    • 88 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2009

    Perfection in cupcake format.
    I love that the cake part of the cupcake is (quite shockingly) almost as tasty as the icing!

  • Review from Elise M.

    • 5 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    8/17/2008

    Crave is absolutely my favorite cupcake place! And I've definitely tried my fair share of cupcakes!

    They've got all sorts of different flavours with cute names like Princess and Dirty Blonde. I also love the pretty ribbon they put around the box~

  • Review from Lesli K.

    • 11 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    11/19/2008

    I love the fact that this business was created on such a simple idea - baking cupcakes with their mom, I believe is how the story goes. The owners are sisters that use their mom's recipes (complete with secret ingredients) to start a business - how sweet is that?

    Sweet as a cupcake.

    My favourite is the chocolate cupcake with the orange icing, which as far as I know come out close to Christmas, because that's when I've had them.

    But, if you can't get that flavour, I've had the chocolate cupcake with mint frosting and that went down really well.

    From my experience I can tell you that you shouldn't eat two large cupcakes because one tastes better. Two makes you sort of queasy.

  • Review from C T.

    • 57 friends
    • 347 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/17/2009

    Just popped by Crave Cupcakes today and picked up a 1/2 dozen of cupcakes:

    4 Nutty over Chocolate
    1 Chocolate

    and a new cupcake called "The Dark Angel" - has cream cheese icing over chocolate cake.  DELICIOUS!!  

    They also have another new cupcake called "Red Elvis" - they ran out of it already this morning.  :o(

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      12/10/2008

      I love Crave Cupcakes especially the Nutty over Chocolate (Peanut Butter) - tastes like a huge… Read more »

  • Review from Christopher W.

    • 14 friends
    • 307 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    3.0 star rating
    10/16/2008 1 photo

    What is it with women and cupcakes? Every woman I know in this city loves Crave's cupcakes and some won't even eat any other kind. It must be all about the cute ribbons on the boxes and all the pretty colours of icing or something. It's bizarre in a way....
    Anyway, although I'm not into desserts and sweet baked goods, I must say the cakes here aren't all sugary crap. There's probably too much icing (I know ladies, how can that be?) but it's not overpowering with sweetness. The cake itself is fluffy and light. They're certainly better than the stuff you can buy at the grocery store.
    Even a man can enjoy these things in moderation.

  • Review from Princess M.

    • 32 friends
    • 318 reviews

    New York, NY

    USA
    3.0 star rating
    6/18/2009

    Nice decor and pretty cupcakes but the taste is lacking.

    I tried the red velvet cupcake and the peanut butter on chocolate cupcake.  Kudos for using cream cheese-flavored frosting on the red velvet and the peanut butter-flavored frosting certainly packed a lot of peanut-buttery taste.  However, the cakes really tasted like boxed cake-mix and had a strange chewiness that made me think that they'd over-mixed the batter.  I was expecting cake that was more tender and crumbly...The frosting was also overly over sugary.

  • Review from spaniel l.

    • 6 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    2.0 star rating
    2/27/2009

    Well, I'm pretty sad that I'm downgrading my review for crave.

    The cupcakes got smaller, initially I thought it was just me but I'm pretty sure now that they did. I understand it is all about the profit so if you must save on the ingredient cost than lets make sure that those small cupcakes are darn perfect.

    So are they perfect? NO. What happened to the moist fresh cupcakes that use to come out of the store?  Do not sell old dry cupcakes or please check the batter... they need to start looking at their quality control system for texture consistency.

    I'm definitely not craving crave cupcakes anymore

  • Review from Nicola J.

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2008

    If you're the kind of person who doesn't mind spending $3 on a cupcake you could make yourself at a fraction of the cost, then Crave is definitely the place for you. Most enjoyable, sufficiently slathered with a frosting that isn't too sweet. I'd go once a week if it wasn't so pricey and caloric!

  • Review from Andrew M.

    • 17 friends
    • 181 reviews

    London

    UK
    5.0 star rating
    10/30/2008

    These are definitely some of the best bakery goods in town.  For someone with a sweet tooth it is hard to say no to any of Crave's creations.  I recommend going in, buy a dozen, and then gorge yourself!  These are awesome!

  • Review from Jag S.

    • 31 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    6/24/2009

    o-m-g

    i love this place. from the smell.. taste.. how cute the window display is to the ribbon.. i adore this place.

    yes the cupcakes cost a few loonies... but it's well worth the treat.. my favourite are the ones with the pink icing. Simply go here to indulge and take a break from the world!

    I've only been to the location in Kensington.. and I always buy one for myself.. and then take a few home. Taking them home sucks.. they get devoured right away....

    i've gotta say - it can't be too hard to make imitation ones at home.. but they still won't be crave! I've tried cupcakes at other bakeries and I've never found ne that are similar!

    I also recommend buying the mini ones.. u can try more.. as well as limit urself ot how many u eat!

    I wish they still made cakes... too bad i'm on a strict diet or else i'd make a stop here tomorrow morning!

  • Review from J K.

    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    2/14/2010

    Crave cupcakes fall on my all time must have list. They are prefect for any occasion where you want to get people to like you. Almost everyone I know loves them. Yes, they are pricy, but that is what makes them extra special. You feel like you are giving/getting special treatment. Mmmm crave...........I love the peppermint ones.

  • Review from Marla S.

    • 8 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2009

    I work here and thus don't have much to say about the whole purchasing experience but I have to say that their cookies will make even the most dedicated vegan want to break veg.

  • Review from Cornelius V.

    • 28 friends
    • 173 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    2/27/2009

    my poem on crave:

    holy F#$& these cupcakes are expensive
    holy f^$@ these cupcakes are delicious.

    fin.

  • Review from Eric B.

    • 5 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    4.0 star rating
    8/16/2009 1 Check-in Here

    Holy Cupcakes Batman!

  • Review from Trevor W.

    • 1 friend
    • 40 reviews

    Medicine Hat, AB

    4.0 star rating
    11/4/2009

    A great place to go for cupcakes, and who dosen't love cupcakes.

  • Review from Lynn H.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    1.0 star rating
    10/15/2009

    Overpriced and gross, not worth the time or effort. Buttercream are way way better

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...