Red Velvet Cupcakery: Reston, VA

Red Velvet

$3.25 each

After a friend told us about the Red Velvet Cupcakery, naturally we had to try it. Our friend told us that their peanut butter cupcake was the best she has had. Our quest was plotted, our notepads in hand, our sweet tooth in dyer need, and off we went.

After finding parking, the cupcakery was themed in a bright classic red color. Do to the name, of course. The atmosphere and the staff was friendly. Not a lot of tables to sit at, but it was clean. They offer basic drinks. I thought it was wonderful that they only offered organic chocolate milk. Not plain white milk, but chocolate. Sweet!!! We picked out (which wasn't easy) the Peanut Butter cup, Southern Belle, Cookies 'N Cream, Devils Food, Northern Beauty, and B-Day. 

(From upper left to lower right: Peanut Butter cup, Southern Belle,
Cookies 'N Cream, Devils Food, Northern Beauty, B-Day)

With the name Red Velvet they 1) have to offer a red velvet cupcake and 2) it has to live up to its name, right? Sadly, we both thought it was hit and miss. They did make it right, using a chocolate based cake with red dye, but something was missing. We tried both red velvets. One called Southern Belle and the other Northern Beauty. We both liked the Northern Beauty the best. Let me explain, Southern Belle has whipped cream cheese frosting with a "moist" cake. They claim it is a must for any first timer and "will stand up to Grandma's recipe". While Northern Beauty is the same mix, it is sugar free. We felt the cake part of the Northern red velvet was more moist than the claimed Southern Belle. The frosting was creamier and   smoother also (side note: they do offer a vegan/gluten-free one called "Black Velvet").

(Northern Beauty)

Quick highlights from our pick: Peanut butter cupcake that our friend said was the best she had, was too salty. It just taste like salt and was grainy. 

Devils Food was really chocolatey. Reminded me of the chocolate cake you get at Costco. It also had a bittersweet chocolate ganache and it was garnished with a 24K gold leaf. As they mention it is for chocolate lovers. Very good and very smooth. Out of the two of us, one was only able to finish it because it was really rich in flavor.

Go to Red Velvet and give it a try and than tell us what you think.

We give Red Velvet the following marks:

Gluten Free: Clearly Advertised & mentioned by server

Sugar Free: Clearly Advertised & mentioned by server

Cupcakery Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 (good size, offered only chocolate milk (LOVE), not enough seats though, nice signage and color)

Flavor Selections: 5 out of 5 (names are extremely creative and fun. I wanted to taste all of them)

Overall Quality: 3.5 out of 5 ( a little dry on the cake part, liked the frosting not to sweet)