Best cupcakes in Chicago (and believe me, I've tried them all :) That said, here are my favorites: Triple B, Pistachio, and Key Lime. read more

What did I spy today but yet another cupcake truck ready to disappoint me..... A few trucks have been coming to the U of C campus and I am always drawn in by a cutesy pink truck, or the exotic flavors only to be disappointed and mad at myself time and time again for wasting money on a cupcake I could have gotten at Jewel. But this time...I was blindsided. I did see the truck and thought that it was a great idea...but maybe people were just buying these cupcakes because of the sympathy factor. Who wouldn't buy cupcakes to raise funds for cancer? I'd be evil! So I decided to go ahead and support the cause. If the cupcakes sucked, well...at least I would feel good about the money going towards fighting cancer instead of going back to the bakers pockets to make more crappy cupcakes. I WAS SO WRONG. SO WRONG. I have been on a quest to meet "the one." Just like one searches for that perfect soulmate...I have been searching for my one true cupcake love. Everytime I see a cupcake truck, I stop. The cupcake seduces me...... drawing me in, forcing me to slowly unwrap the cupcake wrapper. Desire engulfs me as my tongue meets the oh so sweet frosting....and then...and then.. I realize it was all show and no substance. The frosting is not so good. The cake is dry. But this cupcake(and I bought two just to be sure it wasn't a fluke...) made me go into cupcake orgasm. YOU ARE THE ONE. I loved the maple bacon cupcake but CHOCOLATE SRIRACHA- you are my love. YOU are the one I have been searching for. I am sorry I wasn't patient enough to wait for you. Then again...after tasting so many so-so cupcakes, and cupcakes that were downright horrible, I appreciate you even more. I am in love - my sweet chocolate sriracha. Now please open up a store in Chicago! Until then I shall be stalking your cupcake truck via Facebook and Twitter until your return to Hyde Park! (Although I am tempted to move to Elmhurst just for you.) I may never be with my soulmate, but finding the best cupcake in the universe may just make up for it! (Yes, the chocolate sriracha cupcake was that good!!!!!!!) read more

I dunno. So weird. We got the yelp deal, which was $10 worth for $5. A great deal. We ordered the pistachio cupcake, the vanilla, and the key lime. We ate the key lime at the restaurant and it was fantastic. The cupcake itself was moist and full of flavor. The frosting was perfectly whipped and soft. We were excited to eat the other two later (4 hours later because well, cupcakes). And when we did, we had the exact opposite reaction. Both the pistachio and the vanilla were moist, the texture was great. But the flavor was just..off. It tasted so weird. The pistachio didn't taste like pistachio at all. It tasted like nothing. The vanilla almost tasted like coffee, but not really. You know that taste you get when you eat something with phenylketonurics? Its kinda like that but amplified. Both cupcakes were not appetizing at all. So, eat in the restaurant? Hell if I know read more

A few months ago I purchased a Yelp deal for Cupcakes for Courage and almost forgot about it. While waiting in line for big green truck and Laura (the owner), I saw the deal on my phone. I had intentions of using it towards a big party order, but that went out the window when I saw the daily menu. The peanut butter cupcake may be my favorite, but the maple bacon probably comes in a close second. I've had my share of maple bacon cupcakes from other bakeries and was never a big fan of the combination. But, I really enjoyed CFC's maple frosting and the right amount of bacon pieces on top. And the cake? It's so delicious and you can tell it's made fresh daily. I could totally eat those bad boys for days. Ok, maybe not...but I could order them again. Since my last review, she does take both credit cards and cash unless otherwise noted. read more

OMG. I had a reese pieces cupcake this morning and it was the best thing I've ever eaten. There was even little reeses pieces in the cake mix! Amazing! I didn't go to the actual shop, I visited their food truck that was parked outside my work. I can't wait to try the rest! read more

See all

Friday night on my way tot the train I stopped here and picked up a pink velvet cupcake. Icing was spot on. Cake was moist and flavorful. This is what a cupcake is supposed to be! Yummy, yum, yum! read more

DO NOT COME HERE unless you have hours to spare. We have been waiting for food for 90 minutes. Very disorganized. They clearly prioritize take out orders. Food is marginal. What a mistake to come here read more

Delicious cupcakes. The flavors can be hit or miss though, but I'd say most are a hit. Not the gluten-free cupcakes, they are not a hit and are definitely not worth buying (the only edible part of those is their frosting), yet I do admire them having at least one gluten-free option at all times. They also have cake pops (like Starbucks) that are pretty delicious and great for a small portion. The profits go towards breast cancer research, and this is a cupcake store and truck that promotes breast cancer awareness by it's existence alone, how can anyone not like it? read more

"Mean Green Fighting Machine" Well, I mean who doesn't love cupcakes with a purpose (some of the proceeds supports cancer research)?! They had quite a few options -- regular items and specialty items. I opted on one from each side. I had the peanut butter and jelly and the red velvet. The peanut butter was surprisingly delish! The red velvet wasn't that exciting and a bit dry AT least it didn't taste like chocolate cake. The person in the truck was fantastic and was a real baker. I asked all kinds of questions as I tried to make a decision. Bonus was they give you a punch card that contributes to a free cupcake after 8 I think (but don't quote me on it). Not sure how quickly I'll return, but its a nice option to have and who doesn't love a green truck? read more

So far I have sampled 4 cupcake flavors and have really enjoyed all of them! The chocolate graham cracker has a really rich ganache and the chocolate beer bacon is a great combination of flavors. My personal favorites are the cookies and cream and the Reese's Pieces, which is probably one of the best cupcakes I've ever had. Some places seem to have a hard time with peanut butter frosting, but this is perfection. I will keep hunting down the green truck (follow them on Facebook or Twitter) to try more of their flavors - chocolate raspberry is next on my must-try list. Their website lists both their stop schedule and their flavor menu for the week, so I highly recommend planning your lunch hour or an afternoon break around a flavor you're coveting. In my opinion, this is the best cupcake truck in the city! read more

Cupcakes For Courage - Chocolate bacon beer and Reese's Pieces! - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

So I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. The BF thinks I'm a little crazy with my love of cupcakes, since he thinks all are slightly overpriced, but he humors me anyway. We finally made it out for cupcakes the day after my birthday, so he got me two! :-D lol. I got the Spicy Sriracha Turtle and the Maple Bacon. I love them both. The turtle has a nice heat to it that's not overwhelming and is super moist and delicious. The Bacon has bacon...and is also super moist. I may have compared it to sex, to which the BF gave me a look, and I was like fine, maybe not sex, how 'bout a heavy makeout session? And he agreed. The Maple Bacon is amazing and like a great makeout session. Kids, when you're older, you'll understand. Anywho, go here and get the awesome cupcakes. read more

Had the luck of walking by the truck on the way back to the office. Eric V struck out on his bacon cupcake which I'm kind of glad about, since I was able to try their key lime filled cupcake. It was awesome. Delicate and great tasting. The frosting was almost like a whipped cream.I'm not even a key lime fan. Props to the cupcake lady for recommending it. I was torn between that and the vanilla bean. I mentioned that it was for my pregnant wife and she threw in a vanilla at the end. Very cool and much appreciated. I'd come back for the key lime alone, but now I really want to try the maple bacon one. read more

I really don't need to add my review, because of all the other 5-star reviews. But I will anyway, since I'm a HUGE fan. I SO look forward to Fridays, which is when the glorious green truck parks outside my office building during my lunch break. Every single cupcake I've tried (except the maple bacon), has been outstanding. I especially love the pink velvet (gluten free, super moist and amazing!), the Reese's Pieces, and the salted caramel. Their frosting is always moist and makes a mess of your lips...just as it should. (Unlike Crumbs Bake Shop's frosting...which is dry & crusty, and grainy/sugary and way too sweet). I am not a fan of the cupcake balls that they sell, so I just stick to what they do best...cupcakes. The woman in the truck (I should know her name by now, as I buy these cupcakes all the time!), is super sweet and friendly. The cupcakes are the best I've had, and I wouldn't recommend any other cupcakes in Chicago. One time, they didn't have the original turtle cupcake that I wanted. They only had the spicy sriracha turtle. I told her I didn't want it because I can't handle to much spice. She said if I get it and don't like it, I could come back next time and tell her I didn't like it, and she would give me a free cupcake. They also have a frequent buyer punch card. I've received a few free cupcakes with this card. And, their cupcakes are for a good cause. If you cannot find the truck in Chicago, they also sell their cupcakes at Brain Freeze ice cream shop in downtown Elmhurst, Illinois. read more

I stopped at the cupcake truck outside of the Aon building yesterday and got 3 cupcakes to split with my hubby- vanilla, black and white, and dark chocolate. I cannot pick a favorite. They were all super moist, the frosting on the vanilla and black and white was so light and fluffy. The frosting on the dark chocolate was thick and creamy and so intense - so deliciously intense. I have to say I was surprised at the other reviewer's comments about not giving individual plastic containers - because that's how they're given out on the truck. I was thinking a box of some sort might be more earth friendly than all that plastic. But then my cupcakes were in perfect shape and not squished...so I'll keep my mouth shut. The girl on the truck was really friendly - told me about the 10% going to cancer research, how all cupcakes are baked daily, etc. If I'm going to spend $3.50 on one cupcake, it's nice to know $0.35 goes to something meaningful. I'll definitely be stopping again, and again, and again. read more

Delicious Cupcakes. The truck does not come out by us but that's OK because I can get my fill at Brain Freeze in Elmhurst. Gluten free options. I'm doing gluten-lite right now, eventually will be gluten-free. I was at Flight 112's event for the Cupcakes For Courage debut on Cupcakes Wars! You gotta be proud of your local businesses. They only thing that would make it better for them is an actual storefront/bakery so people can drive to them and not vice versa. read more

Pro: -great causes -right next to campus sometimes (UIC) -creative flavors Con: -very dry cakes -very stereotypical butter cream with additive flavors (fake tasting) Overall: With all the competition around I feel that Cupcakes for Courage would not do well if they didn't support such good causes. The prices are the same as every other cupcake place, so I would rather spend my money somewhere else. read more

We had their mobile truck come to our office. Good variety of cupcakes. Especially enjoyed the Elvis with bacon, banana cream, and peanut butter. All fresh and 10% of their proceeds goes to a great cause! read more

Cupcakes For Courage - Salted caramel and pink velvet! - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

I saw one of these trucks by Millennium Park today and decided to try it even though I don't normally like cupcakes all that much. I got a strawberry cupcake and I loved it. They used dehydrated strawberries (which I really like) on top of the icing, which was also strawberry-flavored. The cake part itself wasn't too sweet, like many other cupcakes are. Also, the person working there was really helpful and polite. And it's for a good cause! read more

My husband and I were both underwhelmed. I had the Lemon Drop Cupcake, and while the lemon curd and icing were very good, the cupcake was TREMENDOUSLY dry. It must have been over-baked since it was a special that day. I don't remember the name of the cupcake my husband got, but it was banana cake with pineapple and coconut. He said it was okay, but not very flavorful. Where's the coconut?? The doughnut was the BIG disappointment. It was touted as caramel/coconut, but had little of either, and was so stale we each took a bite and threw the rest out. Very nice people and cute interior, and with all of the great reviews we will try it again, but it will definitely have to be a lot better for a third try. read more

Gluten-free cupcakes are now offered on the truck every day! I stand by my original review: these are the best gluten-free cupcakes I've had. I love the variety of flavors, and the texture is always almost identical to a cupcake with gluten. Thank you, thank you for continuing to make delicious gluten-free cupcakes. P.S. I always pick up a few regular cupcakes for my family when I get myself a gluten-free cupcakes. My family agrees that the regular cupcakes are some of the best in the city, too. The rotating flavors are always a hit! read more

Sometimes I have seen food trucks on my way home from running local errands, so I grabbed some extra cash and resolved to get some truck food if I could find it. Of course I was secretly hoping for s cupcake truck--and there one is! A very kind, pleasant lady sold me a German chocolate and a triple-B (which I thought had something to do with peanut butter cups) and enclosed each in their own darling little cupcake-shaped container. She also gave me a card so I would get a freebie after buying 10 (so using this!) I enjoyed one after my another-food-truck sandwich and it was UHHHH-MAYYYY-ZING! It was the triple-B which turned out to be banana with-it looked like--two different cakes and custard, and light as air frosting with flecks of chocolate in it. It wasn't the cupcake I wanted but I wish all mistakes were this happy. There is 100% chance that I will be returning to fill up that card. read more

Cupcakes for Courage makes delicious, affordable cupcakes, and we are happy we went with them for our wedding. One of our flavors was a gluten-free banana, and that was the only flavor to be completely gone at the end of the night--it was that good! And our family has been greatly affected by cancer, so the charity aspect was very meaningful. When I asked about our options for returning the cupcake stand since we were leaving for our honeymoon shortly after the wedding, Laura suggested I ask our caterer to bring cupcake trays and a cake stand to save us the trouble and the rental fee. It was so generous of her to offer that option even though it clearly wasn't in her best interest. My only complaint about Cupcakes for Courage is that the communication was a little slow, even right before the wedding when I was trying to arrange a final payment. Still, if we had to do it over again, we would still choose them. read more

Stopped in today to see the new decor and have a delicious carrot cupcake and ice tea. Service was wonderful and food was the best. Hope to come back again soon. read more

Caught the food truck at the Arlington Heights library this afternoon and only bought a couple because my 1 year old kept asking for them...I'm so glad we did!! In a world full of cupcakes, these were the best I've had in a long time. We had gluten free banana and vanilla bean. REAL buttercream, guys! Not that fake stuff or "default" cream cheese. And you couldn't tell banana was gluten free! I will definitely seek these out again. read more

I was very disappointed when I went there for cupcakes. They only had 4 types to choose from. And one was gluten free. When I asked if this was all they had the girl reply yes I believe so, we're are baking for a big order. Now I understand orders are important but to let the shops inventory to stuff because of it is ridiculous. So so disappointed read more

On this absurdly chilly April day, I stopped at the Cupcakes for Courage truck and picked up a Key lime Cupcake because 1. I'll support any cancer research, 2. Cupcakes cure chilly, blustery days (for real, I saw it in the Huffington Post) and 3. It's a cupcake. Let's be serious. However I figured because it came from a truck, it was probably not the most moist or fresh, but hey, I'm supporting a cause. I'm a little bit in awe of how impossibly wrong I was. I'm going out on a short limb here and saying this may have been the best cupcake I have ever eaten. Certainly, with no regrets, this is the best Key lime treat I've ever eaten. What the hell are they putting in these cupcakes? The airy frosting on top was light, silky and had a hint of lime in each lick. Yes, I licked, hush. And sprinkled with lime zest and a light dusting of graham cracker? Adorable. The cake was so moist I needed a napkin to wipe my fingers, and it just tasted so rich. But there was more. A surprise, chilled, creamy center of Key lime in the middle of that cupcake that shocked the taste buds with its tart richness. PS, this is REAL Key lime. And real Key lime means it ain't green, K? Key lime is a creamy light yellow and is a tart citrus flavor with a touch of sweetness. I was supposed to share this cupcake with my fiance, seeing as how Key lime is his favorite, but the closest he's going to get to tasting it now is by reading this review. Or licking the container. Not only does Cupcakes For Courage bake disgustingly amazing cupcakes (you over-achievers), but they support the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. +Cupcakes are $3.75 (donate the remainder of that $5 bill, kids) +Eco-friendly +Stops on Tuesdays at Wacker & Dearborn 12:30-1:15 p.m. +Four staple flavors and four revolving flavors daily read more

I've been wanting to try Courageous Cupcakes forever so I was stoked when they opened their own bakery in the spot formerly occupied by SereneTeaz. My mom and I stopped by Tuesday afternoon. We both got 2 cupcakes each (to go of course). I got Pink Velvet and Peanut Butter (might have been called Peanut Butter Mania). My mom got French Silk and Pumpkin Pie. I eventually tried my cupcakes later that same night. I honestly didn't care for the Pink Velvet but it might be a personal preference. I found the cake to be flavorless...very moist though. I did really enjoy the Peanut Butter cupcake. The cake on that one was so flavorful, almost like you took a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar. I think the inside even had a bit of peanut butter filling. The frosting was also really good and of course, tasted like peanut butter. My mom said she really enjoyed her cupcakes too. I liked that they packaged each cupcake individually in its own plastic (recyclable) container. They are a bit pricey at $3.25 each but you get what you pay for! I am really looking forward to trying the taffy apple, caramel apple and banana crème pie cupcake so I need to keep an eye out for those. Oh boy...I'm going to have to keep working out! read more

Wish I could say that I like this place, but NO! First, the place was dirty. And I'm not a neat freak. Second, the service sucked. I know, it's only cupcakes, but I have been treated better at a post office! The woman behind the counter ( I think she was a manager) was clearly miserable. She seemed annoyed that I paid with a $20 or something, the way she handed me my change. Maybe she was annoyed at the way my daughter interupted my order? Oh well, the cupcakes were ok. Not as moist as I would expect from a specialty place. Overall, it was a bad experience with angry owners and mediocre baked goods. read more

I finally saw the truck after years of hearing about it. I bought a key lime cupcake. Comparable in size and price, it was a tasty cupcake for a great cause! read more

Oh my, oh my. This place rocks. First of all, hats off to you for giving back. Secondly, you are in the burbs, FINALLY a good bakery in the burbs. And thirdly (is that a word), your cupcakes are moist, delicious and oh so tasty. I love the combos, chocolate bacon beer. Turtle. Dark Chocolate. They also have scones (date and bacon) and gourmet donuts - I saw one siracha and one with reeses pieces??? So we choose the turtle and it was in the top 3 best cupcakes I have ever had. Deep dark chocolate, baked in caramel sauce. Topped with a chocolate granache, caramel and pecans. Sinfully delicious. Pair it with a coffee from the cute coffee shop right down the street and BINGO you just got yourself a little slice of nirvana. Yes, good chocolately things tend to make THAT happy. Give it a whirl. read more

I like the cupcake craze and especially if they are filled. Cupcakes for Courage was discovered when I saw them on Cupcake Wars. I had to try them and still am bummed that I haven't been able to try the sirich turtle one but I have tried the Salted Carmel, the pink velvet, chocolate bacon beer, maple bacon and the s'mores. They are all fabulous but the maple bacon and the s'mores are to die for. Try them at the bakery or the food truck and you won't be disappointed. read more

These cupcakes are the best I've ever had. I've tried other places in Chicago (Crumbs, Flirty Girl, Sprinkles) and they just don't compare. I have dreams about the Pink Velvet... the moistness and that fluffy cream cheese frosting... I don't know how they do it but I hope they continue to do so! Such great food and a great cause! read more

Without a doubt, Laura at Cupcakes for Courage makes the best cupcakes I have tasted - and I've tried many many cupcakes in Chicago. Perfectly moist, not crumbly, with frostings that are incredibly flavorful and not too sweet. And the flavors are so creative and unique! I highly recommend the chocolate peanut butter cup, triple B, and the chocolate mint. Don't waste your money at the other cupcake trucks who offer good, but not AMAZING cupcakes like these! read more

Cupcakes for a cause?! Yes please! This place is excellent! The cupcakes are all pretty fantastic with their moist flavorful cake and melt in your mouth frosting (that doesn't leave a nasty layer of film in your mouth)! But make sure you try the rest of their baked goods!!! The biscuits and croissants are AMAZING! The coffee is strong and bold! read more

THANK YOU!! I have FINALLY found a gluten free cupcake that you would never know is gluten free. I love that you have rotating flavors for the GF cupcakes and aren't limited to just the standard flavors like many bakeries. I did taste the regular cupcakes in my pre-GF days and those were amazing as well for all of you lucky folks out there that can indulge in gluten. read more

While watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network one night I was intrigued to learn that Cupcakes for Courage was selling cupcakes out of a truck right in my college neighborhood in downtown Chicago. Long story short, I've been a dedicated customer ever since. I'm so happy that Laura got her own storefront because she deserves it. All of the cupcakes are out of this world, but the Spicy Sriracha Turtle Cupcake is a gift from the Gods. It is worth the 45 minute drive to the bakery. OH and the Maple Bacon Doughnut melts in your mouth and tastes just like a warm pancake. I love Cupcakes for Courage! Definitely 5 star worthy for service, a good cause, and food! read more

No thank you. There is absolutely no reason to come here for food. Put your pink ribbon money in an envelope and get your cupcakes, coffee, breakfast somewhere else. It's not a complaint, honestly, though you'd get a better feeling for what to expect by knowing that I had to wait 5 minutes (no joke) to be served because two young girls were taking duck-lips selfies. I sort of stood there wondering what these two probably-not-workers were doing. Had a good chuckle and moved on. read more

I am very discerning when it comes to cupcakes -- don't expect to wow me with just any old cupcake. The cupcake from Cupcakes for Courage most definitely met my standards. Perfectly moist cake, good frosting to cake ratio, frosting not overly sugary. I happened upon the truck yesterday and decided to give them a try. The french silk pie cupcake was outstanding! The girl manning the truck was super friendly, too. I'll definitely try them again next time I see them -- and love that they raise money for a good cause. read more

I used to come here all the time for their cupcakes but my recent experiences here have been either a hit or miss. Some days their cupcakes are spectacular on par with my expectations, and on other days relatively disappointing. I'll still visit occasionally since I live so close but hopefully they'll do something to fix the problem. read more

I just recently tried there cup cakes from a food truck on lawrence and milwaukee and all i have to say they are really good! I wish i had a chance to try the sirache chocolate one but the were sold out! Highly recommend them! read more