Treat Cupcake Bar - Needham, Ma

I was recently invited to try one of the gluten free cupcake options at Treat Cupcake Bar in Needham, Ma. I have a mild sweet tooth and was happy to take a detour on my way home from work last week to stop in and check out Treat's gluten free options. The shop is located on Highland Ave in Needham near the intersection of Great Plain Ave, which is close to A New Leaf Natural Foods Store. So, if you're out picking up some gluten free staples, stop in and try a cupcake. 

Upon arrival, I told the lady behind the counter that I had been offered a gift card that would allow me to try one of the gluten free cupcakes for free. She asked me to wait a moment and went in back to check for it. When she came out, she informed me that the head baker Adie had insisted that I try six cupcakes! I was more than happy to oblige and wound up ordering one of each of the gluten free cupcakes available, (with exception to the mint cookies and cream). I also wound up buying a non-gluten free sampler pack to share with my co-workers the next day.

Treat Gluten Free Cupcakes

There were seven gluten free options behind the counter for me to try. I brought home the Pumpkin Pie, Mochaccino, Haystack, Plain Jane, Cookies n' Creme and Orange You Cute. After the ride home and an abbreviated dinner, I decided to sink my teeth into the Haystack Cupcake. 

Treat's Gluten Free Haystack Cupcake

The frosting was a delicious mix of coconut and frosting covered in chocolate. The cupcake itself was dense and chocolatey, but not too sweet, which balanced out the sweetness of the frosting. I would order this decadent treat again.

Treat's GF Pumpkin Cupcake

The next cupcake in my weekend long cupcake tour was the pumpkin pie. Fortunately, for my waist line, my friend Brooke was more than willing to help me sample the treats. The pumpkin pie cupcake was marked as vegan in the display case. 

Telling people who don't eat vegan that a particular baked good is vegan usually makes them cringe. This reaction is remedied after they try the baked good in question. In my years working for Wholefoods and now my time spent gluten free, I've found that vegan baking is usually just as tasty if not better than standard baking. 

This cupcake was no exception. I really enjoy anything pumpkin, so it was no surprise that this was my favorite cupcake. It was spiced perfectly and the cinnamon frosting complemented it beautifully. Yum. If they have these cupcakes next year, I want on for my "birthday cake". 

Treat's GF Mochaccino Cupcake

Treat's Mochaccino cupcake was next up. This cupcake was very decadent and rich. The icy had a nice coffee/ chocolate flavor to it and the cake was sweet, but not too sweet. 

Treat's Plain Jane GF Cupcake

Treat's Orange You Cute GF Cupcake 

The last two cupcakes on tasty cupcake tour 2011 were the Plain Jane and the Orange You Cute. The Plain Jane was your quintessential chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and Orange You Cute was its citrusy cousin. Both were very good and like their kin, the sweet frosting was balanced nicely by the dark chocolate cupcake. 

Overall, I really liked Treat. The shop was decorated with fun bright colors, the staff was friendly and the gluten free options were plentiful and delicious. If I wasn't already set on having a Sundae Bar at my upcoming wedding, I'd be getting a cupcake tower from Treat. If you're in the area and even if you're not, stop in and try a cupcake, you won't be sorry. 

A note about Treat's allergy policy:

The gluten free/ vegan cupcakes are made in a separate area with separate utensils and equipment. Best practices are used to keep the cupcakes away from their gluten containing brethren, however, wheat flour is still used on premises. It is up to you to decide if you feel comfortable eating their gluten free products. If you have any questions or concerns, you should ask the staff before placing your order.