I hadnt been to Cupcakes Actually for a while, not really being wowed before. Unfortunately, this cupcake bakery has not gotten any better since last summer. The cupcakes are still nothing to recommend, generously overpriced in spite of being decidedly undersized. But now, they have sunk to putting almost $ 15.00 worth of cupcakes – just 4 – in a tacky clear plastic salad bar container. First, these cupcakes are frequently purchased for special occasions, a splurge. Clear plastic is not a very special presentation. Second, it is impossible to get your fingers in to remove any cupcake without trashing it. I resorted to forks to lift them but still messed them up. When asked why they don’t use the pretty paper boxes anymore, the response was that it was easier for the employees. Not sure what that meant. There were boxes being used, but not for the regular cupcakes, only the tiny ones. Too bad. Another thing. Two of these cupcakes were stale. I went at 3pm, kept them in their special little salad container, and we ate them around 8. Not so fab. If they dont keep, let people know. The other two were fresh enough, so it must be the time they’re baked? I don’t know. But I was not finishing mine. Wasted money. Bottom line, there are other bakeries in Leesburg to go to that are better.
Kristi W.
Tu valoración: 2 Sterling, VA
Firstly, I would like to mention that the hours of operation on google are incorrect. Cupcakes are mediocre, and selection of GF is not very wide. I love sweets don’t get me wrong but the GF chocolate is a bit overwhelmingly sweet. I give Cupcakes Actually a 2 star bc I have gone there when one of those cupcake cravings kicked in and my go to place Sweetz has been closed(only Monday.) Not sure if I will go back though… Last experience there I couldn’t even get a cup of water without paying for it! Oh and only one trash can… which I know some might be wondering why I even mention that, But I don’t really feel like going on a scavenger hunt to throw my trash away. Ehhh im just not fan of this place.
Asli B.
Tu valoración: 1 Falls Church, VA
Sub-par tasting cupcakes, expensive cupcakes $ 40/dozen, terrible customer service. I viewed the menu online via the bakery’s website and tried to pre-order a dozen cupcakes 3 days in advance. Bad idea. Menu on website is not updated with correct seasonal cupcakes. Rikki attempted to correct order via email online with me, but when I came in same day to pre-pay(per request) my order was: 1) wrong and 2) I was asked to pay a higher price than what I was told via email. Order was corrected by Jya and I paid the higher price even though the error was on the employee. I was asked what the cupcakes were for, I told her for a birthday. Jya indicated«birthday» cupcakes on my order form. When I came in to pick them up, I got holiday cupcakes: christmas tree, reindeer, and candy cane decorations on the cupcakes. At that point, I gave up and decided to just take them home. This will be the last time I order from Cupcakes Actually.
LJ S.
Tu valoración: 1 Chicago, IL
Why didn’t I read the reviews beforehand??? So I stopped in on 11/11, it was my daughter’s 11th birthday and she didn’t want a cake, but something sweet. Being newer to the area, I remembered passing by Cupcakes Actually and decided to stop in and pick up a couple of cupcakes. Well, that was a stupid move on my part! These cupcakes taste like they came straight from a box purchased from the local Giant! Dry, bland, and store bought frosting. I am used to Sprinkles, Crumbs, Swirlz, Molly B’s(big city outfits) and this fell beyond short. I will not be back for these over priced sub-par cupcakes. What a waste of $ 12!
Ken M.
Tu valoración: 5 Herndon, VA
Had some of the best Gelato in 10 years & an exceptional chocolate hazelnut dipped peanut butter cupcake!
Angela B.
Tu valoración: 5 Charles Town, WV
I love Cupcakes Actually! They have just what you need… Coffee & delicious cupcakes made w/quality ingredients. Oh & also homemade gelato! They have tiny cupcakes, regular sized cupcakes & gigantic cupcakes(great for a birthday celebration w/only 2 people). The flourless chocolate are the bomb!
Amanda M.
Tu valoración: 5 Sterling, VA
Love this bakery! All of Joe’s gluten free cakes are amazing. Stopped by tonight while celebrating our anniversary and they were so great at remaking that first night. Customers for forever
Maryam I.
Tu valoración: 2 Washington, DC
I do understand that gluten-free is hard to make. That said, I’m not a professional baker who owns a bakery and I was able to make delicious gluten-free cupcakes. The gluten-free cupcakes were dense and dry. The icing left little to be desired. If you have a corn allergy, don’t come here. The flour combination contains corn. In general, this place is not worth the trip.
Rachel M.
Tu valoración: 2 Hamilton, VA
I could make a better cupcake. Wouldn’t recommend. Not horrible, just meh. Go to Sweetz in Leesburg instead.
Nani M.
Tu valoración: 5 Orange City, FL
Stopped in late last night and got one of the Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches. We were helped by Virginia. She was an absolute gem The Ice Cream Sandwich was huge, and tasted absolutely incredible! My daughter is obsessed with the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Soy Milk. Top of the line place and service. We’re lifers
Christine C.
Tu valoración: 1 Leesburg, VA
If you can’t make a fabulous vanilla cupcake close up shop! I love my cake and this place is A Bomb not the bomb– Go to Sweetz in Leesburg– better–
Lindsey P.
Tu valoración: 4 Winchester, VA
I absolutely adored the vegan chocolate cupcake! Pricey, but delicious. I’m a fan.
Maureen H.
Tu valoración: 2 Arlington, VA
Pricey for what it is. I’ve had better cupcakes – and certainly more polite counter service. I did like the flourless cupcake, though. My son and I stopped in on our way to the movies, and I ended up feeling like we probably should have just stopped at the movie concession instead.
Robbie E.
Tu valoración: 2 Leesburg, VA
First I’ll say that the staff was very friendly and helpful with making selections. Outside of that, my experience was mediocre at best. Pricing was a bit high…$ 14 for two cupcakes and two coffees. Every table was dirty. I mean every table had smeared icing and crumbs on it. One of the two employees could take a moment and wipe them down. The cupcakes were creative and had good flavor, but both were a little dry. I’m sure I will try them again, but this time wasn’t so great.
A D.
Tu valoración: 1 Vienna, VA
**This review is specifically for the Leesburg location and not the company as a whole — go to the Fairfax location instead!** I went to this location soon after I went to the Fairfax location, and while the quality of the cupcake was almost the same, the customer service was not. The woman behind the counter was so rude and off-putting I had to write to management as soon as I got home that night. THEMANAGEMENTISAMAZING — they are two sisters who own both locations, and they answered immediately and promised to resolve it. I highly appreciated the actions they are willing to take and the offer of free cupcakes at the Fairfax location. So, management gets 110% and the specific service at this location gets(sadly) a lowly 20%. I hope they can get better employees at this location so people will be willing to frequent it.
Stacie B.
Tu valoración: 3 Aldie, VA
I’ve been here many times and while they’re not my favorite cupcakes, they are still pretty good. I’m kind of an icing snob and there’s to me is just okay; its all about personal preference. Worth checking out regardless and supporting local business.
Melissa K.
Tu valoración: 1 Ashburn, VA
I came in the morning for coffee and pastry. They had no pastries to offer at all. Even though they are listed on their chalkboard.
Brian S.
Tu valoración: 3 Sterling, VA
3 only because of the price. Their flourless chocolate cupcake is absolutely delicious, but I can go to sweetz bakery at the mall in sterling and get a solid cupcake for cheaper. I think I’ve had a peanut butter cupcake from here as well but the flour-less chocolate is the only one that stands out in my mind.
Jessica W.
Tu valoración: 1 Leesburg, VA
Ill post a picture of the cupcake I bought today-SO disappointing. I paid over $ 3 for a TINY cupcake. When I get cupcakes from Crumbs, they are HUGE and I can cut them and eat them over the period of a few days. Very disappointing for the price. Another complaint was the cupcakes on display. No cool flavors like funfetti or chocolate toffee. Just vanilla bean, red velvet… Go to an actual gourmet cupcake place that gives you huge cupcakes and a huge selection for the price.
Yaka H.
Tu valoración: 4 Reston, VA
Yes, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and have been back to try a few of their other flavors. Turns out that they have certain cupcake flavors that are part of the daily rotation. Those include: gluten-free flourless chocolate cake, simply red(red velvet), vanilla bean, and chocolate fudge. The rest of the flavors rotate on a daily basis(usually about 4). We tried the Italian Stallion and a chocolate dipped coconut cupcake. Everything in terms of quality and flavor of the cupcakes have been consistent. Light, not overly sweet or cloying, fluffy, and delicious. So the bump in rating is purely due to the cupcakes, though I really wish they would work on the staff professionalism. I’m a little disappointed that they are still using the set-up of the staff explaining the flavors available on the cake pedestal. As this can really be a hold up in the store if there’s a line in the store. Also, depending on how the staff member explains something, it can really make or break a flavor. Especially when the staff incorrectly explains a flavor. Besides that, it seems like the staff is still trying to get used to how to function as a staff member in the shop. The set-up is a little bit awkward, as the cash register is located behind the cupcake display. They have gelato now, so pretty much everything is up and running with a few hiccups in service.