CAKES ON WALNUT
114 N. Walnut St., Champaign
Tues – Thurs: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Phone: 217.355.5400
Recommended: Any cupcake!

Cupcakes to die for, a relaxing environment, and stylish décor — what's not to like (except maybe the prices)?

CAKES ON WALNUT is one of the most delightful places in Champaign-Urbana!

Located in downtown Champaign, it's close to popular venues and stores such as Boardman's Art Theatre, Exile on Main Street, Ten Thousand Villages, and Jennifer North.

Its art-deco-meets-warehouse décor makes for an interesting place to eat. And, of course, most importantly, the food is great!

Opened by sisters Amanda and Trisha Bates last April, Cakes on Walnut serves a variety of designer cupcakes, sodas, alcoholic beverages, gelatos, and cheeses.

The menu of "basic items" is fairly consistent, but the main attraction — cupcakes — changes every two weeks, with flavors as diverse as white chocolate macadamia and strawberry balsamic.

The Bates sisters got the idea for their business while visiting a cupcake shop on a family vacation, but their bakery is part of a worldwide trend that started in New York and was spread west by Carrie Bradshaw’s addiction to shopping and, of course, cupcakes, at the Magnolia (which is right across the street from Marc Jacobs' boutique).

The décor at Cakes on Walnut gives it an independent boutique feel — brick walls and bare pipes cross the ceiling, hung with tasteful pieces of modern art and flowers set out on simple, white tables. The street-facing wall has a large window that allows patrons to look out onto the street, and tables are set out for those brave enough to eat outside.

The place is generally packed in the evenings because it's a great before- or after-dinner stop for adults and kids alike. Whether to meet friends for a drink beforehand or get an informal dessert and hot chocolate after a movie, Cakes on Walnut is definitely the place to go. You can also get your treasures carefully packed for carryout.

During the afternoon, when Cakes on Walnut is less crowded, it's a lovely place to study. The music is interesting, but not loud enough to distract. There always seems to be people there, just enough to keep it from becoming lonely. And, of course, there are cupcakes when you need to take a break!

While Cakes on Walnut is a bit expensive (a soda and cupcake cost about $8.50), it shouldn’t discourage you from going. Not only are you paying for great snacks, but for the lovely atmosphere and prime locale.

The traditional vanilla cupcake is to die for. All cupcakes come in two sizes, small and large, though the small is not exactly that small.

Every cupcake is made with a generous amount of wonderful frosting — always moist and flavorful. If you can't quite manage to finish them, the cupcakes still maintain their distinct (but not overpowering) flavor after being left out for a day.

And all the cupcakes have a yummy little treat on top. The sugar cookie on the vanilla cupcake is delicious!

There are other delights besides plain old vanilla, though. White chocolate macadamia cupcakes are one of Cakes on Walnut's rotating features, which we are sad to say don't stick around. A basically plain vanilla cupcake with a hint of white chocolate and crumbles of macademia nut on top is absolutely the perfect snack after a long day at school — or even after an exhausting morning of sleeping late and procrastinating on homework. Delicious!

Cakes on Walnut is a great place to just hang out with friends. It's more interesting than your average café such as Espresso Royal or Starbucks, but it's more informal than the Bacaro cheese bar.

Though the cupcake flavors change every two weeks, you can always count on there being a vanilla cupcake or an experimental chocolate cupcake such as chocolate stout, chocolate cake with Earl Grey tea, or black forest cherry.

Bottom line: Every cupcake is absolutely scrumptious and will have you coming back with your mouth watering for more!

More Photos from Cakes on Walnut

The stylized logo of Cakes on Walnut decorates the door and window. Gargoyle photos by Katy Metcalf. Click any photo to enlarge and to create your own slideshow.

As Eleni Yannelis has discovered, Cakes on Walnut is a great place to relax.

It's also a fine place to work or catch up with friends.

A view of the counter area.

A couple enjoys the nice weather by dining by the window.

Bags and books for sale decorate one of the walls.