At a cupcake icing session at their new outlet in Bengaluru, we’re given a peek into how the iconic New York City-based bakery gets that signature swirl. Admittedly, getting it right isn’t a ‘cakewalk.’ But more than the Instagram-perfect swirl, it is the light buttercream — comforting, sweet, and like biting into a cloud — and the equally light and airy cake that initially put Magnolia Bakery on the map. The story goes that the bakery, which first opened in NYC’s Bleecker Street in 1996, started making cupcakes with leftover cake batter, which became an instant hit with customers. Founded by Jennifer Appel and Allysa Torey, the bakery was subsequently bought over by restaurateur Steve Abrams, who is the current CEO.
Since then, Magnolia has opened up in other locations in the US and around the world, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Dubai, Riyadh, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Manila and Doha.
The Bengaluru outlet is their first in India, and boasts their signature pale pastel green decor, and a menu featuring their popular desserts which include Banana Pudding and Blueberry Jamboree. “At Magnolia, everything is made fresh, in small batches, so there’s a lot of attention to detail. I think that’s what makes us so popular,” says Kiran Shetty, Regional Executive Pastry Chef, who was instrumental in the launch of some of their outlets in the Middle East.The cupcakes, which continue to be their main draw, come in interesting flavours such as Hummingbird (banana, pineapple, pecan with sweet cream cheese). Other must-trys include the Double Fudge Brownie, Magic Cookie Bar and Chocolate Chunk Blondie.
For the Indian market, some of the cakes and cupcakes will be made without eggs and they also hope to introduce Mango Jamboree, when the fruit is in season. “We’re still studying local taste profiles and some new desserts for the Indian market are in the development stage. But we’re hoping to launch the Mango Jamboree in the summer,” says Erik Larios, Vice President, Franchise Operations, in conclusion.
Rs.80 upwards. At Indira Nagar