Gluten Free Cupcake Heaven

I love cupcakes. Not cake or cookies. Cupcakes.  I also love watching Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. I'm amazed at the flavor combinations and the gorgeous decorations these chefs turn out. I've searched high and low for a local cupcakery that makes a good gluten free cupcake.

In my quest for the perfect gluten free cupcake, I first found the Olathe-based Small Cakes, largely because my sister bought regular cupcakes, told me they were delicious and learned they made gluten free by special order. I visited the bakery one fine June day and picked up my pre-ordered batch of vanilla cupcakes w/vanilla frosting...the ONLY flavor they offered. They turned out to be horribly expensive, dense, dry and flavorless cakes. A huge disappointment.

So, needless today, when walking through downtown Lawrence, KS, I passed by newly opened Billy Vanilly Cupcakes, I had low hopes of finding something I could eat. You can imagine my surprise when I was told that not only did they have gluten free cupcakes, I had  CHOICES- they had 3 different flavors!

Left to Right:  The Grasshopper, Retro and Peanut Butter cupcakes

 I immediately ordered up a Grasshopper. I devoured it on the spot,  sinking my teeth into a dark chocolate cake with bittersweet ganache dip and mint buttercream frosting that was an inch deep. It melted.. in.. my.. mouth. I immediately went back to the counter and ordered four more cupcakes to-go: another Grasshopper, two Peanut Butter Cups (chocolate cake with peanut butter & vanilla frosting) and a Retro (dark chocolate cake filled with vanilla cream dipped in chocolate and topped with swirls). I'm happy to say that the Peanut Butter Cup was just as mind blowing as the Grasshopper! I can't wait to try the Retro tomorrow!


These affordable ($2.50 each, with no mark up!) gluten free options from the Lawrence location of Billy Vanilly Cupcakes (original location is in Topeka) are worth the scenic 30 minute drive! Stop in after a KU Football or Basketball game. Or just take a drive one day this spring. I promise you won't be disappointed!

You might want to call before you go if you're picky about the flavors:  I noticed, online, that the Topeka location has a schedule for what they refer to as "special diet cupcakes". Given how new the store is, you might want to call ahead or learn more by visiting the website for their Topeka location.

Find them here:

Billy Vanilly Cupcakes

914 Massachusetts St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
(785) 856-3700