This place is overrated. It benefits from its location -- not much cupcake competition around here. Also, I get that they won on Cupcake Wars, but it seems they are really coasting on this accolade, which is now years in the past. [Edit in light of owner response: I never said that they shouldn't promote that they won on Cupcake Wars. I said that it seems they are coasting on that -- meaning that the quality of the experience I have had with them doesn't meet the high reputation.] Here are my gripes: They keep the storefront lights out no matter what time of day it is, and aren't very inviting otherwise. It's clear that their priority is their bulk orders and pickups. I don't begrudge the priority, but keeping the lights out communicates to the walk-in customer that they're not welcome to stay. So, why bother to have seating at all then? [Edit in light of owner response: This has happened more than once, including months ago.] The cupcakes are basically what you'd expect -- over the top masses of sugary frosting atop average tasting cakes. Too many of the flavors are exercises in missed opportunity, such as the adult s'mores cupcake: no hint of alcohol to be tasted, and the light graham sprinkle on the gob of marshmallowy (more like vanilla) frosting was weak. Some they manage to do well enough, and they should be credited for making the effort to have gluten-free and vegan varieties. I think a lot of the appeal is in how over the top the frosting is, and the flavor combinations which at least sound like they'll be awesome. [Edit in light of owner response: I guess I missed the instructions about how to eat the cupcake. Wouldn't have expected to inject the vodka into the cupcake myself. Either way, the cupcake was mediocre otherwise.] They take the "hardcore" thing a little far with their "hardcore balls" which are named after celebrities (i.e., so-and-so's balls). I get the joke, but it's not really that funny. [Edit in light of owner response: I don't doubt that people laugh, but I also don't doubt that some laugh out of discomfort or the expectation that they should laugh. Anyway, I still don't think it's very funny.] Service ranges from can't-be-bothered-to-look-at-you to somewhat friendly. My recommendation is to satisfy your sweet tooth elsewhere. [Edit in light of owner response: From two stars to one. I really don't appreciate the condescension in the response to me. (The critical assumptions about how I'd rate other businesses are irrelevant and unprofessional.) In my opinion, an owner of a business feeling it appropriate to do this is another mark against the business.] read more

Absolutely vile. When you use a fork to dig into a room temperature cupcake and have the frosting crumble you know the cupcake will be dry as dust and you'd be right. So overpriced. All four kinds were the same---ancient merchandise made sometime long long ago. Save your money, drive to Thomaston and get moist delicious cupcakes for cheaper at Cutie Pies. You'll never regret it. Also the place is super creepy. read more

Tremendous adventure cupcakes in a cool secret location! A turn of the century factory that is still alive. Wander your way in past a jumble of signs and a maze to find the bakery. Once you do arrive, you'll find a charming space with MANY choices. We were there for a late night show so there weren't hot drinks, I'm not sure if this is always the case. Many options; some filled, some light frosting, some thick frosting! Husband got "Irish Car Bomb" huge chocolate cupcake with Baileys creme frosting. It had a lighter whipped creme type frosting. Mine was a Blonde on Blonde; a HUGE cupcake with heavy sugary frosting. I definitely had a diabetic shock! It was so good but I should have eaten half now and half later. In addition to the cupcakes we were treated to an amazing Christmas show. Artists, singers, entertainers, all put together with so much love and care. read more

Ummm yum!! Just enjoyed some delicious cupcakes from their cupcake truck! We had a PBcup and American pie (apple cinnamon). Pbcup was to die for and american pie was a close second. Not only do they taste good but their decorating skills are also perfection. Guys on the truck were really nice and we were not disappointed. read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - American Pie - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

Just had my first and definitely not last hardcore sweet cupcake at the Meriden food truck fest yesterday. I got the Piña Colada cupcake & it was perfect. There was even surprise pineapple filling which gave just enough tart to totally complete the flavor. It tasted just like a piña colada! Can't wait to come back! read more

I love this cupcake place. The have the best selection! You can order in advance or just go pick some up. The pizzagaine they had around Easter time was amazing! My favorites are the Banana's Foster, Beer & Pretzel, Ozzy, Aphrodisiac, Pink Ladies, Holy Canoli, Red Velvet, Hell, I like them all! They are a little pricey but the same as the other "famous" cupcake bakeries in CT. read more

I'm not a cake or cupcake person. Not at all. That being said... I LOVE Hardcore Sweets cupcakes. I'm not even gonna try to explain how magical they are- it's beyond words...go find out for yourself. DO IT!! read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - Cookies n cream, Almond Joy, a seasonal one with apple cider donut chunk on it, and another kind I forget. Soooooo good! - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

It's a little out of the way from New Haven, but I still try and stop by as often as possible. The space is a little difficult to locate, but trust me, it's worth the trip and the effort. Their shop is also really cool, with lots of different items from other CT vendors, and even a stage where they host concerts with local bands. But anyways, on to the food. Their ponuts (pie crust and frosting around a donut with filling in the middle) have, as far as I'm concerned, transcended the art of baking. I could stop the review right here. These things are enough to bring me there most times. You might want to make plans to share one with a friend, though. They are large. Between my wife and I, we've tried quite a few of their cupcakes, and we've yet to find one we didn't like. The cake is nice and moist but not too greasy, they do lots of flavored icings and fillings, and there's more flavors than you could have ever imagined. I havent had one of their whoopie pies yet (usually a personal favorite of mine), but when you see the size of them you'll understand why. They are most definitely next on my list. If I had to think of a negative, the ONLY thing I can think of is the coffee. It's not bad, but charging a buck just for them to put a Keurig cup in the machine doesn't really seem worth it. But this is the most minor of points and I had to wrack my brain to find it. Thanks to this review, I'm already thinking about when I can swing by next. read more

My wife Jenn and I have known bubba (Jeremy) for years, since he was a BAMF guitarist for 100 demons, anyways, now he makes cupcakes and has a great shop in Watertown! We got to meet Kane Hodder and even sit and chat with him a bit! So bottom line cool ass people making ridiculous desserts and seriously if you haven't been get in ASAP! The menu always changes and they even cater to vegan woot woot!!!! Tonight, 10/28/16 there is a Burlesque show at Hardcore sweet. Any of my Yelping fans wants to have a good time stop on by and check it out!! Say HI to me Adam will be a George Romero zombie, and Jenn is dressing as a new age zombie. C'mon by you won't be disappointed, oh and if you really like my yelp reviews but me a red velvet cupcake!!! My fave!!!!!! read more

First off: kudos to the owners for supporting the arts and music. The people that run this place are so cool and chill, and make amazing cupcakes. The presentation of the food itself is beautiful, and the amount of flavors offered is insane! You can really tell that all the employees really care about their business, and keeping it unique as well. Overall, it felt great to enjoy an amazing cupcake that melts in your mouth, while enjoying the entertaining atmosphere. read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - Just some cupcake fun! - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

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I ordered cupcakes and a cake for my daughter's 12th birthday - they were so helpful about design and the cupcakes and cake were beautiful! And tasted amazing! I could not have been happier with their customer service and the taste of the cakes. I have purchased sweets from Hardcore Sweet before and will be back. My daughter was thrilled which was all that matters! read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - Happy 12th birthday! - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

I went to purchase a dozen cupcakes and a chocolate chip cookie bar for my nephews birthday. When I was cashing out the lady had already swiped my card for the transaction and then told me the price which was $62. I did a double take. I asked why was it so much and the sign says a dozen for $36. She then says "oh it's theme day" whatever that means. I wasn't told about this. There was no signage stating that because it's "theme day" that prices were pretty much doubled. Complete rip off. Will never be be getting anymore of my business. Very disappointed. read more

The descriptions of their cupcakes are not accurate. I have bought multiple cupcakes from here and all have claimed to have filling, and not a single one of them has had it. The vegan cookie dough cupcake claims to have a cookie dough filling but it is just a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting. Very disappointing, especially when you are paying 3.50 for one cupcake :( read more

Love their cupcakes!! Customer service is always amazing, as well. I love how they always have different flavors and not the same ones every time. read more

Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes are amazing. By far the best cupcakesbi've ever had, not to mention the creative presentation. The chocolate chip cookie dough is so good and might be my favorite so far, but it's so hard to pick since they are all so delicious!!! Wouldn't get my cupcakes anywhere else! read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - Delicious!!!!! - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

I ordered a cake for my grandson's first birthday from this cool place. We live nearby and have heard about them and had stopped in for a few cupcakes once that were yummy. The place is in an old factory, and it def has that feel. Julia helped us figure everything out as far as size and style and fillings, and showed us one that was being picked up soon. We weren't so sure about a round cake , but she explained that for what we wanted design wise, the round was the way to go. She gave us the info to contact Nicole or Jeremy to go over the final details of the design as I was still undecided about a few things. Nicole got right back to me the next day and was extremely helpful! She knew all about the difference between just Mickey Mouse and Mickey's Clubhouse! (Which, I wasn't sure, myself) she even emailed me a few pictures to make sure we were on the same page. And.... She said we get a free Mickey smash cake for the bday boy!!! On the day of pick up Jeremy helped bring the cake to the car. It was heavy! It was so perfect and beautiful! During our party every single person commented on the cake. I def wished I had picked up some extra business cards to put out because I'm sure people want to get their next cake there. The cake was yummy . Carving it was a little difficult , and it got messy, but not the end of the world. It was a marble cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I'll attach some pictures. We would def recommend Hardcore ! read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

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I love these cupcakes. I ordered cupcakes from them for my peacock themed wedding in October 2014 and they were such a hit! My favorite is the chai tea latte vegan cupcake. It has amazing flavor. I'm not vegan but that's my absolute favorite. I wish I lived closer to the main location to get cupcakes but honestly it's the better for my waistline. The seasonal cupcakes are the best. The pumpkin cheesecake flavor and apple cinnamon donut flavor are amazing!! For my wedding they let me rent a cake stand too which was super helpful. I'd recommend them for wedding cupcakes because you can do variety of flavors and they also have mini cupcakes which were adorable. read more

Hardcore Sweet Bakery - The cupcakes for my wedding, plus the really pretty cake topper and the stand they let me rent from them! - Desserts Near Me - Watertown, Connecticut

If I could give it zero stars I would. Have gone to the shop multiple times and gotten cupcakes off their truck multiple times and every time I regret it. Their frosting (which they use way to much of) is too grainy (like the sugar didn't get mixed in well), and the cake is flavorless and dry. My graduation was this past weekend and out of last resort we ordered a cake from here for my dinner afterward (if we had another option we would have gone somewhere else.) My mom, who ordered the cake, was told that it would be a marble cake, that they would cut back on the sugar in the frosting, and that they would decorate it with graduation things, my name/degree, etc. The cake we received looked like a two year old decorated it. All it had was a piece of fondant that said "Congrats on your Masters in Public History", not even my name was on it. And it looked like someone screwed it up, erased on the fondant, and just drew over it again. Once we cut into the cake, it was solid chocolate, not marble like we asked for. And just like their cupcakes, the cake itself was still dry and the frosting was terrible. Mom went down today and complained because we spent good money, and the best they could do was a $30 store credit, which is useless because we will not be returning. So thank you Hardcore Sweets for ruining a portion of what was supposed to be a very special day! read more

We rented the cupcake truck for a wedding in September and it was a big hit! The entire process of using them for our wedding from start to finish was awesome - when we first inquired, they invited us try a few flavors to help decide what we wanted for the wedding - and then after we chatted, they recommended something completely different - We went with their recommendation and we were very glad we did. Their cupcakes are unique and awesome - guests loved them, and we loved having them. Thanks again! read more

I was beyond disappointed. First, the cake was not ready for pick up time which they apologized and wouldndeliver the cake to me. Awesome so I thought. Then it was delivered, the writing was suppose to say happy birthday but it was smudged. It look like the cake slide off the plate. You know when you hit the brakes hard and everything comes flying forward kind a thing. The cake looked fabulous on the outside but boy oh boy the inside was a different story. The cake was hard to get into and stale..no flavor just a stale burnt cake. My sister warned me who ordered her cake a week before that it was stale and horrible taste again outside beautiful inside not so much. I work hard. I'm a single mom and had to work extra hours for this cake. Save your money and buy boxed cake mix it!! One star for creativity read more

I enjoy cupcakes from hardcore sweet, I wish that staff can be a little more friendly at times. I have been trying for a week to take part in an upcoming event. I was told to email, in turn emailed a few times to no avail. It comes off to me that there is poor communication. I really want to edit this as any issues have been resolved. After massaging with with an employee, I see how kind they are and hope to work with them in future events. read more

Sorry not a fan. I was a "walk in". Maybe freshly made cakes for events are better, I dunno. I ordered two... One was supposed to be "Funny Bone" - chocolate/peanut butter. Not a hint of PB flavor. Chocolate cake, dry and flavorless. Think I was served the wrong cake. Pumpkin Cheesecake - dry cake, dry frosting. Not worth $3.50 a cake, in my view. Maybe the bakery case items are just not as fresh as custom orders. read more

Absolutely love this place! Everyone is super welcoming and friendly and the cupcakes are delicious. Highly recommend!!

Was really excited to try their cupcakes, and sadly they were not up to my expectations. They are a mix of homemade and store bought. The chocolate cupcakes were all very dry. I tried the Oreo cheesecake and was trying to figure out where the Oreo came into play other than the small dusting on top. Vanilla buttercream frosting was too overpowering to even taste the cheesecake. They should have gone with a cheesecake frosting instead. Also the red velvet cupcake is very strange. read more

My husband and I stopped in for cupcakes today. A little tricky to find but kind of a cool place. The cupcakes were really good and being an avid Nora's fan I was very impressed. Moist, great flavor and perfect size! Although those positive there were some negatives...I didn't feel very welcomed when I came in, the kid behind the counter seemed very confused and they literally had nothing to drink. The cooler with bottled ice tea and soda was 80 degrees so everything was piss warm and they us no ice or cups. Not saying I won't stop in again when in the area but defiantly not running back. read more

hands down!!! the best cupcakes and custom cakes!!! mind blowing!!! FLAVORS R OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

These cupcakes are to die for! So many flavored, so little room in my tummy. We try to stop in any time we are nearby.

The cupcake flavors are so creative and delicious! I especially love the citrus champagne and the peanut butter cookie dough. The truck drivers are awesome!! Keep up the good work!! read more

Super accommodating and welcoming. Kyle does some amazing classes. He is hilarious and fun to be around so I highly suggest you go if you get the chance. The owners are great people. Highly recommend the cannoli cupcake! read more

Great selection of flavors and they even cater to people with dietary concerns with low sugar and vegan options. As good as it gets!

Had a cake tonite from Hardcore, wasn't what my sister ordered and the cake was tasteless

Im not a sweets person, so I am writing this review for those who like me who came significant others. The cupcakes were not bad at all, they in fact tasted like cupcakes. The flavors they have on the menu range from maple bacon to cookie dough. Although they are well done they aren't as hardcore as i would have assumed. I would have guess the cupcakes would have had filling or topping in the batter but all the ones i tried had one cupcake base and the icing was themed to the name. All and all it was a good dessert place and I'm sure cupcake loves will be pleased with the quality, i was just looking for more of a extreme experience flavor-wise. read more

The cupcakes are phenomenal. Always some wild combinations of flavors that work very well. My wife ordered a cake there for my last birthday which was the Irish car bomb. It's obvious the ingredients are very fresh, and the best a baker could use. My only complaint is they sell out fast, but it's understandable with such great cupcakes. read more

Every cupcake, cake or cake pop that I have ever had at Hardcore Sweet was beyond delicious and creative! If you like boring flavor combinations, go elsewhere because the HS crew know how to marry yummy and inventive pairings. I also love how they tie in local businesses showing how much they appreciate their customers and their community. Their table at the annual Connecticut HorrorFest is always a first stop for attendees. The HS cupcake truck can be found at all of the cool events, statewide, and the staff are always a blast to talk to. Their vegan and gluten-free options are so good, you wouldn't know that they were any different. Cupcake flavor highlights include Citrus Champagne, Almond Joy, Holy Land, Old School, PB Perseverance, Little Debs, Jane Dough, and Inside Out. Plus, their social media posts are always fun to watch! read more

I was really excited when I found this bakery because I love a good cupcake. I have tried four or five different cupcake flavors. For my taste there is far too much frosting on the cupcake and three out of four cupcakes were rather dry. I doubt I will go back. read more

We chose Hardcore Sweet for our wedding and could not be happier. We had 5 different flavors (Citrus Champagne, Betty White, Funny Bone, Mounds and Mr. Rogers) of mini cupcakes for our guests and the only thing we cannot agree on is which flavor was our favorite! They also made a delicious Cannoli cake for us to cut and I plan to order it for my birthday every year since I loved it so much. Nicole and everyone at Hardcore Sweet not only make delicious cakes, but were so easy to work with and I highly recommend them! read more

I think the cupcakes are beautiful. I have loved them most of the time and other times found them to be a bit dry...however I still recommend! read more

Hardcore Sweet is hardcore amazing! As a business, the owners are friendly, quick to respond to messages/requests, and support other local businesses. They do this by sourcing ingredients locally and selling products from local artists, candlemakers, etc in the shop. Now, lets talk about the product! The cupcakes are amazing. I especially love the Holy Cannoli, which is a ricotta cake with a cannoli filling and whipped cream frosting. It's not too sweet. My husband's favorite is SNM, a banana cake with a brown sugar buttercream frosting and pecans. They can make any cupcake flavor into a cake, which is what I did for my husband's birthday. Everyone went nuts over the cake, many stating it was the best bakery cake they have ever had. I have sent many friends to this shop, as I believe they have the best baked goods in the Waterbury area. read more

Ordered a cake for my wife for our 1 year anniversary . I got the Southern Belle (red velvet) . Cream cheese frosting was perfect & My wife loved it ! Happy wife , Happy Life . They also added some extras in there without any additional charges .Will be ordering again soon . Thanks ! read more

Really loved their cupcakes! Tons of choices. I've tried the bananas foster, southern belle, and butterfinger flavors. Loved them all but southern belle was my favorite. I wish they were open a little latter because I usually don't get home from work until about 6:30 so it's hard for me to get there as much as i'd like. read more