Anthony Dunlap, who’s Pineapple Hibiscus cupcakes won Overall Best Cupcake at the 2024 Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest. Credit: Morean Arts Center/Facebook

The Morean Arts Center has been hosting its annual Cupcake Contest for 14 years, giving local bakers as young as 10 a chance to show their chops and be judged by community sweet tooths.

Next Saturday, pre-registered attendees will line up outside the Morean to receive a 12-count box ($25, $20 for Morean members) they’ll fill with the mini-cupcakes of their choice from the competition. Attendees can then vote for their favorite flavor to win the People’s Choice award.

Kahwa Coffee will be there to help reset taste buds.

A panel of judges determines winning cupcakes in the novice, professional, youth/teen, specialty (gluten-free or vegan) and overall categories. Registration to enter is $15 and still open.

Last year’s winning flavors included Strawberry Lemonade, Cookie Butter Blast, Jalapeño Popper, Lavender Tres Leches, Chocolate Hazelnut Praline and Pineapple Hibiscus.

The Morean announces winners on its social media at 3 p.m.

The 14th annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest happens noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. There are no day-of sales to attend as the event usually sells out.

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This article appears in Aug 14-20, 2025.