5 Best cupcake shops in the U.S.

If you've never treated yourself to a gourmet cupcake, you haven't lived. OK – maybe that's a little dramatic – but cupcakes really are a delectable, mouthwatering treat for any occasion.

Cupcakes are a delicacy that only the pros know how to master. While we do believe that just about any cupcake is good, only a few can be called "superior." These are the cupcakes that you'll crave and remember forever. They're the cream of the crop. You'll travel long distances to get your hands on one. We searched high and low to find the best of the best cupcake shops in the U.S., and we're certain you will not be disappointed. Without further adieu, in no particular order, we bring you the five best cupcake shops you have to try at least once in your lifetime!

Magnolia Bakery opened its first shop in 1996 in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. They've since expanded to six other locations throughout the U.S., including Los Angeles and Chicago, and four international locations. Each and every item at Magnolia Bakery is made from scratch throughout the day, using the finest ingredients. In other words, you'll never have a day-old cupcake at this shop. Though their specialty is divine cupcakes, the bakery also whips up a mean bread pudding, classic pies, mini cheesecakes, cookies straight from the cookie jar and more! Order online here to have them shipped directly to your door.

Looking to recreate treats straight from the bakery? Check out The Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook>>

Crumbs Bake Shop first opened in Manhattan in March of 2003. Though they do feature more than just cupcakes, the cupcakes are what they're known for. And we see why! Crumbs cupcakes are elegant and beautifully made, with a taste unlike any other. They're made fresh daily with only the finest ingredients. Signature flavors include Hugs and Kisses, Blackout, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, Apple Cobbler, Dulce de Leche and more. Is your mouth watering yet? Luckily, Crumbs offers nationwide delivery!

Georgetown Cupcake was co-founded by sisters Katherine Berman and Sophie LaMontagne in Washington, D.C., in 2008. In just five years, they've opened five other locations, with another in Atlanta coming this spring. Featuring more than 100 flavors of cupcakes , Georgetown Cupcake uses fresh and unique ingredients — such as cocoa from France and vanilla from Madagascar. The sisters have appeared on TLC's DC Cupcakes, The Martha Stewart Show, The Rachael Ray Show and dozens of others. The owners' favorites are Chocolate Hazelnut and Salted Caramel .

Ahhh, a personal favorite. I've been known to drive an hour to satisfy my Sprinkles craving. Sprinkles is what started it all — they're the world's first cupcake-only bakery and opened their first store in April of 2005 in Beverly Hills, California. Sprinkles currently has 11 locations nationwide, a Cupcake ATM dispensing cupcakes 24/7, a "Sprinklesmobile" used for catering and they just opened a Sprinkles Ice Cream store in 2012. Speaking from personal experience, this sophisticated cupcake truly melts in your mouth and will leave you begging for more.

Crave Bake Shop specializes in gluten-free cupcakes, and, with so many people choosing a gluten-free diet, we had to choose a cupcake shop that meets those needs. Crave is located in Oregon, but ships nationwide. Founded by Kyra Bussanich, who's been gluten-free for years, her goal was to not accept living a life without pastries. She experimented with dozens of gluten-free flours and finally found one that tastes better and lighter than traditional cupcakes. This means you can enjoy more in one sitting without feeling sick! Flavors range from Mocha Latte to Snickerdoodle to Peanut Butter and Jelly. We're certain once you try Crave, you'll be "craving" more.

More cupcakes to try

Lavender cupcakes with Earl Grey icing
Very vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting
Chocolate-filled banana cupcakes