Many moons ago, a former coach told me I had to check out Carefree Patisserie, a cupcake shop in Valley Junction. I decided it was my duty as a journalist to investigate it. So, in the name of journalism, I zipped over to sample one of the confections for myself.

As I walked into the quaint, butter cream yellow shop the smell of freshly baked cupcakes and a lazy Beatles melody greeted me at the door. Before I could find the source of the intoxicating aroma I had to weave through the expansive gift shop. From sprinkles to aprons and gadgets with spinning wheels to spatulas with vanity mirrors, the shop had everything you’d ever need to create cupcakes. If Batman gave up his vigilante days and turned baker, this store would be his bat cave.

In the back of the shop stood the display case, filled with a dozen signature sweets. These aren’t the kind of cupcakes I brought to my first-grade class for snack-time, either. The Patisserie has 101 flavors that rotate in, but that day they ranged from almond chardonnay and raspberry malt to chocolate pistachio and the muddy farmer.

I opted for the pumpkin pie spice. The cake was moist, topped with a thick swirl of creamy, fluffy frosting, and dotted with chocolate-covered seeds. Absolutely amazing. Somehow Patisserie took the common cupcake and elevated it to the pinnacle of its form. Even at $2.25 a pop, it was worth it.

If you go

Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 11-4, Thursday and Friday 11-5:30, Saturday 10-3

Location: 304 5th St., West Des Moines, IA