Kyotofu Coconut-Shiso Mini Cupcake

Kyotofu Mini Coconut-Shiso Cupcake, about $1.08 (3 for $3.25), http://www.kyotofu-nyc.com/, 9th Ave and 48th Street

Taste: The taste is similar to a coconut macaroon, but with an extra kick from the shiso herbs that are baked in-- the shiso herbs are strong, sort of like mint or basil-- the tastes are complex but not unpleasant. It's intriguing, and very savory-- it might be really good as a bread, but it's not at all like a cupcake, much more savory than sweet. It's interesting, though, and innovative. Overall Taste Rating: 3 out of 5 sprinkles.

Texture: Dry, chewy, reminds me of a lot of a coconut macaroon... not optimal for a cupcake. Overall Texture Rating: 2 out of 5 sprinkles.

Aesthetic: Cute for its miniatureness, but otherwise, pretty ugly... unadorned, unfrosted, lopsided... Overall Aesthetic Rating: 1 out of 5 sprinkles

Satisfaction: I was glad I tried something with such a unique flavor, and it really was interesting, and I was glad to have tried it. But, it's not something that will satisfy a cupcake craving, and it's not something I'd purchase again. Overall Satisfaction Rating: 2 out of 5 sprinkles.

Overall Cupcake Ranking: 8 Sprinkles (out of 20 possible)

Kyotofu Green Tea Mini Cupcake

Kyotofu Mini Green Tea Cupcake, about $1.08 (3 for $3.25), http://www.kyotofu-nyc.com/, 9th Ave and 48th Street

So, in my book, a cupcake without any sort of frosting isn't really a cupcake at all-- it's either a muffin, or a loaf cake, or a souffle, but not a cupcake-- but since Kyotofu brands and markets their frosting-less cupcakes as "cupcakes," they have consented to the jurisdiction of CupcakeRankings.com and it is my duty to sample them. It should also be noted that I'm a person who loves green tea, though I've never had a green tea baked good before.

Taste: This tastes like a muffin. It's not sweet enough to be a cupcake or a cake. The green tea adds complexity to the otherwise bland taste, but it's unpleasant and doesn't work well for a sweet. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste. Overall Taste Rating: 1 out of 5 sprinkles

Texture: Very moist and slightly chewy. Overall Texture Rating: 3 out of 5 sprinkles.

Aesthetic: This is one ugly "cupcake" with its bright green hue and uneven brown icing-less top. Overall Aesthetic Rating: 0 out of 5 sprinkles.

Satisfaction: This was totally gross. I love green tea, but I'll stick with drinking it in liquid form, not in baked good form. Overall Satisfaction Rating: 1 out of 5 sprinkles.

Overall Cupcake Ranking: 5 Sprinkles (out of 20 possible)

Kyotofu Mini Chocolate Souffle Cupcake

Kyotofu Mini Chocolate Souffle Cupcake, about $1.08 (3 for $3.25), http://www.kyotofu-nyc.com/, 9th Ave and 48th Street

So, in my book, a cupcake without any sort of frosting isn't really a cupcake at all-- it's either a muffin, or a loaf cake, or a souffle, but not a cupcake-- but since Kyotofu brands and markets their frosting-less cupcakes as "cupcakes," they have consented to the jurisdiction of CupcakeRankings.com and it is my duty to sample them.

Taste: So there's no frosting, just cake, and it doesn't even taste like cake-- it tastes just like a brownie. Very rich, very chocolatey, tastes excellent for a brownie, but tastes nothing like a cupcake! Overall Taste Rating: 3 out of 5 sprinkles.

Texture: Moist, chewy, gooey, fudgy, rich, dense-- texture is just like a brownie. The texture is perfect for a brownie, but not for a cupcake! Overall Texture Rating: 3 out of 5 sprinkles.

Aesthetic: Kind of ugly!! No frosting, a little lopsided, cute in its miniatureness, but not the sort of pretty thing that jumps out at you for its aesthetic beauty and would look beautiful to serve for a special occasion. 1 out of 5 sprinkles.

Satisfaction: If I were rating brownies or souffles, I might rate this high. But this had nothing to do with cupcakes at all! They advertise that New York magazine voted this New York's #1 cupcake, but I'm not really sure how they came to that conclusion, because it's really not even a cupcake at all, its a brownie baked into a cupcake lining! I vote this a complete fraud! 1 out of 5 sprinkles

Overall Cupcake Ranking: 8 Sprinkles (out of 20 possible)