This Iron Cupcake gallery may cause screen-licking

Since 2008, Iron Cupcake has been blogging about “cupcakes, Milwaukee and the quest to bring the two together.” In previous years, their cupcake contests have seen some decadent, savory and downright strange incarnations of America’s favorite fun-sized dessert.

On Sunday, Feb. 13, ICM joined forces with WMSE for the first-ever Pro/Am Iron Cupcake challenge, purposely following the Rockabilly Chili form to pit pros against pros, amateurs against amateurs, and invite a few notables from the contemporary cooking circuit including Duff Goldman, star of the Food Network’s reality show Ace of Cakes.

Hundreds filled the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center for the competitive event, as local gourmands and purveyors of delectable edibles doled out their one-of-a-kind creations for a chance at cash prizes, a studio photo session, and a Charm City Cakes Gift Pack — ironically from known cupcake hater Goldman.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this particular clash was themed “Perfect Pairs”.  Winners included Kelly Osterman’s Champagne Cupcakes, and Goldman’s pick of Industri Cafe’s “Alice in Wonderland” cake (and cupcakes).  Photo intern Nicole Peaslee was there to capture all the sweet, sweet pandemonium.