Want to treat mom (or yourself) to something sweet to show how much you appreciate her? With Mother’s Day on May 10, we went in search of San Diego’s very best cakes and came up with a short list sure to please any palate. Chocolate, passion fruit or vanilla funfetti: whatever your flavor, get ready to dig in and celebrate mom!
Photo credit: Kimberly G. via Yelp
CAKE
Chefs Jennifer Duncan and Kimberly Gafter may be famous for wedding cakes, but their renowned banana truffle cake can be made into any shape. Think layers of banana cake, chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache in the shape of, say, a Mother’s Day wreath? Any of their delicious flavors can be custom-made as layer cakes or in fun shapes: whatever you like!
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3085 Reynard Way
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 295-2253
Online: fabcakes.com
Photo credit: Elizabethan Desserts Facebook page
Elizabethan Desserts
For something retro-inspired, Elizabethan Desserts can’t be beat. Located in Encinitas, this little bake shop makes everything pretty and delicious. With locally- and seasonally-inspired flavors like Very Strawberry™ and Tropical Love™, pastry chef Elizabeth Harris whips up delectable magic. Cakes are by special order but cupcakes and other treats are available fresh for pick up anytime.
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
114 N. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 230-6780
Online: elizabethandesserts.com
Photo Credit: A. Stabile
Extraordinary Desserts
For a cake that is truly a masterpiece to behold, Extraordinary Desserts can’t be beat. From flowers to edible gold, your cake will be topped with the prettiest of the pretty and will be mouth-wateringly delicious to boot. While they have two locations, we recommend stopping by the Union Street location for lunch in the cafe and to sample some deliciousness before picking up mom’s delicacy.
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
1430 Union St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 294-7001
2929 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 294-2132
Online: extraordinarydesserts.com
Photo credit: Christopher R. via Yelp
Leroy’s Sweet Potato Shack
With cake flavors like 7-Up, peanut butter and sweet potato, we couldn’t pass up Leroy’s Sweet Potato Shack in Oceanside. Pre-order your bundt or layer cake and be ready for a flavor explosion mom will swoon over. While their new store front is under construction, you can order by phone or the website. Or find Leroy at one of the following farmer’s markets: Oceanside Sunset Market (Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.), Vista Farmer’s Market (Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.), and Escondido Farmer’s Market (Tuesdays, 2:30 – 6 p.m.).
(760) 722-2690
Online: sweetpotatoshack.com
Photo credit: A. Stabile
Susie Cakes
The newest member of the San Diego cake tribe is LA-based SusieCakes, which just opened a new location in La Costa. Susie’s gorgeous and colorful confetti vanilla has made her famous among kids all over California. But whimsical flavors like red velvet, classic marble and lemon brighten any day. For the decadent mom, Susie also makes a mean cheesecake.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
La Costa Town Square
7610 Via Campanile, Suite 144
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 632-2253
Online: susiecakes.com
Photo Credit: A. Stabile
Towne Bakery
This Del Mar sweet shop makes gorgeous cakes with a homemade feel and offers some of the friendliest service in San Diego. Chocolate mint, German chocolate, and carrot cake are only a glimpse of the lovely flavor creations here. Happy to take special orders, the bakery also has cakes in their case that are ready to go home with you.
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
12925 El Camino Real, AA5
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 794-7001
Online: townebakery.com
Did we miss your favorite place to buy mom a Mother’s Day cake? Tell us your go-to bakery!
– Allison Stabile
