Happy Birthday! It’s time to celebrate! Along with balloons, fun gifts and themed décor on the list, a birthday cake is not to be forgotten. We’ve rounded up our picks from all over the Bay Area for the most delicious, beautiful cakes to celebrate the big day. From ice cream cakes to 3D works of art, we’ve got you covered. Let’s eat some cake!
San Francisco
Mitchell's Ice Cream
One of our favorite ice cream spots in the city also makes to-die-for ice cream cakes. Choose from their fresh, pre-made cakes with themes like Elmo or Frozen, or opt for something completely custom. Each cake is made with a layer of ice cream (your choice), a layer of white or chocolate cake, and topped with vanilla or chocolate frosting. Orders can be placed by phone, in-person or online.
Online: mitchellsicecream.com
Pretty Please Bakeshop
Owned and operated by a fellow Bay Area mom, Pretty Please Bakeshop in Inner Richmond makes gorgeous cakes for just about any kind of occasion. Elegant, vintage or whimsical, they can customize whatever you want. For something classic and more budget-friendly, check out their Celebration Cakes. With designs like a rainbow, Toy Story, or Snickers including complimentary inscriptions, it’s a win/win.
Online: prettypleasesf.com
Noe Valley Bakery
This neighborhood bakery has everything from cookies to danishes, pies and baguettes, but their cakes are a fan favorite. The house-made funfetti birthday cake (with lots of sprinkles, of course) is delicious and great for something last-minute. If you want something more custom, check out their build-your-own-cake and choose the flavor, filling, colors and message (including photos).
Online: noevalleybakery.com
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Wholesome Bakery
If you’re looking for a solid gluten-free option, check out Wholesome Bakery in the city. This 100% gluten-free bakery stays away from all additives, preservatives and fillers and uses plant-based frosting colors. Their six-inch, four-layer custom cakes are beautifully designed and feed 8-10 people in delicious flavors like confetti and dulce de leche. Delivery and pick-up are available.
Online: wholesomebakery.com
East Bay
Fenton's Creamery
The ice cream at this Oakland spot is already super popular, with people coming from all over the country to try one of their classic flavors like butter brickle or seasonal flavors like apple pie. Their ice cream cakes are just as fabulous, with custom or pre-made cakes ready to be picked up. Note that for custom orders you’ll need to order three days in advance.
Online: fentonscreamery.com
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Bakes by Eileen
For absolutely beautiful cakes that you don’t want to eat (but should, because they are delicious), look no further than this bakery in Alameda. While you won’t find Paw Patrol or Frozen-themed cakes here, what you will find are edible works of art. Check out the celebration cakes made with optional details like edible flowers or gold leaves. Another option is a unique letter/number cake shaped in any number or letter with optional add-ons like gold-painted macaroons and seasonal fresh fruit.
Online: bakesbyeileen.com
James and the Giant Cupcake
For a cake that’s full of colors and fun for a special occasion, James and the Giant Cupcake can definitely deliver. Check out the signature Boardwalk cake covered from top to bottom with sprinkles, a deluxe cake in themes like a unicorn, mermaid, or custom cake for something specific. Custom cakes need a week’s notice for standard cakes, so plan ahead.
Online: jamesandthegiantcupcake.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Kathy's Creative Kakes
With a specialty in creating unique and fun cakes for kid’s birthdays, this San Mateo bakery has won some well-deserved awards. Owned and operated by Kathy herself, you can see and taste the passion of her work in every cake made and decorated. Pick from the massive book of past work, including characters and numbers, or bring in a picture and an idea for something truly custom.
Online: kathyskakes.com
Copenhagen Bakery
A favorite spot for delicious pastries, cookies and cakes, Copenhagen Bakery in Burlingame has been around for many years and for good reason. Their custom cakes for kids of all ages and parties of all sizes are no problem and the designs are truly one-of-a-kind. For something easy and a crowd-pleaser, check out their house specialty cakes (which can also be customized) like red velvet or princess.
Online: copenhagenbakery.com
The Cake Queen and Coffee Bar
Created in-house with the best and freshest ingredients, this South San Francisco bakery knows the art of 3D cakes. With so many flavors combinations, the hardest part is picking one. Examples include Peter Rabbit (carrot cake), Cinnamon Toast (horchata cake and cinnamon cream cheese) and Blueberry Pancake (blueberry cinnamon cake and maple cream cheese). Check out their gallery for some pretty amazing works of art.
Online: bayareacakequeen.com
Mazzetti's Bakery
The family-owned business out of Pacifica specializes in cakes for special occasions for over 40 years. The cakes are made in-house without using any preservatives and fresh ingredients. Customize your own cake to your little one’s liking with flavors like chocolate and white, red velvet and tres leches. Flavorable fillings include strawberry jam and chocolate fudge. Check out their website for more flavors and combinations!
Online: mazzettisbakery.com
North Bay
Krumbs Cake
From elegant to whimsical and everything in between, Krumbs cakes in Marin has a birthday cake for every kind of theme and idea. From fire engines real enough to play with to an Alice in Wonderland theme, these cakes really make an impression. They have a ton of flavors and fillings to choose from, as well as some “winning combinations” if you can’t decide!
Online: krumbscakes.com
SusieCakes
With several locations around the Bay Area, SusieCakes is a parent-favorite because of the clean ingredients used in all of their treats. No cake mix or preservatives are used, so you’re getting the real deal made from scratch. The classic Celebration Cake is a winner with vanilla cake, colorful sugar confetti and light blue frosting. Customized cakes are also an option with classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla and fluffy buttercream frosting.
Online: susiecakes.com
—Sandra Lee
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