Best Places To Buy A Birthday Cake Or Cupcakes In California
Birthday celebrations just aren’t complete without a delicious cake or some tempting cupcakes. California offers an amazing variety of bakeries where you can find the perfect sweet treat for your special day.
From cozy family-run shops that have been perfecting recipes for decades to chic, modern bakeries serving up bold, inventive flavors, the Golden State is brimming with sweet spots ready to make your celebration unforgettable.
1. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
Family recipes shine at this beloved Cuban bakery with multiple locations across Southern California. The tres leches cake melts in your mouth with its perfect balance of sweetness and milky goodness.
Lines often form out the door, but the wait is worth it for their reasonable prices and generous portions. Their signature guava and cheese strudels also make a unique birthday alternative if you’re looking for something different.
2. Sprinkles Cupcakes
The original cupcake bakery that started the national craze continues to impress with consistently perfect treats. Their red velvet cupcakes remain legendary, topped with cream cheese frosting that’s never too sweet.
Stop by their Cupcake ATM at select locations for a 24-hour sugar fix when those midnight birthday cravings hit.
The Beverly Hills location attracts celebrities, but all their California shops maintain the same high quality and adorable presentation.
3. SusieCakes
Grandma’s recipes meet modern baking at this homestyle bakery chain. Their classic birthday cakes feature old-fashioned buttercream that reminds me of childhood celebrations at my grandmother’s house.
Every cake comes with a filling between layers, adding extra moisture and flavor. The vanilla celebration cake with confetti inside creates that perfect birthday surprise when sliced open.
With locations throughout California, their consistent quality makes them a reliable choice for last-minute orders.
4. Hansen’s Cakes
Hollywood’s cake maker to the stars has been creating showstoppers since 1920. Their incredible custom designs can transform any birthday into a celebrity-worthy event.
The strawberry shortcake remains their most requested flavor, featuring fresh berries between light, fluffy layers.
Despite their star-studded clientele, Hansen’s manages to keep prices reasonable for everyday celebrations.
5. Extraordinary Desserts
San Diego’s premier dessert destination elevates birthday treats to art forms. Chef Karen Krasne brings global inspiration to her stunning creations that taste even better than they look.
My sister still talks about the Viking cake she had for her 30th – chocolate layers with coffee mousse that converted even non-coffee drinkers.
The elegant presentation makes these cakes perfect for milestone birthdays when you want something truly memorable.
6. Angel Maid Bakery
This unassuming West LA gem creates the lightest, fluffiest cakes that have locals keeping it a closely guarded secret. Their fruit-topped creations use a special whipped cream frosting that’s never too heavy or sweet.
No-frills, this bakery focuses entirely on quality rather than fancy decor. Call ahead for birthday orders, as their reputation means they frequently sell out of their most popular items.
7. Butter&
San Francisco’s innovative cake studio specializes in message cakes that literally speak your birthday wishes. Their minimalist designs hide incredibly complex flavor combinations inside.
The “Break-Up Cake” became an internet sensation, but their birthday offerings are equally memorable. I ordered their passion fruit and dark chocolate cake for my best friend’s birthday, and we’re still talking about it years later.
Online ordering makes the process seamless for busy celebration planners.
8. Pushkin’s Bakery
Sacramento’s gluten-free pioneer proves dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing birthday indulgence. Their dedicated facility creates treats so delicious that even those without allergies choose them repeatedly.
The chocolate cupcakes with vanilla bean frosting remain their bestseller for celebrations. Vegan options are equally impressive, making this the go-to spot when accommodating mixed dietary needs at birthday gatherings.
9. Schubert’s Bakery
This San Francisco institution has been crafting European-style cakes since 1911. The Swedish Princess Cake, with its distinctive green marzipan dome, makes for an unexpected but delightful birthday choice.
Old-world techniques and quality ingredients explain their century of success. The modest storefront in the Richmond District hides one of the city’s most respected bakeries, where advance ordering is essential for birthday celebrations.
10. Freeport Bakery
Sacramento’s beloved community bakery creates whimsical designs that bring birthday joy to all ages. Their famous chicken cake isn’t actually chicken – it’s a delicious dessert shaped with remarkable detail to look like a roasted bird.
The bakery’s sense of humor extends to all their custom designs. When my nephew turned five, they created a dinosaur cake that roared with flavor and made him the envy of his kindergarten class.