Where to find the best cupcake shops in Canberra. Image: File
Cupcakes are a wonderful alternative when you’re not quite in the mood for a full cake. Small, delicious, and decorated to perfection, the versatile cupcake is a major crowd-pleaser. Whether for a birthday party, wedding, gift, or other special occasion, mouth-watering cupcakes that look almost too good to eat are a fantastic way to celebrate.
However, if you’re not up for spending a day in front of the oven, a cupcake shop can be a fantastic option. From beautiful decoration to exciting flavours, hiring a professional baker for your cupcake needs might be just the ticket to getting memorable and delicious cupcakes for your occasion.
In this article, we’ll share with you the top three cupcake shops in Canberra, according to local feedback. These bakers produce some seriously delightful cakes, so get ready to feel hungry.
What makes a great cupcake shop?
We know you want your cupcakes to taste absolutely delicious – but what else should you look for when seeking out a batch of cupcakes? Here are some must-have traits to keep an eye out for.
- An exciting range of flavours. Purchasing cupcakes from a professional baker gives you the opportunity to sample a new and exciting taste sensation. So, whether you’re after classic vanilla or something more exotic, look for a cupcake supplier with an exciting range of flavours to choose from.
- Expertly decorated. Not only should cupcakes be exciting to look at, but beautiful decoration demonstrates care and passion from the bakers. Look for a bakery that goes the extra mile to deliver the best cupcakes they can.
- Reliable. If you’re purchasing cupcakes for a special occasion, you need assurance that your dessert will arrive on time – guaranteed.
- Well priced. A lot of work goes into baking, decorating, and delivering cupcakes, but this is still a competitive industry, and so they shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg.
- Can cater to any dietary restrictions. If you or your guests have any dietary restrictions, such as gluten free or vegan, make sure the cupcake shop you work with can cater to these.
The best cupcake shops in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Sweet Bones
Sweet Bones makes cakes and cupcakes for all occasions. Using high quality, locally-sourced ingredients, Sweet Bones makes delectable cupcakes in a wide range of flavours and styles. If dietary restrictions are a concern for your upcoming occasion, Sweet Bones is a fantastic choice. They offer delicious, inventive dairy-free custom cakes that will be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. What’s more, most of their cakes can be made gluten-free too.
On Google, happy customer Ash Peak writes, "Sweet Bones made my wedding cake along with 60 accompanying cupcakes, which were all absolutely amazing! Thank you all so much for your wonderful, delicious creations that everyone at my wedding loved!"
Ciao Café and Cakes
Ciao Café & Cakes, with locations both in Queanbeyan and Braddon, is a wonderful little café with a passion for friendly customer service. They take great pride in their team of enthusiastic bakers and baristas. Alongside their range of 40 standard cakes made fresh daily, Ciao Café also takes custom orders for cupcakes with a wide range of delicious flavours and stunning decorative choices.
As Facebook user Elise Hampton writes, "Amazing cupcakes! We order a large number for our daughters 1st birthday party. Needed ones that were gluten free and vegan, as well as the usual kinds. Matched the colours of our invites and the cakes were super soft. So delicious!"
The Cake Lady
The Cake Lady, founded by Linda in 2011, carries on the baking legacy of Linda's mother Amelia (from the now-closed Amelia's Cakes). Linda is dedicated to providing her clients with personalised service, delivering wonderful and creative cakes made with high-quality ingredients to suit any occasion. Using quality ingredients and baking fresh to order, Linda bakes designer cupcakes in a wide range of flavours and decorative styles for all occasions.
On Google, Kerry Bowden writes, "This generous cake lady has on many occassions donated her talents and cooking skills to our community. Always divine tasting cakes, rich and moist. Not possible to say no to."
L'Orange Patisserie
Dutch baker Chef Wim brings his 30 years of experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants and some of Canberra’s best-known hospitality names to L'Orange Patisserie. Offering high teas and pastries created in the European traditions, L'Orange Patisserie prides itself on delectable cakes and small pastries perfect for those wanting to indulge.
On Google, Anna Prosser writes, "Best patisserie in Canberra, a truly French, Dutch, European range of excellent bakery goods from croissants to finest cakes."
Cake Lovers
Cake Lovers specialises in custom-made cakes for any occasion. Cakes and cupcakes can be decorated according to your party's theme, colour motif, favourite character, hobby or sport, or even your corporate logo. Whatever concept you have in mind, Cake Lovers guarantees delicious, memorable and aesthetically pleasing cakes.
As Google reviewer Sue Lever writes, "Ordered cake for my daughter 21st. Amazing prices, taste out of this world, service outstanding. Been back for cup cakes so fresh, will always be back. Thank you for such a detailed cake."
If you’ve got an event coming up and you need ideas, check out our articles on the best cake shops, the best gift baskets and hampers, and the best gift experiences that Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with cupcake shops in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you been to any of the cupcake shops listed above? Did we miss your favourite? Share your thoughts and feedback below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cake shops carry their full range ready in store?
Many shops bake cakes every day that are ready to pick up and devour. If you’re looking for something special, however, you might need to place a special order. Check to see if you can order online to need to phone.
Can cake shops cater to dietary requirements?
Most cake shops create cakes for specific dietary requirements, although you may need to place a special order. This can involve placing your order a day or so in advance. Ordering times can be longer during busy periods like Christmas.
Can I specify how I want my cupcakes decorated?
Usually, yes. If you have specific design ideas, such as colour or decoration, then you should allow some extra time for the baker to complete your order.
Why are professionally baked cakes expensive?
Not all cakes are expensive, but some are. This is because of the large number of ingredients that go into making them. Also, fancy cakes can take a long time to make and require the skills of a specialty baker. This all adds to the cost.
How much does it cost to order a batch of cupcakes?
The cost for custom-made cakes varies depending on many factors. This can include the number of cupcakes, how many ingredients are involved, what decoration is required and even if the cake is to be delivered. Generally, cupcakes are priced individually, at rates of anywhere between $3 and $10 each.
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