No special occasion is complete without a delicious, show-stopping, photo-worthy cake.
Whether it’s your child’s birthday party, your wedding day, or you just feel like a sweet treat, there’s nothing quite like a slice of cake.
From classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous flavours such as salted caramel and tropical fruit, you’ll want a cake shop that creates wonders every time. That includes traditional varieties, contemporary types, and cakes that meet special dietary needs.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a cake shop, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great cake shop?
Choosing the right cake shop can ensure you get bang for your buck. For special occasions, selecting the best shop can take the stress out of worrying whether the cake will be “just right” and made on time.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind:
- Exciting range. Everyone’s tastes are different. Having said that, you’ll always want a cake that tantalises the tastebuds. You might also want to try something new, so choose a cake shop that has an exciting range.
- Quality ingredients. Selecting a cake shop that uses quality ingredients makes all the difference in the world. The best shops know that each ingredient counts.
- Well priced. Cakes can require many ingredients and hours of labour, so they can cost a fair bit. That being said, you should always get what you pay for. The best cake shops charge a fair price for their sweets.
- Professionally trained bakers. The more experience bakers have, the better their cakes will be. If you’re after something sensational, look for a bakery with professionally trained pastry chefs.
- Special dietary requirements. If you have food intolerances or need a cake that meets special dietary requirements, check that the cake shop can make the grade. Check online for specialty products, or phone the shop.
The best cake 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 maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Baltheescakes
Baltheescakes creates unique, customised cakes and other desserts for all occasions. Everything is made from scratch, with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and a whole lot of love. Premixes are never used.
Delicious creations include cakes, cupcakes, cookies and macarons for birthdays, baby showers, engagements, weddings, birthdays, graduations and other celebrations. Tasty vegan, gluten free, eggless and nutless cakes are never a problem.
Baltheescakes has more than seven years in the hospitality industry, mainly in patisserie. Yummy cakes and desserts look as amazing as they taste and include designs that get kids super excited.
Clients enjoy prompt, friendly service. Baltheescakes has a reputation for being affordable and easy to deal with. The company also won 2022 Canberra Region Local Business Award for outstanding cake business.
On Facebook, Neha Shetty wrote, “Hands down. Best cake I’ve ever had. Fresh, unique and delicious. Give it a try.”
L’Orange Patisserie
L’Orange Patisserie’s selection of cakes both look beautiful and taste amazing. Small cakes, larger cakes, and special occasion cakes are all available. So too are gluten-free options and custom ordered cakes. Chef Wim Den Hartog has brought over 30 years’ experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and some of Canberra’s best hospitality venues to L’Orange Patisserie.
Anna Prosser wrote on Google, “… a truly French, Dutch, European range of excellent bakery goods from croissants to the finest cakes.”
Sweet Bones
Sweet Bones makes cakes and cupcakes for all occasions, including weddings. Delectable vegan-friendly and gluten-free cakes are available in a wide range of flavours and styles. Sweet Bones makes cakes in various sizes. Each looks gorgeous and is a taste sensation in its own right.
Jamie Soaki wrote on Google, “As a non-vegan, I was thoroughly impressed by their food. The brownie I had was delicious, to the point that I ordered a friend's birthday cake from Sweet Bones.”
The Flute Bakery
The master bakers at The Flute Bakery handcraft a delectable range of quintessentially French cakes, including various flavoured gateaux, flourless cakes and tarts. All sweet and savoury products are made with quality ingredients and great care. They look as wonderful as they taste.
As Tracy Montgomery wrote on Google, “Incredible pastries, cakes, breads, pies, sandwiches, macarons and more. The bakers at The Flute are magicians with pastry and the flavour combinations are delicious.”
The Cake Lady Canberra
The Cake Lady Canberra is a local supplier of special occasion and wedding cakes. Each is made with quality ingredients and a whole lot of love. Cakes are all baked fresh to order and can be custom made to any size, shape, theme and taste. The Cake Lady Canberra is known for her attention to detail. Allergies are catered for on request.
On Google, Tanya Taylor wrote, “The Cake Lady is very talented and professional. Her cakes and designs are amazing.”
Continental Cake Shop
The Continental Cake Shop was established in March 2015 by a small, but experienced team—a cake business owner, manager and pastry cake chef. All cakes are tailored to customer tastes and can be made gluten-free, eggless and vegan. High-quality cheesecakes, mudcakes and specialty cakes are on the menu.
Shelphy Wills wrote on Google, “The best quality cakes ever. Not overly sweet. Easy to order by phone. Very reliable staff. Reasonable price.”
If you’re looking for more information on sweet treats, including for celebratory occasions, you might like our articles on the best custom birthday cakes, best wedding cakes, best bakeries and the best cupcakes Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with cake shops in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all cake shops have a 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 whether you can order online to need to phone.
Do all cake shops create cakes for special 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 such as Christmas.
Why are cakes so 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.
Can I go to any cake shop to order my wedding cake?
More often than not, brides and grooms opt for exceptionally beautiful-looking (and tasting) wedding cakes. The best ones are made by cake shops that specialise in weddings.
How much does it cost to have a custom cake made?
The cost for custom-made cakes varies depending on many factors. This can include the size of the cake (for a small or large group), how many ingredients are involved, what decoration is required and even whether the cake is to be delivered.