Birthday Cakes
Devon asked us to write about birthday cakes for her August newsletter, and honestly—we couldn’t be happier. We’re a little superstitious when it comes to birthday cakes. We believe everyone deserves one or three. They’re celebratory, nostalgic, and just plain fun to eat. Who doesn’t like cake and to make a wish.
If we don’t get one, make one, or buy one for our birthday, something just feels… off. Over the years, we’ve tasted more than our fair share—and let’s just say, not all cakes are created equal. But fear not: we’ve rounded up some truly outstanding bakeries.
So, if you’re looking for a showstopper, a flavor bomb, or something that tastes like it was handcrafted by cake angels—here are our absolute favorite places to get birthday cakes in and around Boston and New England. Trust us, your fork (and your guests) will thank you.
🎂 Best Birthday Cake Bakeries in Boston & Surrounding Areas:
Devon’s only true go to is ICING on the CAKE in Newton.
We did our own little research and well, once again, Devon is right. This place is first-class and spectacular! Read on....
🎂 About The Icing on the Cake
A custom bakery in Newton, Massachusetts, serving finely crafted cakes and cupcakes for over 40 years
Located at 230 Adams Street, their hours are Tue–Fri (9 a–5 p) and Sat (10 a–2 p)
🌟 What Makes Them Stand Out
Fully Custom Designs: Cakes tailored to each customer, ideal for birthdays, weddings, celebrations—designers work closely with you .
High Praise from Clients:
Yelp: “Not only did the outside come out as pictured, but the flavor on the inside was perfect and moist.”
The Knot: 4.9 ★ rating across ~243 reviews, with highlights of “beautiful and elegant” cakes that “tasted phenomenal”.
🍰 Cake Types & Flavors
From their BostonCentral listing :
Traditional Cake: 2 layers with buttercream—flavors include Gold, White, Lemon, Chocolate, Marble.
Dessert Cake: 4 layers with 3 sumptuous fillings:
*Golden Raspberry
*Mocha Chocolate
*Double Chocolate Raspberry
*Lemon Velvet
*Orange Grand Marnier
*Golden Amaretto
*Chocolate Hazelnut
*Carrot with cream cheese
*Chocolate Chocolate Mousse
👩🍳 Tasting & Ordering
Custom Consultations & Tastings: Work with owner Paula to mix flavors, plan designs, and create sketches—a tailored and collaborative experience.
Lead Time: Generally requires about 2 weeks' notice for custom cakes .
👍 Why Customers Love It
Frequent praise revolves around:
Beautiful design execution (wedding cakes, custom figurines, floral detail)
Moist, flavorful interiors (multi-layered, varied flavors)
Professional, friendly service—Paula is noted for being calm, creative, responsive
Many couples even order a free anniversary cake if they send a photo of their wedding cake.
And in second place, Devon’s “back up” – Party Favors, Now, Yum Bunnies – Belmont
🐰 Yum Bunnies Cakery (Belmont)
Location: 241 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA (formerly “Party Favors”)
Specialty: Custom-designed cakes and cupcakes made from scratch—think bright, quirky styles and Instagram-worthy designs .
Reputation: Extremely well-liked locally; one Waltham mom wrote:
“My wedding cake and son's first birthday cake were from Yum Bunnies … they're the absolute best!” Ordering: Pre-orders by email or phone; walk-ins welcomed for cake jars and ready-to-go items on select days
Hours: Tue–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; closed Sun–Mon.
Another stand out:
🍰 Quebrada Baking Company (Wellesley & Arlington)
Locations: Wellesley (272 Washington Street) and Arlington
Cakes & Pricing: Offers a variety of layered cakes—chocolate, yellow, strawberry whipped cream—starting around $35–$42 for birthday-style cakes (e.g., strawberry cake $42) .
Lead Time: Requires 2 days' notice for cake orders and special inscription requests.
Customer Feedback:
“I also highly recommend their cakes… I have gotten them a couple of times for birthdays and they do not disappoint!”
And our staff writer, Renee, can assure you, “The birthday girl/boy wont mind turning another year older if it means they get a cake from Quebrada! Fresh, moist, and delicious, every single time!!!”
And there’s more....
Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop: (Boston, Westland Ave)
Known for beautifully decorated custom cakes (sculpted, artistic) and a full café vibe, Oakleaf excels in both flavor and design. Yelp and local reviews applaud their consistency and skill with celebration cakes
Flour Bakery + Café: (multiple Boston & Cambridge locations)
Renowned for bakery classics and cakes, Flour’s lemon raspberry, Boston cream pie, and rich “midnight chocolate” birthday cakes are favorites for celebrations—relied on for both design and taste. We might add, there desserts too are second to none. A must try!
May’s Cake House: (Chinatown, Boston)
A hidden gem for light, airy Chinese-style chiffon cakes with fresh fruit or mousse fillings. Locals love its delicate texture and classic birthday-cake look.
Lyndell’s Bakery: (Somerville, Ball Square)
A century-old institution beloved for traditional American sheet cakes with old-fashioned frostings and nostalgic flavors. Known for reliable birthday cakes with a nostalgic taste.
Gondres Bakery: (Jamaica Plain, Centre St)
Specializes in Dominican-style cakes, like traditional sponge layers with guava filling and meringue frosting—rich in flavor and cultural flair.
Royal Pastry Shop: (Lexington, Marrett Rd)
A trusted regional spot offering classic whipped-cream strawberry and rum cakes—recommended for their light textures and classic charm.
Coffee Time Bake Shop: (Salem, MA)
A New England favorite for golden yellow cake with chocolate frosting, alongside their famed donuts and paczki. Simple, tasty, and family-friendly.
Artisan Bake Shop: (Rochester, MA – South Shore/South Coast)
Scratch-made cakes with creamy, not-too-sweet frostings and bold artistic designs—ideal for custom birthday and celebration cakes delivered across Southeastern MA and beyond.
🍰 Honorable Mentions
Lizzie’s Bakery (Boston) – A boutique specializing in custom, high-detail cakes (watercolor finishes, sprinkle cakes) perfect for unique celebrations.
Modern Pastry Shop (North End) – For Italian-American classic layer cakes (white or chocolate) and rich pastries that blend tradition with flavor
SALT Patisserie (Newton Centre) – Newer on the scene, but known for upscale patisserie and dream-like chocolatier creations.
💡 Buying Tips
Lead Time: Most bakeries require at least a few days’ notice—some prefer a week.
Customization & Delivery: Many offer custom designs (names, themes) and local delivery—ask in advance.
Flavor & Dietary Preferences: Whether you want light chiffon, rich devil’s food, fruity mousse, or a unique cultural flavor, there's a bakery to match.
Last-Minute Options: For flat-out emergencies, grocery-store cakes (Whole Foods Chantilly, Wegmans Red Velvet) are solid backups and we can back that up. We’ve had both, and they are a great choice if time is short. And even when it’s not!
So, if you are too busy buying presents and wrapping them, stop by Wegman’s or Whole Food Bakeries for some fantastic cakes!
🎉 Which One Fits Your Celebration?