Updated for 2024
What’s the best part of any Birthday Party? The Birthday Cake, of course! And while some of us try not to count the candles anymore, it’s a must for our kids! One of the most important aspects of planning a child’s birthday party is making sure you have the perfect cake, whatever “perfect” looks like to you — or your child!
Families can find bakeries all around SoCal that create cakes to capture their child’s personality, and if a gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free birthday cake is needed, they’ll find bakeries that are sensitive to that as well.
These days families can choose to have their birthday cake delivered, or do an online order for curbside pick-up. And this list includes lots of bakeries, from the super expensive custom orders to local grocery store bakeries, with affordable birthday cakes.
And just because we’re talking about birthday cake, don’t forget most of these bakeries make lots of other amazing baked goods, too! You’ll find cupcakes, croissants, ice cream cakes, gelato cakes, French pastries, King’s Cakes, and pies — and some even have cafés you can eat at as well.
Here is our list of the Best Birthday Cake Shops to Buy Kids’ Birthday Cakes In and Around Los Angeles.
And check out our LA Birthday Party Guide — with locations and entertainment ideas!
The Best Birthday Cake Shops in Los Angeles
85 Degrees
Multiple locations including:
14006 Riverside Dr., #30, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
This Chinese bakery has taken Southern California by storm. 85 Degrees intentionally offers a wide variety of cakes and flavors at a low price. The cake is very light and subtly sweet which makes it easier to have seconds and thirds. For the best kid’s birthday cake, pick up one of their cute fruit or red velvet cakes.
Pro Tip: Cakes go fast so please go early in the morning if you didn’t place an advance order.
Angel Maid Bakery
4542 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Angel Maid Bakery has many loyal customers. Among their most popular cakes is the strawberry shortcake, but if you’re looking for a unique, personalized cake, they do that extremely well too. Try the Dobash cake for a taste of the Islands, or one of their Chiffon Cakes for a nice light option — and their cream puffs are legendary with locals. Families sing the praises of this bakery’s custom cakes!
Baskin Robbins
Multiple locations including:
17330 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316
Is it even a kid’s birthday party if you don’t have an ice cream cake? Baskin Robbins offers a wide variety of ice cream cakes with a large selection of cute designs: mermaid, unicorn, princess, baseball, batman, hot wheels, Disney characters, and more. Ice cream cakes are not always a hit, but you usually can’t go wrong with a Baskin Robbins cake.
Related: Sweet Summer Dessert Recipes For Your Family
Butter Cake Shoppe
1627 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Butter Cake Shoppe is a “registered, home-based cake shop.” Sasha G., the founder, baker, and decorator, uses only “full-fat European style butter” in everything she bakes. All cakes have four layers and can be cut into almost any two or three-dimensional shape you desire. Butter Cake Shoppe works closely with families to make sure they are getting exactly the cake they envision.
Related: Michael’s Birthday Parties for Crafty Kids
Café Dulce
134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Bldg. E, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Originally opened as a café and donut shop, Café Dulce has expanded their menu to include delicious food and even more mouthwatering cakes, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts. The cakes are carefully crafted with the freshest and finest ingredients. Their creations are the perfect centerpiece for any birthday. Order cakes online or visit their Little Tokyo location.
Cake and Art
8709 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
“For 42 years, Cake and Art has specialized in imaginative birthday cakes for Hollywood’s Biggest entertainment industries and celebrities…” Families can order a cake that is as unique and special as their child whether their child would love a Lightning McQueen-shaped cake, a turtle-shaped cake, or a Wall-E-shaped cake — to name just a few of their beautiful creations.
Related: Try making the Famous LAUSD Coffee Cake
Cake Sensations
811 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030
Cake Sensations is ready to work with families to create the cake they are searching for. Families can either visit the showroom and browse through books and pictures for ideas, or come in with their own designs for that special birthday cake. Whether you’re looking for something whimsical or something three-dimensional, you’ll find quite a variety of cakes on their gallery page.
Costco
Multiple locations, including:
3560 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303
When you’re inviting the whole class to your kid’s birthday party, there’s no better cake to get than one from Costco’s Bakery. Their sheet cakes can feed a crowd and do it in style. You’ll get to choose from a few flavor options and customization options, and you’ll also get to stay on budget.
Delicious Arts
10581 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Delicious Arts is a by-appointment-only custom cake design studio. They were established in 2012 with a “not too sweet” motto. Their cakes have been featured in a variety of publications and are often used for corporate events. Families can select from a wide variety of possibilities including edible print cakes and 3-D sculpted cakes. Be sure to plan in advance because, due to their popularity, some cakes may need to be ordered up to 8 weeks in advance.
Ele Makes Cakes
While you can’t walk into Ele Makes Cakes (all cakes are made in a commercial kitchen in downtown Los Angeles and all correspondence is generally done via email), families rave about Ele Makes Cakes. In fact, demand is so high that at least 5-6 weeks’ notice must be given for custom orders. However, the cakes truly resemble works of art and feature everything from a three-dimensional R2-D2 to a multi-tiered cake featuring the Inside Out emotions.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
236 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Erin McKenna’s Bakery is gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. This popular bakery focuses on “the underserved — people with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and most importantly, allergic kids who are often unable to indulge.” At Erin McKenna’s, healthy and tasty are used in the same sentence when describing the custom cakes they can create for a birthday celebration.
Hansen’s Cakes
Multiple locations in Los Angeles and Tarzana
Hansen’s is an iconic, original staple in the LA cake scene. Hansen’s makes the most extravagant cakes for any occasion — from small parties at home to big Kardashian-style events. They use a famous French buttercream frosting to create their masterpieces and take great pride in every detail. If you are looking for a jaw-dropping, statement cake, visit their site or one of their multiple locations.
Note: Gluten-free cakes are also available.
Hotcakes Bakes
4119 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066
This terrific neighborhood spot is a great place to get a birthday cake or a bunch of birthday cupcakes, which they’re well-known for. They also offer Vegan cakes, Vegan cupcakes, and Gelato cakes, too.
Related: Get the Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles
King’s Hawaiian Bakery
2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Thinking of throwing a fun Hawaiian-themed party? Why not pick up your child’s birthday cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery?! Try their delicious strawberry haupia cake, guava cake, or rainbow paradise delight cake. Order online for easy pick-up!
La Monarca Bakery & Café
Multiple locations in Los Angeles
Los Angeles-based La Monarca was founded by two men who wanted to bring the sweet flavors of Mexico to your home. They use fresh ingredients without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. Plus they donate 1% of their proceeds to an ecolife conservation program to preserve and protect Monarch Butterflies. La Monarca is best known for its Dulce de Leche & Horchata cakes.
Lido Bakery
3001 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
At Lido Bakery, you’ll find only “natural ingredients, fresh fruit, and no preservatives.” The focus is “on quality products over quantity.” Their gallery photos will leave you in awe of their creativity and artistry. Their popularity and high demand require families to provide at least 2 weeks’ notice for custom orders.
Magnolia Bakery
8389 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Magnolia is an absolutely iconic bakery from New York that leads with its neighborhood bakery feel. Although their banana pudding is what they are most well-known for, their selection of cakes is divine. Their chocolate cake is moist with a pudding-like frosting. With Magnolia’s simple cake designs, you can add a beautiful cake topper or number candle to customize it to your child’s birthday theme.
Related: The Best Pie Shops in Los Angeles
Maksen Cake House
418 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204
At Maksen Cake House, “if you can dream it, we can bake it.” This Glendale shop can create that special birthday cake you’re wanting. Families speak highly of the friendly service, the consistently delicious flavors, and the beautiful end results.
Milk Bar Classic Birthday Cake
7150 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Want a classic but fun multi-teared birthday cake for your party? Milk Bar is the perfect place for you. Each cake is beautifully crafted. The cakes are rich and packed with flavor. Milk Bar has gluten-free cakes and baked goods available too.
Paris Baguette
Multiple locations including:
3060 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006
Paris Baguette is one of the most iconic Korean bakeries around the world. This bakery prides itself on expertly crafted cakes. The variety and artistry of these cakes are simple, classic, and adorable. At the same time, the frosting is incredibly light and subtly sweet. Their cakes are moist and fluffy but also light in sweetness. They’re the perfect cakes for families who may not want to serve a heavy cake. Each bakery has a variety of kid-friendly shapes, decorations, and flavors.
Porto’s Bakery and Cafe
Multiple locations including:
8233 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241
For many families, it isn’t a real birthday celebration without a cake from Porto’s. A variety of birthday cake designs is available (including a firetruck, castle, race track, and Hello Kitty, to name a few). Yet, be sure to verify that the design you like is available at your particular location.
Related: Where to get King’s Cake and Rosca de Reyes
Red Ribbon BakeShop
Multiple locations including:
914 E. Colorado St., Glendale, CA 91205
If you’d like to serve a birthday cake that will blow a child’s mind, you’ve got to order the Ube Overload Cake. This Bright Purple cake is made with jam from a purple yam (which sounds like a line from a Dr. Seuss book!), but it’s actually an ingredient baked into the cake. But don’t stop there; you’ll find amazing cakes like their Mocha Flan, Mango Supreme, and Yema Caramel, among many others, in both round and sheet cakes.
Sinners and Saints
2547 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
This bakery is known for its “decadent desserts and gluten-free delights,” and also has Vegan and Dairy-free delights as well, so you can take your pick. Choose from their carrot cake, lemon dream cake, red velvet cake, and many more. Order ahead for delivery and pick up.
SusieCakes
Multiple locations including:
11708 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
SusieCakes “is an All-American bakery offering classic desserts made entirely from scratch using simple, natural ingredients.” Their specialty layer cakes can be customized or families can choose to create an entirely original cake for that special birthday celebration. “You’ll have your own dedicated Celebration Specialist to walk you through the whole process.”
Sweet E’s Bake Shop
4574 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
If you’re looking for the perfect custom cake with a fun theme, come to Sweet E’s. The incredible details, creativity, and flavors are what make Sweet E’s Bake Shop stand out from the rest. Bring your custom order here and get it delivered to your home or anywhere, nationwide! Check out their website for more photos of their gorgeous cakes. Online ordering for delivery and pick up.
Sweet Lady Jane
Multiple Locations, including:
214 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
The classic Triple Berry Cake is back, thanks to new ownership at this legendary local bakery. Perfect for birthdays (and weddings), these cakes, cheesecakes, and even pies, come in several sizes and flavors. And now they offer Gluten-free versions of some as well! Several locations have Café service in addition, including breakfast and lunch fare. Stop by for a slice, even if it’s not your special day!
Top Tier Treats
11511 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Top Tier Cakes was formerly known as “Jamaica’s Cakes,” and still has the same owners and incredible cakes. At Top Tier Cakes, you’ll find “creative artistic cakes completely from scratch with quality ingredients to please the eye and feed the soul.” Cakes are never frozen, and fresh flowers are added as their signature touch. And you’ll find a great many cakes are also gluten-free. Custom cakes need at least one week’s notice.
The Butter End
1910 W. Rosecrans Ave., Gardena, CA 90249
This bake shop takes in-person visits by appointment only. However, they make the most renowned cakes that are true works of art for celebrities, Hollywood studios, weddings, birthdays, and other occasions. They’d be perfect for any head table or birthday party.
Vons & Ralphs
Multiple locations all over SoCal
Both Vons and Ralphs are your neighborhood staple markets for easy-to-order, grab-and-serve cakes. The price point is very low and you can find classic flavors at every location. One fun tip is to get a plain white or chocolate cake and add your own berries or decorations to the top for your kid’s birthday.
Westchester Bakery
6216 W. 87th St., Los Angeles, CA 90045
Westchester Bakery is a “multi-generational family-owned business” offering a large variety of baked goods including custom-designed birthday cakes. Custom cakes should be ordered at least 7 days in advance and can be tier, stacked, round, square, or a specific shape you have in mind. Their gallery showcases a boat-shaped cake, a Pokémon-inspired cake, a lipstick-shaped cake, a cassette-tape-shaped cake, a space shuttle-shaped cake, and much more.
Both Wendy Kennar and Esther Chang contributed to this article.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
Esther Chang is the founder of MarkelandMe: a blog about family, food and the fun in between. In her spare time she loves to travel and plan events. She lives in the Mid-Wilshire area with her husband and 2 daughters.
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
