There’s no better way to brighten up a lazy afternoon or celebrate a special occasion than with a slice of one of Sydney’s best cakes. From fudge-like fudgy chocolate cakes to the fluffiest whipped vanilla cream creations, these 15 cakes are all worthy of a spot in your fridge or on your dining table. Just be prepared to have a Herculean task ahead of you if you’re going to make it through the list because by the time you get to number 15, there will be another sweet treat that needs to be tried and then, well, you just never know.
A traditional French boulangerie with locations around Sydney, Black Velvet specialises in cupcakes and bespoke cakes for wedding receptions, birthday parties and the like. The eclairs and tarts are worth a look too (and a bite), but it’s the pâtés that really set this place apart, with their oh-so-fluffy crust and buttery fillings that give it a flavour zing not found elsewhere in Sydney. Try the salted caramel and banoffee tarts, lemon meringue or strawberry pâtés.
The sourdoughs and pastries at Bourke Street Bakery are always a winner, but the real reason to visit is the huge selection of cakes in the display cabinet. There are plenty of classics, including flourless lemon and Belgian chocolate cakes and carrot cake, but if you’re looking for something with a bit of an edge, try the cinnamon-scented orange cake or a baked ricotta cheesecake.
If you’re coeliac or have gluten intolerance, finding delicious sweet treats is a bit of a challenge – but not at Wholegreen Bakery, which is 100 percent gluten-free and Accredited by Coeliac Australia. The bakery and cafe are run by Cherie Lyden, who aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a gluten-free bake. The chocolate and raspberry cake is a good start, but you’ll also find a variety of other inventive cakes, like the dark chocolate and beetroot or chai-spiced carrot cake.
Founded by a former Masterchef contestant, KOI Dessert Bar is the ultimate sugary destination in Sydney. It’s part cafe, bakery and cooking school rolled into one sugary empire with a Masterchef at the helm. Its signature cakes, such as the citrus cake which combines layers of citrus cream with moist butter cake, prove that simplicity can often be the most delicious thing.
Kitschy, vintage American cakes are the specialty at Jillian’s Cakery, where corporate professional turned baker Jillian Butler focuses on recipes with a heartfelt twist. It’s easy to see why the cupcakes, pies and cakes here are so popular, with standouts including the pumpkin spiced brownies and the caramelised apple crumble. Pair a slice with a cup of tea for the perfect afternoon in the city. Sydney cakes