“A party without cake is just a meeting,” Julia Child purportedly said, and we’d have to agree. Allow us to present the following specialty bakeries in the East Bay for your next big gathering or special day.
Two Chicks in the Mix
Two high school besties started this conscientious bakery over a decade ago, now with two locations. Their Alameda outpost sources ingredients from the Temescal Farmers’ Market and Oaktown Spice Shop, with the duo committed to “preserve and protect our environmental and social ecosystems.” All manner of baked goods are on display; wedding cake flavors include lemon olive oil with French lemon curd, lavender Earl Grey and honey, funfetti and s’more, among others. 2400 Monarch St., Alameda, 510.213.8542, www.twochicksinthemix.com.
Full Belly Bakery
A designer cake studio based in Oakland, Full Belly Bakery specializes in made-to-order cakes for birthdays, showers, weddings and more. Signature cakes include strawberry vanilla, triple chocolate, citron, mixed berry and caramel pecan carrot, in sizes from cake jar to multi-tiered. Contact them at least two days before your party or a month before your wedding—longer if during the holidays. Curbside pickup or delivery available. 1014 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland, 510.214.2507, www.fullbellybakery.com.
East Bay Cakes
All the usual milestones can be made better by boozy cakes, cake pops, push-up pops and all manner of fanciful offerings at this “by order only” Pittsburg bakery. Need a four-tiered castle cake for your niece’s quinceanera? A Batman-Superman-Spiderman cake for your 50th? Perhaps an elegantly sculpted bridal dress cake topped with pearls for your engagement party? Expert baker Sandra Forrester has you covered. 1560 Norine Dr., Pittsburg, 925.354.5404, www.eastbaycakes.com.
Natty Cakes
Specializing in uniquely flavored buttercream cakes baked in a certified home kitchen in Emeryville, Natty Cakes doesn’t skimp on design. Decor flourishes like pressed flowers, marbled or ombre frosting and gold leaf details add sophistication to your edible centerpiece. A kintsugi cake, based on the ancient Japanese art of mending broken pottery with powdered gold lacquer, stuns and delights. Vegan or gluten-free options available. [CORRECTED]: 1329 61st St., Emeryville, www.lovenattycakes.com.
Lavender Bakery and Cafe
European-inspired cakes and pastries await at this new Albany favorite, with two sister specialty bakeries in Silicon Valley. Known for its burnt almond cake with Amaretto custard filling, as well as mousses and tarts galore, Lavender Bakery provides an array of filling and frosting choices for your custom artisanal cake, along with a color palette akin to what you’d find at a paint store. 1820 Solano Ave., Berkeley, 510.982.2318, lavenderbakeries.com.
