Sydney has a ton of expert bakers who can make you any cake you can dream of. They can even handle custom orders for events with dietary restrictions, like gluten free or vegan.
Practicing European techniques on Australian soil, this Concord bakery is a must-visit. Its Instagram feed is a veritable sugar porn, and the decadent treats inside are just as good.
1. Black Star Pastry
The chances are you have already tried this top Sydney cake shop’s mouthwatering pastries without realising it. The Chippendale-based patisserie supplies a bunch of cafes throughout the city, and its chiffon soft, syrupy and oh so Instagrammable Persian love cakes have been spotted all over town.
Its strawberry and watermelon creation has arguably become even more famous than it is delicious thanks to social media, but its flavours and textures have certainly made a mark too. Their original cakes scream luxury, and the team can also customise to suit any occasion.
Andrew Bowden’s opulent, multi-tiered creations are a sight to behold at his Enmore cafe Saga and Darling Square kiosk Saga Lyte. His balancing act of innovation, prettiness and respect for classic pastry dishes has cemented him as one of the city’s most sought after bakers.
2. Brickfields Bakery
Brickfields Bakery is more than a cake shop. The Chippendale bakery supplies a slew of Sydney cafes with bread and pastries, but its cakes are the star attraction. The syrupy, chiffon-soft love cakes and croissants are the stuff of legends. Their baked ricotta cheesecake has an orgasmic effect.
The former pastry chef at Tetsuya’s and Sepia, Penelope Ransley knows how to make a mean cake. Her Leichhardt shop churns out tarts, danishes, sticky buns and meringues to the delight of many.
The patisserie and dessert bar has something of a cult following, mostly thanks to their creative, pan-Asian confections. Everything is made in-house using small growers and producers like Country Valley milk, Sample coffee and Pepe Saya butter. The tiered, fluffy sponges and old-fashioned cakes are also standouts.
3. Saga
After soaring to fame in the baking industry thanks to his sweet creations at Hartsyard, pastry chef Andy Bowden has now opened his own cafe Saga. Located in a narrow Enmore shopfront, it’s best cakes sydney known for their pannacotta lamingtons, but the menu is extensive and offers more than just desserts.
The cakes are what really makes Saga stand out, though, with their intricate designs and mouth-watering flavour combinations. You can order a one-of-a-kind Sydney birthday cake from them, but the mini versions (perfect for just you) are equally as spectacular.
For something less extravagant but just as tasty, grab a carrot or flourless chocolate slice from this family-run bakery. It’s sure to hit the spot during a morning coffee break or afternoon responsibility-free treat.
4. Pasticceria Papa
The mere name of Pasticceria Papa is enough to entice you into this Concord cafe. Perched behind glass are Italian sweet treats including one of Sydney’s best ricotta cakes, tiramisu and more.
Whether you’re after an opulent wedding cake or just want to impress your friends with an impressive piece of baking, Saga’s pastry chef Andrew Bowden is the man to call. The former pastry chef at Hartsyard and Tetsuya’s combines innovation with reverence for tradition with his opulent creations at this Enmore cafe and Darling Square kiosk.
Give the gift of a sweet treat with a gift card from one of Sydney’s finest cakes shops. Available online through Giftly. With options to send instantly via email or text or professionally printed and mailed, this is the perfect way to surprise someone special.
5. KOI
When it comes to desserts, KOI is the place to be. Part cooking school, patisserie and dessert bar, this Chippendale favourite is known for exploring a range of pan-Asian influences. You can expect yuzu curd, pistachio mousse and coconut kalamansi in their creations. Their cakes are also worth a look, especially their yuzu lemon zen cake and matcha moss cakes.
In fact, this place has become so popular that you can now pick up a piece from most Bourke Street Bakery locations (if you’re in a pinch for something last minute). The carrot cake is scented with cinnamon, flecked with fresh grated carrot and studded with walnut pieces. And the flourless chocolate is as rich and scrumptious as you can imagine. It’ll feed four or more easily.
