The Absolute Best Cakes In The US

The American love affair with cake is a long, sweet story that dates back to the very roots of our country. So whether you're sinking your teeth into a decadent slice of red velvet cake with thick buttercream frosting or getting your fix of the tropics with a creamy slice of coconut cake, it's hard to overemphasize the simple joy that comes from this sweet confection. Whether you're into more traditional styles, whimsical creations, or even ice cream cakes, there's a tasty treat out there that will skyrocket you straight into sweet-tooth heaven.

Although you can certainly whip up a cake in the comfort of your own home, these bakery-shop classics are bound to satisfy even the most sophisticated sugary palates. No matter where you are in the United States, there's a bakery nearby serving up a mammoth slice of sweet, spiced, fruity, or chocolatey goodness topped with plenty of frosting. We've found the top spots in the country so you can start savoring your cake without delay. 

According to Portland Monthly, Ken's Artisan Bakery is the place to go in Portland, Oregon, for delicious authentic canelés. These addictive canelés have a near-cult following thanks to their balanced, nuanced flavor and the combination of a crispy shell and creamy interior. Ken's Artisan Bakery's canelés get their trademark taste from fine almond flour, a hint of citrus, rum, and premium vanilla, but the real secret to their success might just lie in how they're baked.

The bakery has its own set of special copper molds that are perfect for caramelizing the outside of each canelé. Every bite is a combination of sweet filling and crunchy, sugary crust. It's a simple confection that doesn't rely on any special tricks, unique ingredients, or whimsical presentations to satisfy. Instead, it's just an exceptional cake with artfully balanced flavors that goes well with a hot cup of coffee.

Bakery Nouveau's triple layer classic chocolate cake is the holy grail of chocolate cakes in Seattle, Washington. One of the first details you'll notice about this exceptional confection is its presentation. Caramel design graces the smooth chocolate glaze in a stunning design that's reminiscent of art deco style. The contrast between caramel and chocolate gives this layered chocolate cake an elegant flair, and that's just the beginning.

This cake is super moist and packed with tons of chocolaty flavor. You'll get your chocolate fix in various forms, from the cake itself to delicate and decadent layers of dark chocolate mousse. Top the whole thing off with a rich kiss of glaze, and you easily have one of the finest cakes on the planet. Bakery Nouveau has several locations in Seattle, so make sure that you stop by one of them to taste this epic treasure.

There are cream and fruit cakes, and then there's the guava passion chiffon cake from Liliha Bakery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Liliha Bakery specializes in marrying traditional tropical flavors with your favorite desserts, and the guava passion chiffon cake is certainly no exception to this rule. Guava has a slightly tart, distinct taste that pairs perfectly with sugary, chiffon white icing. Although this cake will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth, it's fairly light and won't leave you with that overly full feeling.

Striking the right balance between the familiar and the unexpected, this guava passion chiffon cake is airy, sweet, and beautiful to look at. Each one has a stunning, deeply colored design on the top that highlights the stark whiteness of the chiffon frosting, adding to the appealing presentation. For the closest thing to an island vacation on your plate, pick up one of these delicious cakes.

Poupart Bakery, Inc.'s King cake is a Lafayette, Louisiana, fan-favorite made out of either puff pastry or brioche, topped with colorful frosting, and hiding a few surprises tucked inside. What makes Poupart Bakery's traditional French King and Mardi Gras King cakes so absolutely delicious is the filling. The French King cake is full of thick, sweet almond icing and is reminiscent of the tastiest coffee cake that you've ever had.

The Mardi Gras King cake has a luscious filling too, with cream cheese, nuts, and chopped fruits. The balance of sweet filling with perfectly baked brioche makes this cake something that you'll want to have all year round. Plus, it's got vibrant yellow, green, and purple frosting and a plastic baby to pop inside the cake before serving it. Throw in some Mardi Gras beads, and you're ready to have a party.

Sugar Bakeshop's red velvet cake looks like something straight out of "Alice in Wonderland" thanks to tiny hearts decorating the exterior and a generous drizzle of white icing. Plus, it tastes pretty extraordinary too! Although you can get this cake in virtually any size, there's something adorably decadent about its miniature version. While the exterior of Sugar Bakeshop's red velvet cake might be pretty in pink, the interior has the classic red velvet flavor that cake aficionados love and expect.

The rich red velvet cake pairs perfectly with sweet buttercream icing and tastes amazing all by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It certainly makes Sugar Bakeshop one of the best places in Charleston, South Carolina, to get your sweet tooth fix. Try it onsite at the bakery, or take one home to share with your friends and family. Just make sure that you keep it refrigerated.

If you're one of those people that think that carrot cake is kind of boring, The Buttery ATL in Atlanta, Georgia, is here to prove you wrong. Here, carrot cake isn't an afterthought; it's the star of the show. This Southern bakery celebrates the nuance and flavor of the humble carrot with a dense four-layer cake that's full of spicy flavor and studded with small pieces of carrot. Topped with a thick layer of fresh cream cheese frosting, biting into this cake is a decadently satisfying experience that will rival just about any chocolate cake out there.

The Buttery ATL tops its creation with a flurry of carrot chips for a one-of-a-kind presentation. The deep orange color of the carrots and bright snow-white cream cheese frosting elevate this cake to another level. Trust us — this cake is the top menu item at The Buttery ATL.

The second bûche de Noël on our list comes from Janjou Pâtisserie, an exceptional bakery in Boise, Idaho, that specializes in French-inspired desserts. If you're looking for a bûche that will knock your guests' socks off next holiday season, this rich vanilla and caramel cake will do the trick nicely. It's got a fabulous design with snowy-white frosting and gold decorations. It's the kind of understated, elegant dessert that would work well at any gala or event, no matter how upscale it is. Inside, you'll find that traditional bûche swirl and plenty of decadent pure vanilla and caramel flavors.

Janjou Pâtisserie is a local gem with a fanbase throughout the state. Since it's in a strip mall, you have to really look to find it. Once you do, you will undoubtedly be coming back for more, especially around the holiday season.