The 15 Best Cakes In Sydney

The first thing to know before attempting to narrow down the best cakes in Sydney is that it’s a never-ending task.

It requires a Herculean effort to do it justice, and its a continuous journey. It’s a tough job, but hey, someone’s got to do it…

The 15 cakes listed here might represent the best of the best, but each bakery has at least three other cakes you should get your mouth around. And that’s not including all the other cake shops that didn’t quite make the cut.

Even if you do have the time and fortitude to work through this list, by the time you get to the end, there will be even more fabulous sweet creations that need to be sampled. The cycle starts again.

It’s kind of like painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just a lot more fun.

But what’s life without a challenge? These 15 cakes are so deliciously diverse that you should relish the opportunity to try them all.

We have cakes for birthday parties, wedding receptions, lazy afternoons and guilty pleasures. Get your fork ready, accept that there will be additional calorie intake and start a fabulous culinary adventure.

Watermelon Cake - Black Star Pastry - Best Cakes in Sydney

Strawberry Watermelon Cake At Black Star Pastry

Location: 1/ 325 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 9557 8656 Check the website for further locations.

The strawberry watermelon cake by Black Star Pastry is apparently the most instagrammed cake in the world, and it really is gorgeous.

But this isn’t one of those crazy cake designs that’s so beautiful you don’t want to take a bite, and it certainly isn’t a case of style over substance. The strawberry watermelon cake is for eating, and it tastes even better than it looks.

For a dedicated review of Black Star Pastry, click here.

Each layer of the Strawberry Watermelon cake is deliciously soft, unleashing a fresh burst of flavour in every bite. With rose and pistachio adding a subtle floral note, this is a cake that tastes like love.

See above for photo.

Paperbark Dacquoise At Hearthe by Christopher The

Location: 16 Douglas St, Stanmore, NSW 2048 Ph: 0401 680 393

Now you may or may not know that Black Star Pastry was the baby of brilliant pastry chef, Christopher The. And when he sold the business in 2019, cake-lovers all over the country waited and hoped that he would pop up somewhere new with his exquisite baked treats.

Well, thankfully, he has. At Hearth Cake Shop & Cafe in Stanmore. Hooray!

Even better, in this incarnation, the supremely talented Chef The is incorporating the fabulous flavours of Native Australian Ingredients into his magical bakes.

The Rosella Angel Cake features 2-tone meringue, the zip of finger lime and is impossibly light. Whilst the Geraldton Wax Cheesecake has a goats’ curd cheese layer atop a strawberry gum biscuit, all crowned with Geraldton wax jelly bubbles.

But for us, the ace in a very strong pack is the magical Paperbark Dacquoise. Here, textural filo pastry takes on the qualities of paperbark in the most Australian take on a baklava that you are ever likely to try. Sublime!

For more wonderful cafes – plus some great restaurants and more than one excellent bar – see our article on the Best Restaurants in Barangaroo

Lemon Drizzle Cake At Flour And Stone

Location: 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Ph: (02) 8068 8818

If the words “lemon drizzle cake at Flour and Stone” don’t get your mouth watering, then you’ve obviously never had the pleasure of trying it. The deceptively simple looking cake packs a punch of flavor, combining tangy lemon with sweet sugar syrup.

Baking cakes is so much easier if you have the right equipment. And these days, an appliance like a Stand mixer doesn’t have to cost the earth. Click here for more information and prices.

Using almond and flour to give the cake a dense texture that feels like fudge, this cake elevates an afternoon tea break into an occasion.

Ruby’s Cake At Lorraine’s Pâtisserie

Location: Inside the Ivy Precinct, Shop 5, Palings Lane, 320 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9254 8009

Orange, hazelnut, and vanilla come together to create Ruby’s Cake, the stand-out creation at Lorraine’s Pâtisserie. With cinnamon meringue for decoration, the winter flavorings of this delicate cake are perfect for a cold day or a holiday party.

If you’re at Lorraine’s, make sure to grab yourself a slice of tart to go. The lemon tart is just the right balance of sharp and sweet, but the date tart is the unexpected star.

And whilst you’re in the city, why not check out one of our Best Steaks in Sydney?

Sri Lankan Love Cake At The Fold

Location: 402 New Canterbury Rd, Dulwich Hill, NSW 2203 Ph: (02) 8068 2226

A family run business, The Fold serves Sri Lankan classic dishes, and cakes to sink your teeth into. Their love cake is the perfect way to show someone you’re interested, because it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with a slice of this sweet and spicy dessert.

Made with roasted semolina and cashews, there’s a nutty undertone to this family-recipe cake that’s impossible to find anywhere else. 

Flourless Chocolate Cake At Mrs Jones The Baker

Location: SHOP 14/1-3 Moore Ln, Freshwater, NSW 2096 Ph: (02) 9939 1736 Also at: 65 Prince Charles Rd, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2066 Ph: (02) 9939 1736

The wide windows of Mrs Jones the Baker call for you to press your face against the glass and gaze on the pastries within. Once you’ve managed to tear your eyes away and actually make it to the counter, be sure to order the flourless chocolate cake.

It’s one of the richest desserts Sydney has to offer, and you’ll feel like royalty as the dark flavors melt in your mouth.

Signature Cake At Cherry Moon General Store

Location: 77 Nelson St, Annandale, NSW 2038

Cherry Moon uses an old-fashioned wood burning oven to add an undertone of smoke and cinder to all their bakes. The Signature Cake sandwiches layers of citrus cream between moist butter cake, for a basic flavoring that tastes so much more than the sum of its parts.

Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, the Signature Cake proves you don’t need complexity to create something unforgettable.

If you find yourself over the water in North Sydney, catch dinner at one of these restaurants.

‘Jasper’ Cake By Andy Bowdy Pastry

Location: 178 Enmore Rd, Enmore, NSW 2042 Ph: (02) 9550 6386

Eating the ‘Jasper’ cake by Andy Bowdy feels a delightful mix of incredibly mature and devilishly childish. Using Maltesers, fudge, and cookie crumbs on a chocolate fudge cake base, it tastes like all your childhood dreams come together.

Toast meringues, caramelise creme brulees and sear steaks with a Kitchen Blow Torch. Easy to use, these gadgets add a professional finish to so many dishes! Click here for more information and prices.

But Andy Bowdy makes cakes that are so fantastically finished, they look like artworks. Buy any of the named cakes for a party, and you’re sure to impress.

The bad news is, these giant cakes contain a lot of mousse, so you have to eat them quickly. A real tragedy, we know. 

Chocolate Coffee Mocha Cake At Textbook Boulangerie Pâtisserie

Location: 274 Botany Rd, Alexandria, NSW 2015 Ph: (02) 9699 6156

A brownie base, smoked chocolate mousse, and a coffee cremeux is all that’s needed to create a cake so decadently delicious you’ll dream of it for weeks to come.

Textbook Pâtisserie have created something unforgettable with their Chocolate Coffee Mocha cake. Serve during a romantic evening meal, or a grown-up birthday party.

If you still have room left after all that cake, and even if you don’t, make sure to pick up some croissants while you’re here. If the cakes at Textbook are fantastic, the croissants are in a whole new world of good.

From (or visiting) Melbourne? You must read our guide to the best Cake Delivery, Eat-in & Takeaway Services and the best Places & Eateries for Desserts.

Editor’s Note: We have heard that Textbook Boulangerie Patisserie has closed. We will let you know if we learn more.

Baked Ricotta Cake At Pasticceria Papa

Location: 145 Ramsay St, Haberfield, NSW 2045 Ph: (02) 9799 9531 Check the website for further locations.

Pasticceria Papa has been serving Sydney’s favorite baked ricotta cake for over 30 years, so if you haven’t tried it yet, what’s stopping you? You won’t find anything like it anywhere else, because the traditional recipe is a closely guarded secret.

Light and fluffy, with that gorgeous ricotta center, Pasticceria Papa has created a cheesecake with a difference. Get the Nutella version if you think all cakes need chocolate, and enjoy alongside a strong Italian espresso.

It tastes homemade (if your home is in a quality Italian bakery).

With it’s large Italian demographic, there are some excellent pizza and pasta joints in Haberfield. And for more of the Best Pizza Places in Sydney, see here.

Spelt, Zucchini, And Walnut Cake At Brickfields Bakery

Location: 206 Cleveland St, Chippendale, NSW 2008 Ph: (02) 9698 7880 Also at: 2 Sydney St, Marrickville, NSW 2204 Ph: (02) 9698 7880

Spelt, zucchini, and walnut could easily be the recipe for a cake disaster, but the talented bakers at Brickfields have instead made something really special. Moist, with an incredible flavor depth, it’s a cake that tastes sophisticated and fun.

Ideal for the person in your life who likes something a little bit different. Try the lemon chiffon if you’re really looking to impress.

Brickfields have created a name for themselves in the Sydney cake scene, partly because they supply many cafés. If you’ve ever tasted a croissant that melts in your mouth, there’s a good chance it came from Brickfields.

The OG Lamington At Tokyo Lamington

Location: 277 Australia St, Newtown, NSW 2042 Ph: 0404 662 397

There are some pretty fancy – and delicious – variations of the lamington at this cute little bakery. And whilst the child in us skips at the promise of a Fairy Bread Popcorn Lamington or a Golden Gaytime Lamington, it’s hard to go past the OG.

For a full and detailed review of Tokyo Lamington, see here.

At Tokyo Lamington the Original Lamington proves that some treats span generations for a reason. It’s a winning combination of light as a feather Classic Sponge, generously filled with Raspberry Jam and Vanilla Cream, then drenched in cocoa-rich chocolate sauce and dusted with Roasted Coconut.

Whether it was actually the Aussies who invented this more-ish cake or our close neighbours, who cares? Just give praise that someone did and that Tokyo Lamington was born.

Tokyo Lamington - Box

The Monet Cake At La Renaissance

Location: 47 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9241 4878 Also at: 197 Young St, Waterloo, NSW 2017 Ph: (02) 9241 4878

Monet was known for creating masterpieces, and that’s what they’ve done at La Renaissance with their Monet cake. Combining white chocolate, almond, lychee, vanilla, coconut, and raspberries, it’s the perfect dessert for a summer celebration.

The texture is unbelievably soft, and the fresh flavorings are all perfectly balanced.

Do yourself a favor, and add a box of macarons to the order. They match the delicacy of the cake, and are some of the best in Sydney.

Galaxy Mousse Cake At Dulcet Cakes & Sweets

Location: TG4, 8 Quay St, Haymarket, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8068 5811 Check website for further locations

Dulcet is known for pushing the limits of cake, and inventing new and exciting sweets along the way. Their Galaxy Mousse cake is out of this world good, combining rich dark chocolate, sour cherry confit, and fragrant jasmine mousse. And it looks as pretty as a picture.

The other star of the show at Dulcet is any one of their layered crêpe cakes (particularly the mango). It’s loaded with so much cream you think it’s going to be too much, but soft and sweet crêpes provide the perfect balance.

Carrot And Walnut Cake At Bourke Street Bakery

Location: 6333 Bourke St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Ph: (02) 9699 1011 Check website for further locations

There are some out there who’ll try and convince you that carrot cake isn’t one of the best cakes around. Yes, it contains a vegetable, but that just means that as you serve yourself an extra large slice, you can pretend you’re being healthy.

Now we all have that one family member or mate that is a total nightmare to buy presents for. Take a look at our Gift Ideas and see if we can provide some inspiration

The best thing about Bourke Street Bakery (other than the cake) is how many locations there are. If there’s a queue at one, just hop on an Uber and head to another. It’s worth it for a slice of their delicately spiced carrot cake.

Love to bake, but struggle with the icing? See our Perfect Buttercream Recipe for some tips.

Chocolate Kuglouf At Wellington Cake Shop

Location: 157 Bondi Rd, Bondi, NSW 2026 Ph: (02) 9389 4555

“What is a kuglouf?” you might ask. The best way to find out is to take a trip to Wellington Cake Shop, where the European dessert is celebrated. Their kuglouf is undoubtedly the best in Australia.

So you know what to look for when you head in, kuglouf is traditionally baked in a bundt cake tin, and the Wellington Cake Shop adds chocolate into the mix. It’s known for having mysterious calming properties, and the ability to cheer anyone up.

If you’re looking for a cake to enjoy with a mid-morning coffee break, or an afternoon responsibility break, look no further. 

Mango Yuzu Celebration Cake At KOI Dessert Bar

Location: 6 Central Park Ave, Chippendale, NSW 2008 Ph: (02) 9182 0976

Green isn’t a color traditionally associated with the cake, but the Mango Yuzu Cake at KOI Dessert Bar is trying to change that.

The bright green decoration invokes memories of summer, which is perfect for this dessert that balances light flavors and textures with the joyful tastes of summer fruits.

Another one to try is the Strawberry Lychee Cake, decorated in a bright pink almost as dazzling as the flavor.

A family-owned business, the Poernomo brothers opened KOI in honour of their mother, who inspired them to bake. Fans of MasterChef flock to the dessert bar — brothers Reynold and Arnold Poernomo have both appeared on iterations of the show.

Malaysian Kuih At Cafe Rumah

Location: 71/73 Campbell St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

A selection of traditional Malay kuih sweet dessert cakes

For something a little different, venture into Surry Hills and experience the Malaysian sweet treat desserts, know as Kuih.

Cafe Rumah is a gem of a cafe: inventive, eclectic and unusual. Indeed, the owners say “think of us as an Asian-inspired Deli“. The cafe’s south-east Asian influence is obvious, and comes from childhoods spent in kitchens in Malaysia and Singapore.

Malay Kuih is a sweet cake-like dessert that comes in various shapes and sizes, but always bite-sized, colourful and as pleasing to the eye as the mouth.

Kuih plays a very important part in Malaysian cuisine, and the kuihs produced by Cafe Rumah are top drawer. Buy an assorted box of kuih and take them home to the family. They are marvellously sweet, colourful and exotic, and a real conversation starter.

Editor’s note: We have been informed that Cafe Rumah has temporarily closed, but there is now a pop-up shop at Chatswood Train Station (in front of the BWS) selling Kuih Boxes, Pandan Layer Cakes, Kuih Lapis, Kuih Dadar, Kuih Talam and Kuih Salat.

Dylan Cole
Latest posts by Dylan Cole (see all)