In New Orleans, we’re always finding some reason to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just another Wednesday. And, there’s no better way to mark the occasion and satisfy your sweet tooth than with some cake! Between traditional treats, local delicacies, and everything in between, let us guide you on your cake-tasting journey through the Crescent City.
Doberge Cake
One of the greatest confections to come from New Orleans is the doberge cake. Based on the Hungarian Dobos torte, this local delight made of multiple thin layers of buttermilk cake with flavored custard—traditionally chocolate or lemon—between each. Finally, the cake is fully frosted in buttercream icing and, usually, smothered in ganache.
Gambino’s
4821 Veterans Blvd.o bought the doberge name, recipe, and bake shop from the creator, Beulah Levy Ledner, in 1946 and re-branded the shop as his own three years later. Since then, he has been selling the dessert from his bakery year-round in the traditional chocolate and lemon flavors. Can’t decide which one sounds more delicious or just want to try them both? Try a half and half cake or a mini doberge square. Order in advance, or walk in and take one home.
Bakery Bar
Debbie Does Doberge is a doberge cakery located inside of Bakery Bar. You can order a cake in advance or stop in for a slice from their cake case. This more modern take on doberge includes a variety of flavors and color combinations such as fun-fete, strawberry, thin mint, peanut butter cup, and cream cheese. You can of course get a traditional flavor as well.
Maurice's French Pastries
At age 87, after a nearly 50-year baking career, doberge creator Buelah Ledner sold her second bakery in Metairie to Maurice Ravet in 1981. Since then, this bakery sells the cake with a variety of flavored custards: chocolate, lemon, strawberry, vanilla, caramel, Irish cream, amaretto, and praline. You can choose a different cake flavor at Maurice’s as well.
Chocolate Cake
It’s a classic, but sometimes that’s all you want. These local bakeries take chocolate cake to another level of delicious.
Heavenly Sweets Bakery
Whether you want a chocolate cake for a special occasion or to satisfy a sweet tooth, Heavenly Sweets will not disappoint. Their decadent chocolate cake is a must-try the next time you’re looking for a special treat.
Breads On Oak
This all-vegan bakery offers Chocolate Samoa Cake— a two-layer chocolate cake with caramel, toasted pecans, and coconut. Don’t be deterred by its vegan label, this organic, plant-based dessert is delicious. Visit their original location on vibrant Oak Street or Downtown in the CBD.
Laurel Street Bakery
With 24-hour notice, Laurel Street Bakery can whip up a few different chocolate cake options. All cakes are nine-inch round, two layer cakes. Choose from devil’s food, chocolate covered strawberry, chocolate raspberry, or chocolate mousse cake.
Berry Chantilly Cake
If you like fruit with your dessert, berry Chantilly cake is the perfect combination of sweetness and sophistication. Layers of vanilla or almond cake have creamy almond and mascarpone Chantilly frosting with fresh berries mixed in.
Bywater Bakery
Bywater Bakery has turned heads with their treats since they opened in 2017. They have three different Chantilly cakes to choose from: berry Chantilly, lemon Chantilly and chocolate-strawberry Chantilly. Their Chantilly cream has become one of the bakery’s signature creations. Also be sure to try out their Chantilly Cream King Cake come Carnival–it’s divine.
Bittersweet Confections
This Warehouse District shop is steps away from many of the bustling attractions and restaurants in the area. The traditional Chantilly cake is great to commemorate nuptials, an anniversary, or any occasion. Many of Bittersweet’s cakes come in cupcake version, too.
Whole Foods
Yes, it is a chain, but they make one of the best berry Chantilly cakes out there. You can often pick one up from the pastry case, or order a larger one in advance. The New Orleans stores offer a berry Chantilly king cake as well, which is just as delicious. Located Uptown near Audubon Park, in Mid-City, and in Metairie.
Almond Wedding Cake
Whether you’re getting married or just want a slice of wedding cake, almond cake is hard to pass up. Almond is the traditional wedding cake flavor in the South, and as one of the top wedding destinations in the country, New Orleans has perfected the delicacy. There is no shortage of top-tier almond cakes in New Orleans, but the following bakeries make some of our favorites.
Haydel’s Bakery
The Haydel family has been crafting some of the best desserts in New Orleans for three generations, and, under owner and internationally certified Master Baker David Haydel Sr., have won numerous local, national, and international awards and accolades. Of all their delicious options, it’s their wedding cakes that have won the most acclaim, and after a bite, it’s very easy to see why.
Swiss Confectionery
Swiss has been creating delicious cakes—especially beautiful wedding cakes—since 1921. The same family has owned the restaurant from the beginning, so their secret recipe for almond cake remains true to its roots. Located at the “Docks” in the American Can Apartments in Mid-City.
Cupcakes
The perfect way to taste many flavors at once or to have a miniature cake all for yourself.
CupCake Fairies
Nestled on Bayou Road, CupCake Fairies offers great afternoon snacks and birthday party pleasers. Even better—they deliver! Enjoy layers of your favorite flavor from the rotating menu in a variety of sizes.
The Cupcake Collection
These homemade cupcakes originated from a family kitchen in Nashville, Tenn., where lines wrapped around the block to snag one (or a box if you were lucky). A second location opened in the New Orleans Garden District in 2018 and showcases various traditional flavors. Their sweet potato cupcake has become a fan favorite.
Sweet Life Bakery
After a taste of these delicious homemade cupcakes and see for yourself why it’s their most ordered item. From Bananas Foster cheesecake to confetti, you really can’t go wrong. Order one, two, or a dozen.
King Cakes
Nothing says delicious dessert (or breakfast) to locals like king cake. King cakes are a treat you can typically only find during carnival in New Orleans, which begins on January 6 and typically lasts through February. The window is short, so don’t miss your chance to have a taste. Try these favorites, or get fully immersed in all things king cake with our Ultimate King Cake Guide.
Dong Phuong Bakery
Dong Phoung has gained several accolades over the years for their king cakes, including a James Beard Award. This Vietnamese bakery attracts lines of people each carnival season hoping to snag one of their seasonal treats. While this cake is certainly worth the drive, the bakery often ships limited quantities to stores more directly in the metro area.
Manny Randazzo’s
Specializing in king cake and only king cake, Randazzo’s is open from mid-December through Mardi Gras Day. Jump in line or order online (they offer overnight delivery) for a beloved taste of New Orleans carnival. Heads up—the shop closes once they sell out each day.
Adrian’s Bakery
At this Gentilly neighborhood bakery, you can get a taste of king cake year-round. Their light, fluffy, and sweet cake is offered with a variety of fillings and doused with purple, green, and gold sugar.
Antoine’s Famous Cakes
Antoine’s is home of the Queen cake—a twist on the original king cake that features five fillings: apple, cream cheese, strawberry, pineapple, and lemon. It’s also one of our favorite bakeries to snag a good ol’ fashion traditional king cake. If you’re looking for a custom cake for a special occasion, they also offer their ‘cold cakes’ exclusively outside of the Mardi Gras season.