Pastry chefs, like everyone else, celebrate birthdays, which often leads to cake-shopping dilemmas.
To avoid working on their special day, they need to find cakes that reflect their taste, artistry, and perhaps, a bit of whimsy.
For those navigating the cake landscape in Portland, two local pastry chefs share their insights on ordering the perfect birthday cake.
Gabriella Martinez, co-owner of Libre, and Siobhan Speirits from Cafe Olli, offer their perspectives on sourcing birthday cakes, especially in the wake of the surge in custom cake designs during the pandemic.
In the age of social media, custom cakes have become increasingly popular.
The trend of “cottage kitchens,” where bakers operate from home, has expanded the options available to cake enthusiasts.
Whether you lean towards the charm of a micro-bakery or prefer the ambiance of a storefront, it’s advisable to plan ahead.
With many bakers requiring at least two weeks’ notice for custom orders, early shopping is encouraged.
**The Cake Batch** is a standout option that specializes in custom orders.
Under the skilled hands of Helen Hồng Nguyễn, this home kitchen operation can create anything from a lifelike Cup Noodles cake to intricate designs inspired by Vietnamese culture.
Martinez emphasizes that Nguyễn can craft anything for anyone, whether it be a beloved character or an iconic brand symbol.
Using unique ingredients from Southeast Asia, the cakes often feature flavors like ube velvet paired with berry compote.
Starting at $150, these custom-made cakes can be ordered via email with a minimum of two weeks’ notice, with delivery options available for an additional fee.
Next on the list is **DB Dessert Company**, known for its impressively tall cakes.
Situated on NE Alberta, these cakes can serve up to two dozen guests, a considerable serving size compared to the standard.
Martinez notes that not only are the cakes towering, but they are also incredibly flavorful, thanks to the efforts of owner Damala Badon.
The cozy store features pastel decor and a selection of minicakes and cupcakes, as well as an array of signature recipes, including unicorn cakes and double chocolate options.
Custom orders are welcome with two weeks’ notice, but for those in a hurry, a quick visit or online order allows access to their ready-made favorites.
If convenience is what you seek, **Nothing Bundt Cakes** has you covered.
With multiple locations including Vancouver, this national chain offers a reliable selection of classic cakes starting at $31.
Speirits affectionately refers to it as the “slutty grocery store cake,” emphasizing its accessibility and familiar flavors.
Customers can order cakes online for pickup or delivery, personalizing them with fun decorations like pom-poms or dinosaurs if desired.
Speirits, who has never experienced disappointment with one of these cakes, appreciates their consistent quality and straightforward offerings.
Meanwhile, **TumTum** is another local favorite, cherished for its stunning and delicious garden cakes made by husband-and-wife duo Tessa and Trevor Webb.
Speirits reveals her birthday cake choice in years past has been TumTum’s chocolate layer cake, which consistently impresses diners at Cafe Olli.
The gardens that Tessa Webb cultivates not only provide inspiration but also ingredients like apples, berries, and herbs that elevate the flavor and beauty of the cakes.
Depending on size and style, TumTum cakes begin at $70 for a four-inch cake and can go up to $145 for a larger twelve-inch version.
With a range of sponge flavors and unique fillings, such as blood orange jam and roasted rosemary pear, these creations prompt customers to place orders two weeks in advance via an online form.
Lastly, **Worker B Bakery** deserves a mention for its focus on personalized cakes that balance flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Sabrina Wassmer, a pastry cook at Libre, crafts custom cakes to represent individual tastes and preferences.
Incorporating elements of her Filipina heritage, she offers flavors like ube and tres leches, alongside themed designs that inspire creativity in celebrations.
Cakes from Worker B Bakery range from $75 to $110 based on size and complexity, with delivery available for an extra fee.
In addition to cake, fans should also check out her unique offerings like ube crumble cookies and pandan-coconut macaroons.
In conclusion, the quest for a perfect birthday cake in Portland is met with a variety of options, each offering something unique and delicious.
Whether you opt for the artistic expertise of a cottage kitchen or the reliable charm of a storefront bakery, the vibrant cake scene promises a delightful experience for any celebration.
image source from：https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/best-birthday-cakes-bakeries-portland
