It’s a fairly safe assumption that the majority of people in this world enjoy cake. That’s the reason just about every occasion is celebrated with it, right? I personally think that anytime is an acceptable time to eat cake (no need for a special occasion). I just think of a reason to tell myself, I deserve this.
(I usually don’t share that reason with others, however.)
And while I’m all for treating myself to something sweet, I usually don’t feel like putting in the time and effort to bake and frost those tasty creations.
So, if you’re like me and don’t feel like baking or waiting until the next family gathering, you go out into the wild world of Minneapolis/St. Paul to find them. Here are a few of the very best:
Nadia Cakes
Two locations, in Maple Grove and Woodbury, offer award-winning cupcakes and specialize in all things “cake.” Whether you need something customized for a wedding, birthday, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake shop and custom cake studio is the place to get it done. They even host workshops where you can learn some of their techniques, regardless of your baking experience.
Pro tip: Make sure you try their Triple Berry Cheesecake cupcake – it did win them the title on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, after all.
Angel Food Bakery & Donut Bar
As if their name didn’t sound delightful already, this place known as “heaven” makes cupcakes, cookies, donuts and other sweets all from scratch. If you’re interested in how they do it, you can watch the whole operation, from kneading, to mixing, to baking, to tasting unfold right in front of you. Grab a seat and watch the magic before making your choice. Try not to drool (though they won’t charge you extra).
Nothing Bundt Cakes
I truly appreciate this place. Why? Selfish reasons, really: I’ll never again have to face the difficulties of baking a bundt cake myself. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I always struggle with making bundt cakes – either I cook them too long, or I don’t cook them long enough. Thankfully, the ladies behind this growing brand have perfected what I can’t: Their cakes are amazing and melt in your mouth every time.
A Cupcake Social
This shabby-chic bakery and tea room offers mouthwatering cupcakes, with vegan and gluten free options as well: No dietary restrictions will keep you from dessert. They are also the go-to place for any cupcake catering for event that calls for something sweeter. Oh, and to make it even easier to get your hands on (mouth around) one of these treats, they have a cupcake truck as well.
And it’s not the only sweet truck driving Twin Cities streets: Did you know the Twin Cities have a raw cookie dough food truck?
Salty Tart
Conveniently located in South Minneapolis’ Midtown Global Market, this bakery is the perfect place to stop after a day of shopping. They make all sorts of pastries, along with macaroons, croissants, and custom dessert creations like cakes/cupcakes. With so many choices, you may want to try them all.
A second (and much larger) location, in Lowertown, St. Paul’s new Market House Collaborative, opened December 1 with more comprehensive menu that includes breakfast and lunch items, as well as fresh breads and the usual suspect sweets.
Read our review here: Salty Tart is exactly what Market House was missing
The Copper Hen
No need to hunt down a cake shop for dessert after enjoying a great meal: This farmhouse-chic place has you covered for both. Mason jar cakes, alcoholic cakes (made with plenty of liqueur that will have you wondering whether its better to Uber back to the office after lunch…), and cupcakes along with plenty of other non-cake dessert options means you can indulge with something a little extra without wasting any extra time.
Pro tip: Take your sweets to-go, and grab something extra for the office to be a co-worker king/queen for the day.
