Where to get a birthday cake?
Jessica asked via Twitter:
Where can I get a good, non-grocery store birthday cake? Bakery in Renss has let me down for the last time.
The first place that springs to mind is Crisan in Albany, which makes beautiful cakes, birthday or otherwise. Daniel and Jen have evidence.
But there are many places to get a birthday cake in the Capital Region. Got a favorite? Please share!
Earlier on AOA: A good local bakery for cookies?
photo: Flickr user Will Clayton
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Comments
I love Villa Italia in Schenectady! The carrot cake and chocolate mocha cake are particularly delicious!
... said cmm2581 on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:26 PM | link
Schuyler Bakery. We're not talking gourmet cakes here but they're tasty. Nice people too.
... said Eric Stott on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:41 PM | link
We always love the cakes from "Bake me a cake next door" in Delmar at the Four Corners. Expect lots of Buttercreamy goodness
http://www.cakesnextdoor.com/
... said Mike on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:42 PM | link
sweet temptations in loudonville
... said colleen on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:54 PM | link
Why not just make one? It doesn't even have to be from scratch -- a boxed mix with a can of frosting still tastes better than your usual grocery store bakery job.
That said, someone gave me one from the Bread Basket in Saratoga Springs once, and it was really awesome.
... said KB @ Home-Baked Happiness on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:58 PM | link
I'm not sure if you are looking for a kid's b-day cake, or an adult cake... (not that kind of adult cake!). For grown-up tastes, try the Chocolate Mousse Torte from Cardona's Market. It is unbelievably good.
... said Paul on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:03 PM | link
@KB
I could make my own cake, but this is for my birthday, and I would rather stimulate the economy a bit (I'm also lazy and just don't want to).
... said Jessica on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:09 PM | link
not sure if she's still making them, but I got a truly amazing cake for my niece's b'day from Cailey Cakes--can just do a search on FB for Cailey Cakes to see her work. At the very least, look at the pictures--the sushi cake was the one she made for me and was stunning. and delicious.
... said Rebecca on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:15 PM | link
We've used Zachary's on Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush, been very pleased. (So I hope that's not the one that let you down.)
http://www.zacharyspastryshoppe.com/
... said Carl on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:17 PM | link
Also: TEAM PIE!
... said Carl on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:17 PM | link
BellaNapoli in Troy or Latham.
... said Jessica R on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:18 PM | link
Not that it is needed, but another evidence of Crisan's cake goodness.
... said -S on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:37 PM | link
Cake Next Door in Delmar is great. They have done all of my family's cakes over the last two years (as well as the occasional cupcake). They are terrific!
... said CMTomaso on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:41 PM | link
1) I second Bella Napoli. Terrific cakes. I always prefer the whipped cream frosting to the buttercream, but they do great buttercream, too.
2) May I just take a moment to lament that since my birthday is in January I never get a Crisan cake? I certainly do not begrudge them their hard-earned vacation, but they should consider taking June off instead. Wah.
3) TEAM PIE!
... said meierrain on Jan 31, 2012 at 3:51 PM | link
Second the Villa Italia. Their cakes have always been wonderful and shine far more than their Italian cookie assortment.
... said Skye on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:14 PM | link
Get a birthday cheesecake:
http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2008/05/06/cheesecake-at-cheesecake-machismo
... said shannon on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:20 PM | link
Cocca Dotts. I go there for my wife's wedding cake every year.
... said Ryan on Jan 31, 2012 at 4:47 PM | link
I'm just going to further state the CRISANZOMFG comment stream. Imagine, if you will, one of those little mechanical monkeys with the cymbals sitting there saying "Crisan Crisan Crisan" ad nauseum. That is what goes on in my head when someone mentions cake. Or cookies. or work... I like my cookies and cake. :) I'm sure there are other places, but I do so love my crisan! Also, they opened TODAY! =D
... said Andy on Jan 31, 2012 at 5:04 PM | link
I am not a cake person, but after having cakes from Johnny Cakes, I am converted! John is a local guy who baked the cake from home. His cake is very moist, full of flavor, and loaded with tons of fillings. He has many types of cakes: pineapple cake (with fillings, not upside down), out-of-this-world carrot cake, cheesecakes, etc. The downside is the smallest cake he would make is 9" round or 1/4 sheet which is a lot of cake if you don't have many people to share with.
His phone number is 518-280-1588. Ask for John Yerdon. Unfortunately, no website.
... said CVAA on Jan 31, 2012 at 5:37 PM | link
I've had both Crisan's and Cocca Dotts.
Cocca dotts was really delicious and they make big sheet cakes - they did 2 for my grandmother's 100th birthday and they were both good.
However Crisan's is AMAZING!. If you're only having cake for a 1/2 doz. people I would go to Crisans, it's pricy but outstanding.
... said Kate H on Jan 31, 2012 at 5:45 PM | link
J.S. Watkins in Halfmoon did our wedding cakes and they were so delicious. I especially love their cannoli cake and their chocolate mousse cake. They've become my family's go-to bakery for special occasions.
... said Beck on Jan 31, 2012 at 6:23 PM | link
We just got a cake from Pie Squared in Averill Park for my daughter's birthday. It was very tasty, but more importantly, it was nut free! You do have to order in advance so they can make sure the kitchen has been scrubbed.
... said WendyG on Jan 31, 2012 at 7:33 PM | link
Cold Stone Creamery in Stuyvesant Plaza.
... said Rich on Jan 31, 2012 at 8:42 PM | link
X's and O's in Troy, especially the Orange Creamsicle cake. I'm not even vegan, and it's the best cake I've had around here. If you want to try before committing to a whole cake, you can go to the bakery and try a cupcake first.
... said rana on Jan 31, 2012 at 9:26 PM | link
@Beck: actually J&S Watkins is in Clifton Park, 1675 Route 9. They are easy to miss, unfortunately, tucked in that corner next to H&R Block. As much as I love my neighbor Crisan, I work a few blocks from J&S and we bought their cakes while the company was small enough to do birthday parties. If you want to go the chocolate route, give them a try, it's decadent.
... said -S on Feb 1, 2012 at 9:08 AM | link
the make me cake place in delmar--delicious and pretty
crisan--you cannot go wrong with them
emack and bolio's ice cream cake--always a big hit
if you want to go the ice cream route
... said Lulu on Feb 1, 2012 at 11:22 PM | link