Editor’s Note: For more birthday ideas and resources in New York, check out “Pick Your Party” and “Enchanting Entertainers.”
What would a birthday party be without a scrumptious cake? Luckily for birthday kiddos, NYC is home to some of the coolest cake options out there. In this city, you really can have your cake and eat it too (and in any flavor and at any budget!).
Billy’s Bakery: Curious George, Eloise or any of your child’s favorite characters can be illustrated on these cakes. Billy’s has locations in Chelsea, Tribeca, and at the Plaza. Cakes (20-30 servings) $115. billysbakerynyc.com
Cakes ‘n Shapes: Get a creative free-form cake or a photo cake with your favorite image scanned in edible frosting. All cakes are made in a peanut-free studio. Cakes (20 servings) start at $160. cakesnshapes.com
City Cakes: Specializing in creative fondant, these “works of art” include everything from elegant cakes to playful designs. Cakes (25 servings) start at $75. citycakesny.com
Francesca Cake: Colorful themes decorate delicious one- or two-tiered cakes. Cakes (20 servings) $85-$140. francescacake.com
Make My Cake: If your child loves Barbie, Sponge Bob, or Elmo, Make My Cake offers dozens of theme cakes—or they can create your own custom design. Cakes (20-30 servings), start at $55. makemycake.com
Momofuku Milk Bar: Innovative flavors like dulce de leche, mint cookies ‘n cream, or pretzel cake (with burnt honey frosting and pretzel crumbs!) will delight “foodies,” though their classic birthday cake flavor is rainbow cake crumble. Cake (20-30 servings) $90. milkbarstore.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes: Everyone loves cupcakes. For something different, surprise your guests with a tower of cupcakes at your little one’s birthday. Tower of cupcakes (24 servings) $95. sprinkles.com
