Best Cakes in Union Square: Top Picks for Every Occasion

Nestled in the heart of Union Square, Manhattan, lies a treasure trove of delightful bakeries and cafes, each offering a unique twist on the classic cake. If you're on the hunt for the best cake in Union Square, you've come to the right place. We've scoured the neighborhood to bring you a comprehensive guide to the tastiest treats you simply must try.

Maman

Kicking off our list is Maman, a charming French-inspired bakery that's a local favorite. Their signature cake, the Chocolate Maman Cake, is a decadent delight that combines rich chocolate mousse, crunchy praline, and a hint of sea salt. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and a must-try for any chocolate lover.

Magnolia Bakery

No list of the best cakes in Union Square would be complete without mentioning Magnolia Bakery. This iconic New York institution is famous for its cupcakes, but their layer cakes are equally impressive. The Vanilla Vanilla is a crowd-pleaser, with its velvety vanilla buttercream and moist vanilla cake. For something a little different, try the Red Velvet, which is as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.

Pro Tip: Beat the lines by placing an order online in advance.

City Cakes

City Cakes is a Union Square staple, known for its creative and delicious cakes. Their signature cake, the Chocolate Peanut Butter, is a showstopper. The cake itself is a rich chocolate cake, but it's the peanut butter mousse and chocolate ganache that really steal the show. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of their seasonal flavors, like the Lavender Honey or the Salted Caramel.

Buttercup Bake Shop

For a taste of old-school New York, head to Buttercup Bake Shop. This retro-inspired bakery serves up classic American cakes, like the Black and White and the Funfetti. But it's their Carrot Cake that really stands out. Moist and spiced, it's topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that's as light as it is creamy.

Best of the Rest

While the above bakeries are our top picks, Union Square is home to many other fantastic cake destinations. Here are a few more worth checking out:

• Lady M: Known for their delicate and beautiful Mille Crêpes cake, which is made up of 20 layers of paper-thin crêpes and pastry cream.
• Billy's Bakery: A cozy spot that serves up classic American cakes, like the Coconut Layer Cake and the Banana Split Cake.
• One Girl Cookies: This Brooklyn-based bakery has a Union Square outpost and is famous for its unique and delicious cookies. But their cakes, like the Chocolate Raspberry and the Lemon Meringue, are equally impressive.

Union Square Cake Crawl

Why choose just one cake when you can have them all? Gather some friends and embark on a Union Square cake crawl. Here's a suggested route:

Happy cake hunting! Remember, with great cake comes great responsibility - don't forget to share with your friends (or not, we won't judge).