Sweet Relief
See an over-the-top gorgeous cake in Calgary? There's a good chance Sweet Relief made it, and it tastes as good as it looks.
8318 Fairmount Dr SE · Map for Sweet Relief
Cakes and Pies
For the birthday, the bridal shower or the dinner party where you want to walk in with something that makes people gasp. Order custom cakes at least a week ahead, two for anything elaborate.
Decadent Brulee
Elaborate cakes and tortes for every occasion, with a focus on events and holiday baking. The spot for a show-stopping gift.
Crave Cupcakes
The place in Calgary for cupcakes, plus beautiful cakes and cookies for any special occasion.
Pie Junkie
It's hard to describe how perfect these pies are. Flaky, buttery crusts baked fresh daily, and better than any other pie I've tasted. Every flavour you can think of, including savoury meat pies. I can't say strongly enough how much you need to go.
Must try: Key Lime, the Quiche.
Pretty Sweet Bakeshop
Stunning custom cakes that taste as good as they look, with a vegan chocolate option, plus cookies, cupcakes and filled doughnuts in flavours like churro, s'mores and sour cherry.
Must try: A custom cake, the Odds and Ends Cake Cups, a box of mixed doughnuts.
Pro tip: Closed Mondays, and it closes mid-afternoon, so plan pickups early.
536 42 Ave SE · Map for Pretty Sweet Bakeshop
WOW Bakery & Café
Light, Asian-style cream cakes by the slice or whole, in a bright café that's open until 8 every night.
Must try: The Strawberry Cream Cake, Tiramisu, Red Velvet, a Strawberry Matcha.
2002 34 Ave SW, plus Macleod Trail · Map for WOW Bakery & Café
Bake My Day
The cake studio for weddings and milestone birthdays. Tamara and her team turn an inspiration photo into something almost too pretty to cut, and the cake underneath is moist, not too sweet and full of flavour. Think lemon blueberry with lemon custard, or two custom flavours across three tiers. Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan cakes are all on the table, and they'll even do one tier gluten free and one regular.
Pro tip: It's a custom-order studio, not a walk-in shop. For a wedding, book the tasting package. They'll even help you plan a cookie table.
1109 8 St SE · Map for Bake My Day
Gluten free
Misoan Cake
A completely gluten-free cake shop with Korean-inspired cakes that are light, fluffy and not too sweet. People are genuinely surprised they're gluten free. A six-inch cake easily feeds eight.
Must try: The Strawberry Cake, Black Sesame, Earl Grey, Matcha, and the Pumpkin Honey Bread.
Pro tip: Open Wednesday to Sunday. Dairy-free and vegan options too, and the seasonal cakes (like the Santa cake at Christmas) go fast.
1508 14 St SW · Map for Misoan Cake
MarshaSophia
A 100% gluten-free bakery with grain-free, vegan and dairy-free options, fair prices and an owner who makes every visit feel like a party. Custom cakes for every kind of diet, and the madeleines are a must.
Must try: The Madeleines, the savoury buns, a custom Double Vanilla or Lemon cake.
Pro tip: Ask for a taster. She offers them, and it's the best way to choose.
1081 2 Ave NW · Map for MarshaSophia
Custom cakes
Small studios that make one-of-a-kind cakes to order. Send an inspiration photo and give them at least a week or two.
Mikee's Cake Studio
Mikee makes every cake feel personal, from milestone cakes for a baby's first year to themed birthday cakes, and she can do part of an order gluten free. The flavours hold up to the design.
Must try: The Cookies and Cream, and her Dubai Chewy Balls.
Pro tip: Pickups Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6. Order through Instagram, @mikeescakestudio.
4523 75 St NW · Map for Mikee's Cake Studio
8 Cakes Bake Shoppe
A pretty little shop for custom cakes, with a counter of treats and lattes for walk-ins and cake-decorating sessions you can book with friends.
Must try: The Dubai Chocolate, Cakecicles, Brookies, a Cinnabun Latte.
Pro tip: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 5. Seating is limited when a decorating class is on. @8cakesyyc
529 Riverfront Ave SE · Map for 8 Cakes Bake Shoppe
Delectables by Emman
Statement cakes with real drama: lush vintage piping, fresh orchids and lilies, cherries on top, and deep reds that photograph beautifully. The birthday cake that becomes the centrepiece.
Pro tip: Order through the quote form linked on Instagram, @dbecakesyyc, at least seven days ahead.
Cakes by Jen
Cakes with a vintage twist, from a licensed home bakery just east of the city. Jen specializes in custom wedding and event cakes, and her work has been featured in Rocky Mountain Bride.
Pro tip: DM or email through Instagram, @cakesbyjenyyc. Check her availability highlight before you ask about a date.
Also see: Glamorgan and Ola Luna on the Bakeries page both do beautiful custom birthday cakes.