I’m known for donuts, but if I’m honest, cake is my true favorite dessert. It always has been. There’s something unbeatable about the balance of cake and frosting in every bite. Cupcakes have their place, but cake—real cake—is where I belong. To settle a friendly office debate, I made the team join me on a hunt for the best cake slices and mini cakes in Los Angeles. Yes, I’m a tough boss, but someone had to taste-test.
We searched the city for the highest-rated cake spots and tracked down our personal favorites. Every place on this list offers slices or mini cakes, so you can taste more than one without going overboard. Here are the results of our delicious expedition.
Republique
Republique is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Beyond the dining room, their baked goods are exceptional—especially the infamous chocolate caramel cake. It’s rich in the best possible way.
Our Fave: Chocolate Caramel Cake
Susie Cakes
Susie Cakes earned high praise from the team for its nostalgia-forward treats. Their funfetti (Vanilla Celebration Cake) stood out as a top pick—moist cake with playful sprinkles and classic frosting. They also do a standout Old-Fashioned 6-Layer Chocolate Cake.
Our Faves: Vanilla Celebration Cake (Funfetti) and Old-Fashioned 6-Layer Chocolate Cake
Alcove Cafe & Bakery
The red velvet at Alcove in Los Feliz was my personal favorite. Their cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance—rich but not overly sweet—complementing the velvet crumb beautifully.
Our Faves: Red Velvet and Mississippi Mud
Short Cake
Located at the Grove, Short Cake impressed us again. Their chocolate peanut butter slice—with caramel notes and elegant presentation—was a crowd pleaser. If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this is a must-try.
Our Fave: Chocolate Peanut Butter
Proof Bakery
Known for an exceptional chocolate chip cookie, Proof also shines with their chocolate espresso cake. The layered textures and deep coffee-chocolate flavor earned plenty of heart-eye reactions from our crew.
Our Fave: Chocolate Espresso
Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia delivers classic, picture-perfect cakes that fit the “ideal birthday cake” image: flawless frosting, the right sprinkles, and just the right nostalgia. Their Vanilla with Chocolate is a timeless pick.
Our Fave: Classic Birthday Cake (Vanilla with Chocolate)
The Village Bakery + Cafe
If you prefer less frosting, bundt cakes from The Village Bakery are a great choice. Their selection is wide and their Blueberry Poppyseed bundt was a standout for its tender crumb and bright flavor.
Our Fave: Blueberry Poppyseed
Milk
Milk is famous for its electric blue cake, and while it was temporarily unavailable during our visit, their 3X chocolate slice was something else—intense and deeply chocolatey. If chocolate is your love language, don’t miss it.
Our Faves: 3X Chocolate Cake and Blue Velvet Cake
Cake Monkey
Cake Monkey has become one of our go-to bakeries. Their mini cakes are perfectly sized and impossibly cute. The Crunch Cake—with a toffee crunch—was addictive, and the bakery typically offers a larger slice daily for variety.
Our Fave: Cake Monkey Crunch Cake
Joan’s on Third
Joan’s serves classic flavors executed well. The Crown Cake impressed for its balanced flavors and manageable slice size, and their carrot cake is reliably satisfying.
Our Faves: Crown Cake and Carrot Cake
Doughboys
Doughboys introduced me to Hummingbird cake, and it quickly became a favorite. They’re beloved for red velvet, but their Hummingbird is uniquely comforting—moist, spiced, and nostalgic.
Our Fave: Hummingbird
Sweet Lady Jane
Sweet Lady Jane feels classic and refined. The slices are tall and elegant—our team loved the Triple Berry Shortcake for its bright, layered fruit flavors and refined presentation.
Our Fave: Triple Berry Shortcake
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Map by Striped Cat Studio
Smiley Plates | Triangle Plates | Solid Round Plates | Gold Rim Plates
What’s your favorite cake? Do you have a go-to bakery in your city that serves an unforgettable slice? I’m always compiling recommendations—tell me your favorites and help me build the ultimate cake list.