Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Why we love it: Co-owner Kelsey Elizabeth Shepard’s flavors stays whimsical with options such as s’mores or Fruity Pebbles. “They really do remind [customers] of their childhood,” she says. Try this: Strawberries & Pink Champagne ($58) pops with flavor thanks to pink champagne, fresh strawberry buttercream swirled with preserves and edible bubbles. 720 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, 440-653-5883; 20033 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 216-767-5633, kelseyelizabethcakes.com
Colozza’s Bakery
Why we love it: This multigenerational bakery is known for its spiked specialty cakes, such as pina colada, and rich black forest torte. “Some of them have rum flavor or amaretto or Grand Marnier,” says owner Angelo Colozza. “We can get crazy with these things.” Try this: The cassata cake ($30) is filled with custard and strawberries and topped with a whipped cream frosting. 5880 Ridge Road, Parma, 440-885-0453, colozzasbakery.com
Honey Bee Bakery
Why we love it: Using a marshmallow fondant, cake artist Amy Hume creates free-standing cake sculptures of dragons and other musings. “My favorite thing is to see their expression when they get it,” Hume says. Try this: The vanilla almond cake ($25) has a raspberry filling made with fruit seasonally sourced from Hume’s backyard. 23 Public Square, Medina, 330-725-0912, honeybeebakerymedina.com
Presti’s Bakery and Cafe
Why we love it: For more than 100 years, Presti’s has helped Clevelanders celebrate their biggest occasions, even in-house proposals, with an abundance of cakes. “We have pretty much anything you would want,” says pastry chef Michael Vaccarino. Try this: Filled with mascarpone, the tiramisu ($30) is an Old World treat soaked in espresso and rum. 12101 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-3060, prestisbakery.com
White Flower Cake Shoppe
Why we love it: These cakes are sculpted from a number of combinations such as a signature Swiss meringue buttercream made of egg whites and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. “You could probably come up with 50 different combinations,” says co-owner Marianne Carroll. Try this: The sea salt caramel ($40) is an airy, sponge cake with a sweet and salty caramel buttercream. West Side Market 1979, W 25th St, Cleveland 216-514-2253; 33371 Aurora Road, Solon, 440-394-8049, whiteflowercake.com
*Last updated 10/9/2023
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