Milwaukee's Best Cupcake Shops and Bakeries

Families seeking sweet treats have a diverse landscape of options—from allergen-free specialists to award-winning neighborhood bakeries—spread across the metro area. These 25+ bakeries offer everything from jumbo cream puff cupcakes to vegan delights, with options for every dietary need and celebration.

This guide organizes Milwaukee's best cupcake destinations geographically, covering practical details families need: addresses, hours, pricing, custom order policies, and what makes each shop worth the drive.

Milwaukee options

C. Adam's Bakery — Third Ward/Milwaukee Public Market

400 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 (inside Milwaukee Public Market)

This woman-owned bakery has anchored the Public Market since 2005, offering scratch-made cupcakes alongside an impressive array of cake bites, cake jars, and French macarons. Flavors rotate but consistently include Cookies and Cream, Cookie Dough, Carrot Cake, and Banana with Chocolate Buttercream. Individual cupcakes run $3.50–$5, with macarons at $2 each.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm; Sunday 10am–6pm

• Phone: (414) 271-1871

• Website: cadamsbakery.com | Instagram: @c.adamsbakery

• Custom orders: Yes, pastry trays available for events

• Dietary options: Vegan and gluten-free selections available

• Family tip: Combine a cupcake stop with exploring the bustling Public Market—kids love watching vendors and sampling treats

Blooming Lotus Bakery — East Side

2215 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

The only dedicated allergen-free bakery in the Milwaukee area, Blooming Lotus creates treats free from gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and processed sugar. Their carrot cake cupcakes and chocolate cupcakes use nut and seed flours, naturally sweetened with fruit and coconut palm sugar. Premium pricing reflects specialty ingredients.

• Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 7:30am–1pm; Sunday 9am–1pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)

• Phone: (414) 212-8010

• Website: blbmke.com | Instagram: @bloominglotusmke

• Custom orders: Yes, minimum 6 per item

• Perfect for: Families with food allergies, diabetic-friendly needs, or anyone seeking whole-food-based treats

• Note: Fresh doughnuts Thursday/Saturday sell out quickly—arrive early

Arty's Sweet Talk Cupcakes — North Side

Milwaukee, WI 53208 (delivery/pickup based business)

This Black-owned, woman-owned community bakery has earned a devoted following for exceptionally moist cupcakes in flavors like Red Velvet, German Chocolate, S'mores, and "Rainbow Glow." Chef Arty also offers boozy cocktail-inspired cupcakes for adults. Pricing is affordable and family-friendly.

• Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 10am–6pm; Thursday–Saturday 10am–8pm

• Phone: (414) 520-4056

• Website: artyssweettalkcupcakes.com | Instagram: @arty_chef

• Dietary options: Vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly cupcakes available

• Custom orders: Yes, delivery throughout Milwaukee

• Special: Offers baking classes for community engagement

The Cake Lady — Bay View (Custom Orders Only)

3561 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53235

For elaborate celebrations requiring stunning custom designs, The Cake Lady delivers. Named to The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, owner Cecelia "Cece" Baker Grade creates from-scratch cupcakes with Swiss chocolate and Swiss buttercream. All orders require 1–2 weeks' notice—no walk-ins.

• Phone: (414) 294-4220

• Website: cakeladydesigns.com

• Best for: Wedding cupcakes, themed birthday party designs, custom flavor combinations (orange-chocolate ganache, almond-raspberry)

• Daily treats: The Cake Lady goods are also sold at Anodyne Coffee locations

CupKate — Citywide Delivery

Website: cupkatemke.com

Milwaukee's dedicated 100% vegan cupcake baker offers flavors like Lavender, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Roll, and seasonal Holiday Nog. Their "Caketails" line includes boozy Baileys and Margarita options.

• Custom orders: Yes, with impressively responsive 4-day turnaround possible

• Perfect for: Vegan families, dairy allergies, or anyone curious about plant-based treats

North Shore suburbs

Nothing Bundt Cakes — Fox Point ⭐ Best for Kids' Parties

383 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite A, Fox Point, WI 53217 (Audubon Court)

The national chain delivers consistently excellent Bundtinis (bite-sized bundt cakes perfect for children's portions), Bundtlets, and full-sized decorated cakes. Signature cream cheese frosting tops flavors like Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Confetti, and seasonal Peppermint Chocolate Chip.

• Hours: Monday–Tuesday 9am–7pm; Saturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 11am–4pm (holiday hours vary)

• Phone: (414) 877-0828

• Pricing: Bundtinis ~$30–35/dozen; Bundtlets ~$6–8 each; 8" cakes ~$30–35

• Gluten-free options: Chocolate Chip Cookie, Lemon Raspberry

• Delivery: Up to 20 miles; also available via DoorDash, UberEats

• Why families love it: Party supplies (candles, balloons) available, making it a one-stop celebration shop. Fundraising programs earn up to $2/bundtlet for schools.

Matilda Bakehouse — Fox Point

6874 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point, WI 53217

This European-style artisan bakery creates celebration cakes and cupcakes alongside exceptional pastries and muffins. Their treats also appear at Andiamo, Canary Coffee Bar, and Frannie's Market in Cedarburg.

• Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 7am–1pm; Sunday 8am–1pm

• Phone: (414) 364-8869

• Website: matildabakehouse.com | Instagram: @matildamke

• Custom orders: Yes, order online; private event space available

• Tip: Arrive early—popular items sell out fast

Friendship Café & Bakery — Fox Point ⭐ Mission-Driven Gem

8649 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI 53217

A true community treasure where every purchase supports job training for adults with disabilities. The café is 100% kosher and nut-free—rare in the area. Scratch-made bagels, custom cakes, and seasonal treats like Honey Cakes and Hamantaschen.

• Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30am–4:30pm; Friday 7:30am–3pm; Sunday 9am–4:30pm

• Phone: (414) 755-5855

• Website: fcwi.org

• Unique feature: Attached sensory room for visitors needing quiet space—exceptional for families with children who may become overstimulated

• Custom orders: Yes, including catering and private event hosting

North Shore Boulangerie — Shorewood

4401 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211

Master baker Gene Webb (trained at the French Pastry School) creates authentic French and Alsatian pastries in a charming 90-year-old historic building. While focused on croissants, brioche, and breakfast items, they accommodate special dessert orders.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday 7am–5pm; Sunday 7am–3pm

• Phone: (414) 963-2153

• Website: northshoreboulangerie.com

• LGBTQ-owned business serving exclusive Café Richard coffee from Paris

Tiffany's Dessert Bar — Mequon (Order Ahead)

6340 W. Industrial Dr., Mequon, WI 53092

An earth-conscious bakery that bakes fresh only when ordered—no display case waste. Cheesecakes, cupcakes, custom cakes, and macarons made with organic ingredients. Gluten-free and nut-free options available.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday by appointment only

• Phone: (414) 509-8003

• Website: tiffanysdessertbar.com

• Also operates: A dessert truck at locations including downtown Milwaukee, Glendale, and Grafton

Western suburbs deliver neighborhood favorites

Black Twig Bakery — Wauwatosa ⭐ Top Pick for Cupcakes

1455 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (Tosa Village)

The sister shop to C. Adam's Bakery offers $3.25 cupcakes in rotating monthly flavors—Key Lime Pie in summer, Pumpkin Chai in fall, S'mores year-round. Their Instagram-worthy cakesicles and cookie sandwiches delight kids.

• Hours: Wednesday–Friday 10am–6pm; Saturday 9am–5pm; Sunday 10am–3pm

• Phone: (414) 231-3327

• Website: blacktwigbakery.com | Instagram: @blacktwigbakery

• Pricing: Cupcakes $3.25 each, ~$33/dozen; Cakesicles $6; French macarons $2.25

• Custom orders: Yes, 48 hours required

• Family highlight: Offers baking classes for kids and adults, plus birthday party packages with hands-on decorating

Simma's Bakery — Wauwatosa ⭐ Award-Winning

817 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Named 2017 Bakery Operation of the Year by the Wisconsin Bakers Association, Simma's is beloved for its Black Bottom Cheesecake Cupcakes and New York-style cheesecakes. Family-owned since 2011, they use 65,000–90,000 pounds of cream cheese annually.

• Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8am–6pm; Saturday 8am–4pm

• Phone: (414) 257-0998

• Website: simmasbakery.com

• Custom orders: Yes, wedding cupcakes and event catering

• Best for: Birthday celebrations and dessert tables

Nothing Bundt Cakes — Brookfield

18000 W. Bluemound Rd., Suite G, Brookfield, WI 53045

All the same excellent options as the Fox Point location, with convenient west-side access near Elm Grove.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am–7pm; Sunday 11am–5pm

• Phone: (262) 794-0119

• Delivery: Yes, plus corporate catering with $75 minimum

Rocket Baby Bakery — Wauwatosa

6822 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213

Winner of Milwaukee Magazine's 2024 Best Bakery Readers' Choice Award, Rocket Baby focuses on European-style pastries rather than American cupcakes. Their chocolate almond croissants and bacon cheese danishes sell out early—arrive before 9am on weekends.

• Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30am–5pm; Saturday 8am–2pm; Sunday 7am–2pm

• Phone: (414) 502-7323

• Website: rocketbabybakery.com

• Delivery: Within 4-mile radius

Southern suburbs and West Allis anchor the regional scene

Aggie's Bakery & Cake Shop — West Allis ⭐ Best Selection & Delivery

7328 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214

The metro area's cupcake powerhouse since 1977, Aggie's offers an unmatched selection: 227 kid's and character cake designs, cream puff cupcakes, jumbo cupcakes, and their signature Unicorn Frosting creations. The original Sicilian buttercream recipe remains unchanged across three generations.

• Hours: Monday–Friday 7am–6pm; Saturday 7am–5pm; Sunday 7am–1pm

• Phone: (414) 482-1288

• Website: aggiesbakery.com | Facebook: @aggiescakes

Cupcake pricing:

• Regular cupcakes (2oz): $27/dozen

• Jumbo cupcakes (4oz): $28.50/6-pack, $57/dozen

• Jumbo Cream Puff cupcakes: $30/6-pack, $60/dozen

• Unicorn Frosting cupcakes: $30/dozen

• Custom orders: Yes, 48-hour turnaround; online ordering available

• Delivery: Throughout Milwaukee County and parts of Waukesha County

• Why families love it: Extensive character designs for kids, easy online ordering, and delivery make party planning effortless. Named to The Knot Hall of Fame for wedding cakes.

Gigi's Cupcakes — Oak Creek

330 W. Town Square Way, Oak Creek, WI 53154

The national boutique chain brings 25+ daily flavors with signature towering double-swirl frosting. Cookie Dough, S'mores, Salted Caramel Pretzel, and their classic Birthday Cupcake are crowd favorites.

• Website: gigiscupcakesusa.com

• Gluten-free options: Wedding Cake flavor, Salted Caramel Pretzel, all macarons (note: not a dedicated GF facility)

• Delivery: Available via DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub

Nothing Bundt Cakes — Greenfield

7450 W. Holmes Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220

Convenient south-side location near Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park.

• Phone: (414) 310-9990

• Delivery: Up to 20 miles; $75 minimum for catering

Bakehouse 23 MKE — South Milwaukee ⭐ Best for Dietary Restrictions

1309 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172

This husband-and-wife bakery opened in 2023 with a nostalgic 80s/90s theme—think Captain Kirk, GI Joe, and Looney Tunes décor alongside exceptional German Chocolate Cupcakes and creative seasonal flavors. Their extensive vegan AND gluten-free options are clearly marked.

• Hours: Thursday–Friday 7am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday 8am–2pm

• Phone: (414) 304-5151

• Website: bakehouse23mke.com | Instagram: @bakehouse23mke

• Vegan options: Coconut Cowboy cookies, pumpkin bread, chocolate snickerdoodle

• Gluten-free options: Coffee cake, blueberry muffins, coconut macaroons, rocky road

• Signature treats: "Kosmic Brownies" (nostalgic 90s-style), oatmeal cream pies, pecan sticky buns (Saturdays—often gone by 9am!)

National Bakery & Deli — Greendale ⭐ 2025 Wisconsin Bakery of the Year

5673 Broad St., Greendale, WI 53129

Just named 2025 Bakery of the Year by the Wisconsin Bakers Association, this multi-location institution is famous for cream-filled cupcakes, Dutch crust bread, and exceptional customer service in charming downtown Greendale.

• Phone: (414) 423-4620

• Website: nationalbakery.com

• Gluten-free options: Available

• Custom orders: Yes, online ordering with 4 business day lead time

The Mad Batter — Franklin (Custom Orders)

Website: themadbattercakes.com

A self-taught cake artist with 20+ years experience creates custom cupcakes topped with Swiss Meringue Buttercream. Standard dozen starts at $36, with extensive flavor and filling options including mousse, ganache, and fresh fruit.

• Email: madbatter2@yahoo.com

• Minimum order: 1 dozen per flavor

• Delivery: $50 within Milwaukee area

Cupcake decorating classes let families create together

Several Milwaukee bakeries offer hands-on experiences perfect for birthday parties or family outings:

Polkadot Cake Shop hosts cupcake decorating parties for ages 10+ where each guest receives 6 unfrosted cupcakes with icing, fondant toppers, and instructor guidance. Pricing runs $575 for up to 10 guests on Saturday afternoons or Sunday mornings. Adult parties ($500 for 6 guests, BYOB permitted) offer 5" cakes per person.

Laura's Baking Delights provides budget-friendly options at $25/person for 2-hour classes with 6 cupcakes each (minimum 4 participants). Their Cupcake Wars competitive decorating adds excitement for groups.

Black Twig Bakery in Wauwatosa offers kids' baking classes and birthday party packages with seasonal themes.

C. Adam's Bakery at Milwaukee Public Market hosts Swiss Meringue Buttercream workshops and Spring Floral Cupcake Decorating classes—parking validated at the Market lot.

Quick reference for special occasions

For kids' birthday parties:

• Aggie's Bakery — 227 character designs, delivery included

• Nothing Bundt Cakes (3 locations) — Portion-controlled Bundtinis, easy party packages

• Black Twig Bakery — Decorating party classes

For weddings and elegant events:

• The Cake Lady — Knot Hall of Fame, elaborate custom designs

• Aggie's Bakery — Full wedding cupcake service, tiered displays

• Tiffany's Dessert Bar — Organic ingredients, custom towers

For food allergies:

• Blooming Lotus Bakery — Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, sugar-free

• Bakehouse 23 — Extensive vegan and gluten-free selections

• Friendship Café — Kosher and 100% nut-free

For vegan treats:

• CupKate — 100% vegan specialist

• Arty's Sweet Talk — Vegan options with community focus

• Bakehouse 23 — Clearly marked V/GF items

For last-minute walk-ins:

• C. Adam's Bakery — Daily selection at Public Market

• Nothing Bundt Cakes — Limited walk-in availability at all three locations

• Aggie's Bakery — Jumbo cupcakes available daily; 48 hours for custom orders

The year ahead brings changes worth watching

The closure of Classy Girl Cupcakes in December 2025 marks the end of an era—but head baker Rachel's planned Spring 2026 reopening (downtown Milwaukee or Shorewood) promises continuity for fans of their beloved Ghirardelli Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Cinnamon Pecan French Toast recipes. Until then, the diverse bakeries across the metro area ensure no family goes without exceptional cupcakes for any celebration.

Current trends in Milwaukee's scene include health-conscious options (keto, vegan, allergen-free), botanical flavors like lavender and matcha, and Instagram-worthy presentations from cream puff cupcakes to unicorn frosting. The rise of delivery options from shops like Aggie's and Nothing Bundt Cakes has made party planning easier than ever for busy families.

Pro tips for ordering:

• Custom orders typically require 48 hours to 2 weeks depending on complexity

• Wedding and large event orders should be placed months in advance

• Most specialty bakeries close early and sell out of popular items—arrive before 10am on weekends

• Verify hours before visiting, especially around holidays when schedules change frequently