Milwaukee's best cakes: The definitive treat guide

Milwaukee and its surrounding communities deliver exceptional cake experiences across every category — from century-old Polish bakeries selling thousands of pączki to Instagram-famous cake artists creating edible sculptures. The region's rich immigrant heritage, particularly German, Polish, Danish, and Italian traditions, has created a bakery landscape unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. This guide covers 55+ establishments across cake types and geographic areas, helping you find the perfect cake whether you're planning a wedding, craving a slice of carrot cake, or searching for an authentic tres leches.

The standout finding: Milwaukee's ethnic bakeries remain the crown jewels. National Bakery celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, while Racine's Danish Kringle makers continue a tradition recognized as Wisconsin's Official State Pastry. For modern celebrations, custom cake artists like Simma's Bakery (named one of America's Top 25 Bakeries) and social media sensation Whisk Chick prove Milwaukee can compete with any major city for spectacular custom work.

Milwaukee

Historic and ethnic bakeries

National Bakery & Deli stands as Milwaukee's oldest bakery, celebrating its centennial in 2025. Founded by Polish immigrant Louis Wisniewski, this institution at 3200 S. 16th Street in Milwaukee's South Side sells over 40,000 pączki on Fat Tuesday alone. Their birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and tortes use recipes unchanged for generations. The bakery opens at 6:30am Monday through Saturday, with ordering available online at shop.nationalbakery.com. Price point remains remarkably accessible — pączki run $2.50-$5 each.

Peter Sciortino Bakery at 1101 E. Brady Street represents Milwaukee's oldest Italian bakery, operating since 1947 on the historic Lower East Side. Now run by the Vella family, this Sicilian institution specializes in cannoli filled to order, Italian cookies (over 20 varieties), and traditional pastries like sfogliatelle. The recently remodeled space features handpainted ceiling tiles. Note: They no longer make cakes in-house but recommend Aggie's or Scordato's for Italian-style cakes. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 7am-4pm, Sunday 7am-1pm.

Scordato Bakery at 5011 W. Howard Avenue carries the Italian tradition forward with 36 varieties of Italian cookies including rainbow cookies, fig cookies, and gluten-free Italian macaroons. Owner Giovanni Scordato trained under Peter Sciortino and maintains a philosophy of "no shortcuts" — real butter, fresh eggs, authentic recipes. Their tiramisu, limoncello cake, and wedding cakes have earned Neighborhood Favorite status from 2017-2024. Cookies sell for $10.99-$20.50 per pound. Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday).

Canfora Bakery at 1100 E. Oklahoma Avenue in Bay View has served this neighborhood for over 30 years, offering Sicilian specialties alongside Eastern European treats — a uniquely Milwaukee fusion. Their spumoni cheesecake is legendary, and they produce Polish chrusciki, Czech kolache, and pączki alongside Italian cookies and cannoli.

Custom cake specialists setting the standard

Aggie's Bakery & Cake Shop at 7328 W. Greenfield Avenue in West Allis has been metro Milwaukee's premier custom cake destination since 1977. Now operated by Rachel Schmidbauer, this Knot Hall of Fame winner creates everything from 200+ character cake designs for children to elaborate multi-tier wedding cakes. Their original buttercream recipe dates to founders Filippo and Nina Bongiorno. Wedding consultations are complimentary for 45 minutes; paid customized tastings available. Standard orders ready in 48 hours; sculpted 3D cakes require one-week minimum. Delivery covers all Milwaukee County and parts of Waukesha County.

Lucy Bakes at 133 W. Pittsburgh Avenue in Walker's Point specializes in the signature "Grandma Cake" — white cake with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and buttercream from a family recipe. Owner Lucy Walsh honors her great-grandmother's legacy as the "Cake Lady of Erie, PA." The eclectic space offers custom decorated sugar cookies (minimum one dozen, starting at $5.50 each), cupcakes, and wedding cakes priced at $6 per serving. Beginning January 2026, Lucy Bakes shifts to a dedicated custom cake and cookie studio.

Classy Girl Cupcakes at 825 N. Jefferson Street downtown has been Milwaukee's premier cupcake specialist since 2010. What distinguishes them: gluten-free, vegan, and keto cupcake options using scratch recipes — a rare accommodation locally. Their monthly rotating flavor menu keeps regulars returning. Order with 3+ days notice for full menu options.

Artisan and contemporary bakeries

C. Adam's Bakery inside Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water Street) has been an original Market vendor since 2005. This woman-owned operation produces 100+ varieties of cookies, bars, pies, and cakes daily. Their carrot cake earns particularly devoted fans — a four-tier version with cream cheese frosting that's "one of the best." Cupcakes run approximately $3.75; cake slices $5.45. Vegan options available.

Batches Bakery at 401 E. Erie Street in the Third Ward offers vintage American and Southern-inspired pastries under Executive Pastry Chef Jaceleen Latin-Kasper. The candy bar-style layer cakes and house-made ice cream reflect a whimsical take on classics. Vegan and gluten-free items available.

Blooming Lotus Bakery maintains two locations (2215 E. North Avenue and 3948 N. Maryland Avenue in Shorewood) as a dedicated allergen-free kitchen. All items are free of grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, yeast, oils, and cane sugar — making this celiac-safe and naturally diabetic-friendly. Double-layer celebration cakes require 48-hour notice; wedding cakes need 10 days. Their "dream cheese" frostings use coconut cream.

Grebe's Bakery at 5132 W. Lincoln Avenue in West Allis has been fourth-generation family-owned since 1937. While famous for Wisconsin's Best Cruller (2020), they also produce custom cakes and cupcakes alongside their legendary donuts. Their partnership with Badger Ham creates Milwaukee's celebrated ham-and-rolls tradition. Products deliver fresh to 200+ locations across southeast Wisconsin.

North Shore and Ozaukee County

Cedarburg's German heritage shines through

Boulangerie Du Monde at W62N588 Washington Avenue in Cedarburg produces European-style artisan breads and pastries described as "as good as anything you will find in Paris." This destination bakery draws from French, German, and Italian influences with traditional methods. Their orange gilbassier and buttery croissants reflect Cedarburg's strong German heritage. Open Tuesday through Sunday (check specific hours).

Delicately Delicious at W62N608 Washington Avenue in Cedarburg specializes in custom celebration cakes across four style tiers (Traditional, Signature, Splendid, Trendy) to fit different budgets. Their frosting earns particular praise — "perfectly sweet and delicate." A "Last Minute Cakes" option accommodates quick orders. Wedding cakes, cupcake displays, and dessert tables available.

Shorewood delivers French sophistication

Galette des Rois - French Epiphany King Cake at North Shore Boulangerie

North Shore Boulangerie at 4401 N. Oakland Avenue in Shorewood stands among Milwaukee's finest French bakeries. The owner trained at the French Pastry School and apprenticed with Alsatian Master Baker Pierre Zimmermann; a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef oversees the pastry program. Their classic French Opera cakes, multi-colored macarons, and croissants earn devoted followings. They serve exclusive Cafés Richard coffee from Paris — the only local vendor. This LGBTQ-owned business includes a full café with wine service.

Blooming Lotus (Shorewood location at 3948 N. Maryland Avenue) brings the same allergen-free offerings to the North Shore, also available wholesale at Outpost Natural Foods in Mequon.

Grafton, Port Washington, and Mequon options

Cake Creations Bakery & Café at 1239 Washington Street in Grafton opened in 2021, bringing Armenian-American influences to European-style baking. Owner Victoria Ovsepyan brings 17 years of Ozaukee County experience. Their café space hosts private parties, and a "whatever you want" custom order philosophy accommodates special requests. Mix & match three slices, get one free.

Daily Baking Company at 211 N. Franklin Street in Port Washington is a weekend destination (Friday through Sunday only, 6am-3pm) producing artisan breads with starter transported from London. A professional baker recruited from London established their practices. Everything starts from 100+ raw ingredients. The historic Boerner Mercantile building location has earned Neighborhood Favorite status from 2017-2024. Almond croissants and filled doughnuts with real jam are standouts.

Tiffany's Dessert Bar operates by appointment from 6340 W. Industrial Drive in Mequon (inside Delish Delivered). All items are made to order using organic ingredients for maximum freshness. Specialties include cheesecakes, Bundt cakes, macarons, and custom celebration cakes — with gluten-free and nut-free options available. Their mobile dessert truck serves events across Glendale, Grafton, and downtown Milwaukee.

Nothing Bundt Cakes at 383 W. Brown Deer Road in Fox Point offers the national chain's reliable Bundt cakes in multiple sizes, including gluten-free chocolate chip cookie options. Online ordering up to 30 days advance; wedding consultations available.

Western suburbs

Wauwatosa dominates the custom cake scene

Simma's Bakery at 817 N. 68th Street in Wauwatosa stands among America's Top 25 Bakeries and earned Wisconsin Bakers Association's "Bakery Operation of the Year" in 2017. Founded in 1982 by Russian immigrant Simma Yundov, this institution produces approximately 25,000 cheesecakes and 20,000 conventional cakes annually — including 600 tiered wedding cakes. Their signature cheesecake features a chocolate cake bottom, thin raspberry filling, and chocolate ganache topping. A signed thank-you letter from Julia Child hangs on the wall. Wedding tastings occur in an elegant room with crystal chandeliers. Cheesecakes start around $17.50 for small sizes.

Le Rêve Patisserie & Café at 7610 Harwood Avenue in Tosa Village occupies a historic two-story bank building offering authentic French bistro cuisine and pastries. Chef Josh Johnson was recently appointed Chocolate Coach for Team USA for the 2027 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon. Their Opera torte, Napoleons, flourless chocolate cake, and French macarons reflect classically trained expertise. Private event hosting and tailored catering menus available.

Black Twig Bakery at 1455 Underwood Avenue (Harmonee Square) opened in 2020 from the same owners as C. Adam's Bakery. This Instagram-worthy operation produces French macarons, custom cakes, and creative treats like their Salted Caramel Brownie Sandwich Cookie and chocolate taco ice cream sandwiches. Baking classes — including macaron making and cake decorating — welcome families.

La Tarte Bakery & Coffee House at 6742 West Wells Street has served Wauwatosa since 1990 with award-winning Granny Apple Pie using Grandma Patty's pie crust recipe. Their tortes, seasonal cookies, and State Fair-style cream puffs maintain neighborhood bakery charm.

Waukesha, Brookfield, and Lake Country

Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe at 1501 Paramount Drive in Waukesha earned Wisconsin Bakery of the Year 2023. Their specialty lies in European-style tortes, particularly the Black Forest Torte (four layers of chocolate cake with Kirschwasser syrup, cherries, whipped custard, vanilla buttercream, chocolate shavings) and German Chocolate Torte. Wedding cakes represent their backbone specialty. Gourmet pączki offerings include creative flavors like Baileys Cherry Bombshell and RumChata Crunch. Aunt Mabel's Gluten-Free Cookies and vegan options expand accessibility.

National Bakery & Deli (Brookfield location at 13820 W. Greenfield Avenue) brings the century-old Polish tradition to western suburbs. Same pączki, tortes, and birthday cakes as the flagship, with deli service.

Beach Bum Bakery at 161 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Pewaukee offers lakeside charm with custom cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops from a boutique operation earning Neighborhood Favorite status across 11 neighborhoods and a perfect 100/100 health score. Counter seating overlooks Pewaukee Lake. Donuts available weekends only.

Sally's Sweet Shoppe at N27W31238 Highway 83 in Genesee Depot is a hidden gem with 30+ years of professional baking experience behind owner Sally. Her banana cake is particularly sought-after. Wedding cake reviews are consistently five-star. Video chat consultations available; all emails replied within 36 hours.

Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in Brookfield (18000 W. Bluemound Road) and Lake Country/Delafield (2798 Heritage Drive, opened fall 2023) offer consistent Bundt quality with delivery service.

Specialty dietary and niche bakeries

Cakes by Ripal at 13600 W. Stratford Drive in New Berlin specializes in egg-free cakes — serving Hindu and vegetarian communities with custom birthday, wedding, and bridal shower cakes in fondant and buttercream designs. Their 5-star rating across 123 reviews confirms quality.

Molly's Gluten-Free Bakery in the Hartland/Lake Country area operates a 100% gluten-free facility producing cakes, pizza crusts, and baked goods for celiac-safe needs.

Je t'aime Pastry in New Berlin applies classic French techniques without mixes or boxes, with cupcakes starting at $4.

Southern suburbs and Racine-Kenosha

Racine: Kringle capital of America

O&H Danish Bakery represents the gold standard for Danish Kringle — Wisconsin's Official State Pastry since 2013. Their flagship at 5910 Washington Avenue in Racine continues a tradition started in 1949 by Christian Olesen, a Danish immigrant. Each Kringle takes three full days to make — butter gently rolled into dough and rested overnight, repeated for three consecutive days to create 36 delicate layers. All fillings are scratch-made.

Flavors include Pecan (most popular, 75+ years running), Almond, Apple, Raspberry, Cherry, Turtle, Wisconsin (cream cheese with Door County cherries and cranberries), and seasonal varieties. Their Danish Layer Cake, Seven Sisters Coffee Cake, and Crown Cakes extend beyond Kringle. The Oak Creek location at 9540 S. 27th Street brings O&H within 12 miles of Milwaukee — convenient for travelers heading to General Mitchell Airport. Kringle pricing runs $24.99-$26.99 each; volume discounts available. Nationwide shipping offered.

Bendtsen's Bakery in Caledonia has produced hand-rolled Kringle using a four-generation family recipe since 1934. Named one of America's 100 Best Bakeries by Food & Wine, they've appeared on Food Network and Discover Wisconsin. In competitive taste tests, Bendtsen's has won against other Racine competitors. Kringle starts around $21.

Larsen's Bakery in West Racine claims to be the "original" Racine Kringle producer, offering 20+ flavors including vegan Kringle options — rare among traditional Danish bakeries. Their Pecan Dreams are described as "sophisticated European tasting." Kringle pricing: $21-$23 each; three-pack $58.

Kenosha custom cake options

Oliver's Bakery on Roosevelt Road in Kenosha has served the community for 70+ years with custom cakes ranging from basic to elaborate, plus Racine-style Kringles. Their Friday fish fry tradition draws crowds.

Mama Cakes in Kenosha (founded 2017 by neighbors Ashley and Amanda) operates as a custom-order-only home bakery specializing in custom cupcakes with unique flavor combinations. They accommodate gluten-free and vegan requests — rare for home-based operations. Perfect 100/100 health score.

Sweet Something's Pastries in Kenosha creates show-stopping custom wedding cakes and smash cakes, available fresh from scratch with 3-day notice. Pickup at 4320 Washington Road inside Mason Unity Lodge.

Milwaukee southern suburbs

Bakehouse 23 at 1309 Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee opened in 2023 with a "from-scratch, small-batch, no shortcuts" philosophy. Longtime pastry chef Sarah Mironczuk and chef husband Kirk Skorlinski create whimsical treats including bento cakes (3-4 inch personal cakes), nostalgic 80s and 90s snack-inspired items, and brioche specialties. Open kitchen concept lets customers watch bakers work. Vegan options available (like black velvet bento cake).

Jen's Sweet Treats at 4745 S. Packard Avenue in Cudahy has earned an A+ BBB Rating over 12 years with custom cakes, daily rotating cupcakes, and a "Treats for a Cause" charity program. Gluten-free options available. The owner offers fresh anniversary cakes so couples don't have to freeze their wedding cake top.

National Bakery & Deli (Greendale location at 5637 Broad Street) serves the southern suburbs with the same Polish heritage items — cakes, tortes, deli, and those famous pączki.

Ethnic and European traditions thrive citywide

Italian excellence

Scordato Bakery and Peter Sciortino Bakery anchor Milwaukee's Italian baking tradition, as detailed above. Scordato's 36 cookie varieties and wedding cakes, Sciortino's fresh cannoli and traditional pastries.

Mexican panaderías

Arcoiris Bakery at 1414 S. 6th Street in Walker's Point produces some of Milwaukee's finest tres leches cake — a hidden gem. Flavors include Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Dulce de Leche. Fresh conchas emerge from the oven throughout the day. Custom celebration cakes for quinceañeras, weddings, and birthdays honor family recipes passed down from "Grandma's kitchen." Bakers begin before sunrise handcrafting everything from scratch. Open daily 7am-9pm with remarkably affordable pricing.

French patisseries

Le Rêve in Wauwatosa and North Shore Boulangerie in Shorewood lead the French tradition. Greige Patisserie in Walker's Point creates French-inspired wedding cakes with unique flavors like Earl Grey cake with citrus curd and Elderflower buttercream, or Champagne cake with raspberry preserves. Their creative French-Mexican fusion items (like Mexican Chorizo Croissant) reflect Walker's Point's diverse community.

German traditions

Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe in Waukesha produces authentic Black Forest Torte, German Chocolate Torte, and Bienenstich-style items. Their Schaum torte celebrates the Wisconsin favorite.

Boulangerie Du Monde in Cedarburg honors the community's German heritage through European baking methods.

Grocery stores deliver quality + convenience

Outpost Natural Foods Co-op operates four locations (Mequon, Capitol Drive Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Bay View) with made-from-scratch bakery using all-natural ingredients. Custom decorated cakes use all-natural, plant-based colors. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free cake options distinguish their offerings. Minimum 48-hour notice required; custom cake menu available for download at outpost.coop/bakehouse.

Sendik's Food Market maintains multiple locations featuring professionally designed custom cakes, sheet cakes, and specialty desserts including Suzy's Cheese Cakes. Family-owned since 1926, this Wisconsin institution also carries Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Cakes in frozen sections.

Metcalfe's Market in Wauwatosa (6700 W. State Street) earns community praise for "very talented cake decorators" with full custom decoration services.

Ice cream cakes and frozen custard specialties

Cold Stone Creamery locations offer signature cakes in small (serves 8) and large (serves 14) sizes with custom creation options — choose cake, ice cream, mix-ins, and frosting. Birthday cakes feature Devil's Food Cake with Sweet Cream Ice Cream and rainbow sprinkles.

Dairy Queen/BayDQ at 245 E. Hampton Avenue in Whitefish Bay — a family-owned franchise since 1953 — produces standard celebration cakes, Blizzard Cakes (substitute chocolate with any Blizzard flavor), DQ Cupcakes, and Treatzza Pizzas. Custom photo cakes available. Order via DQcakes.com with delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub.

Kopp's Frozen Custard locations (Greenfield, Glendale, Brookfield) don't make traditional ice cream cakes but deserve mention for their "Flavor of the Day" program featuring cake-inspired flavors like German Chocolate Cake. This Milwaukee institution since 1950 pioneered the daily flavor concept.

Restaurant dessert menus worth investigating

Buckley's Restaurant & Bar at 801 N. Cass Street downtown produces what many consider "the best carrot cake you'll ever have" — made by owner Pam Buckley. At $12 per slice or $90 for a full 10-inch cake, the carrot cake features walnuts, pineapple, and cream cheese buttercream. Chocolate Tuxedo Cake available at the same prices. Order full cakes at CakeHouse@BuckleysMilwaukee.com.

La Merenda at 125 E. National Avenue in Walker's Point created what may be an original dessert: the Irish Car Bomb Cake (~$6/slice). This chocolate spice cake soaked in Guinness and Bailey's with Jameson cream cheese frosting has earned devoted fans. "I even considered getting it patented," says Chef/Owner Peter Sandroni. Large format available: 9-inch round $45, half-sheet $75 with 48-hour notice.

Elsa's on the Park at 833 N. Jefferson Street (owned by Karl Kopp of Kopp's Frozen Custard) serves gooey butter cake, New York cheesecake, and strawberry shortcake until midnight most nights.

Custom cake artists

Whisk Chick (MK Drayna) at 924 E. Wells Street represents Milwaukee's Instagram generation of cake artists. With 20,000 Instagram followers and 220,000+ TikTok followers, this one-woman operation has created approximately 2,000 cakes since launching full-time in 2021 at age 21. Her vintage-style heart cakes have become signature pieces. Celebrity clients include creating cookies for SZA at Summerfest and a birthday cake for North West (Kim Kardashian's daughter). By appointment only; cake tasting boxes available periodically via Instagram @whisk.chick.

The Cake Lady (Cecelia Baker Grade) creates custom wedding and specialty cakes using Swiss chocolate, Swiss buttercream, fresh fruits, and elaborate fondant and gum paste flower work. A Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame inductee, she requires 1-2 weeks minimum notice with no ready-made desserts available. High-end custom pricing.

It'z My Party Cakery at 5300 W. Bluemound Road in Story Hill has operated family-style since 2008 (originally home-based). Owner Judi Dadtka appeared on Food Network's Halloween Wars (Season 12, Team "Wicked Delicious") and Holiday Wars. Specialties span buttercream basics to sculpted 3D cakes, with Italian buttercream praised for smooth, not-too-sweet quality. Cake decorating classes available. Order 1-2 weeks advance; 50% non-refundable deposit required.

Conclusion: What to know before you order

Milwaukee's cake landscape rewards those who plan ahead. Custom wedding cakes typically require 1-5 weeks notice depending on complexity; Aggie's recommends finalizing orders 5 weeks before weddings. Standard celebration cakes usually need 48 hours to one week. For pączki during Fat Tuesday season at National Bakery, pre-orders are essential — their 40,000+ pastry production still sells out.

For dietary restrictions, Blooming Lotus offers the most comprehensive allergen-free options (grain-free, gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free). Classy Girl Cupcakes accommodates gluten-free, vegan, and keto requests. Larsen's Bakery produces rare vegan Kringle. Cakes by Ripal specializes in egg-free cakes for vegetarian celebrations.

The region's ethnic traditions remain unmatched: National Bakery's Polish centennial, O&H's four-generation Danish legacy, Sciortino and Scordato's Sicilian heritage, and Arcoiris's authentic Mexican baking represent living culinary history. These establishments aren't just bakeries — they're cultural institutions preserving immigrant traditions that shaped Milwaukee's identity.

Whether you seek a $21 Kringle for a casual gathering, a $90 carrot cake for a dinner party, or a multi-tier wedding masterpiece, Milwaukee's cake scene delivers quality across every price point and neighborhood.