New Haven Takes the Cake

Whether you have an upcoming birthday or you are a year-round cake lover, finding a quality cake in New Haven can be tricky. While Common Grounds may have some options in their display… I am a little skeptical. 

Lucky for you, my late night (and mid-day) cravings have led to regular visits to bakeries, and I am now confident in my understanding of the nearby cake scene. 

In my analysis, I do consider cupcakes on par to a slice of cake, and will refrain from allowing prices to sway my impression, considering that they vary depending on cake size/slice. I also want to point out that the places I mention have wonderful options besides cake, so my ratings do not reflect my overall opinion of the bakery.

1. Claire’s Corner Copia ★★★★☆  (Vegetarian, Kosher Dairy, Vegan and Gluten Free Options)

I came across Claire’s last fall semester, as one of my professors brought cupcakes to class. After scarfing down a vanilla cupcake mid-lecture, I had to see what this place was all about. Let’s just say I’ve gone back quite a bit ever since. Think if Central Perk from Friends and Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls had a baby that made fantastic cakes. Each item has a sweet frosting, balanced with a more savory cake. Cake slices are generous, and cupcakes are a standard size, so I head to Claire’s when I am looking for a filling sweet treat, or something that will stay fresh in the fridge for the next day. I recommend the Orange Ricotta Cake, where citrus and ricotta make for a soft and dense cake, paired with a light orange buttercream. The Persian Cardamom is another must-try, as the spiced cake balances the sweet vanilla buttercream.

Have Tried:

• Carrot Cake (8/10)

• Persian Cardamom Cake (10/10) 

• Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Preserve (3/10)

• Orange Ricotta Cake (10/10)

• Vanilla Cupcake with Buttercream Frosting (7/10)

Want to Try:

• Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Lemon Cream Cake

2. Pistachio Cafe ★★★☆☆

One of my first visits to campus included a stop at Pistachio Cafe, where I was blown away by the interior design and wide variety of desserts. What more could a girl ask for? While I have tried a limited selection of their cakes, I will be going back in the future, as they steer clear from the basics and execute with bold options. 

Have Tried: 

• Oreo Cake (8/10)

• Peanut Butter Cake (8/10)

Want to Try:

• Cappuccino Cake

• Ricotta and Pisatchio Cake

3. Sweet Mary’s ★★★★★

I cannot emphasize enough that every flavor is spectacular– all around 10/10s. Each cupcake’s moist to dense and cake to frosting ratio should be the new standard. And yes, I have tried every single flavor. The cupcakes are packed into small blue boxes, and I have to say, they are giving Tiffany a run for their money. If you are looking to surprise a friend for their birthday, Sweet Mary’s is the place to go. 

My Favorites:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter (10/10)

• Cookies & Cream (10/10)

• Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream (10/10)

4. Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop ★☆☆☆☆

As a North Carolina resident with ties to New Jersey, I often dream of Italian rainbow cake, and thought that by coming to school in New Haven I would be somewhat closer to reaching my dreams. Unfortunately, I am a little further than I thought. I have given Libby’s two tries, and have been disappointed by the dry and flavorless rainbow cake, whose bright colors only give it false hope. While Libby’s does have a plain vanilla birthday cake, I may just be heading back for the pignoli cookies from now on. 

Have Tried:

• Italian Rainbow Cake (1/10)

Want to Try:

• Vanilla Birthday Cake

• New York Cheesecake

5. Ashley’s Ice Cream ★★☆☆☆

I was a little hesitant about including Ashley’s in here, due to my definition of cake. However, Ashley’s Ice Cream Cake seems to be a popular choice for many birthday get-togethers. In my opinion, I give Carvel the upper hand. I refrain from going into detail, ice cream cake is just not my thing. 

Notable Feature: 

6. Costco ★★★★☆

Yes, I know, Costco is not within walking distance. However, after a recent get-together with some friends, I was pleasantly surprised by Costco’s vanilla birthday cake. Served cold, the cake had the perfect frosting to cake ratio, with just the right amount of sweetness. Maybe I just missed a classic? Nonetheless, this is one more reason to get a Costco membership, or at least find a friend who has one.

Hopefully you are reconsidering your next sweet treat. After all, the proof isn’t in the pudding, it’s in the cake :)