Manchester Cake Shops You Can’t Miss | Vegan, Gluten-Free & Classic
‘Best cake near me’ solved: Manchester’s top-rated shops ranked by frosting quality, gluten-free options, and Instagramability. Your dentist will hate this list
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Zara Cakes
Tucked away in Prestwich, this family-friendly spot whips up dreamy wedding cakes and birthday showstoppers, but the real magic happens in their kids’ workshops. Think rainbow sprinkles, edible glitter, and mini bakers crafting unicorn-themed treats. Pro tip: Their “messy frosting” sessions are a hit with toddlers.
📍351 Bury Old Rd, M25 1QA
Slattery
A Manchester institution – seriously, ask anyone planning a wedding here. Their chocolate fudge cake? Legendary. But don’t sleep on the homemade truffles or the retro Battenberg slices. Bonus: They package everything like gift shop treasures, perfect for impressing your mother-in-law.
📍197 Bury New Road, Whitefield
Lilli Oliver Cakes
This award-winner near Bury Market does molten chocolate fudge sauce that’ll make you weak in the knees. Health nuts rave about their avocado-chocolate mousse cake (weird but works), while Instagrammers flock for the over-the-top freakshakes topped with entire brownies.
📍17 Broad St, Bury
Tea Hive
Gingerbread fanatics unite! Their secret-recipe version uses proper black treacle and comes with a side of clotted cream. Quirky vibe alert: mismatched china, board games, and a “guess the spice blend” challenge baked into every visit.
📍53 Manchester Rd, M21 9PW
Teacup Kitchen
Come hungry – their carrot cake slabs could feed a small village. The lemon drizzle gets all the hype, but locals know to ask for the off-menu raspberry-white chocolate combo. Bonus points for serving proper loose-leaf brews in actual teacups.
📍53-55 Thomas St, M4 1NA
Dish and Spoon
Where the cool crowd goes for “ugly beautiful” desserts. The tres leches cake here drips with condensed milk goodness – bring extra napkins. Try their monthly mystery flavor challenge if you’re feeling brave.
📍230 Burton Rd, M20 2LW
Hey Little Cupcake
New York-style babes in a Northern setting. Red velvet minis with cream cheese frosting that’s chef’s kiss. Perfect for when you want just a bite-sized indulgence (or six). Their seasonal pumpkin-spice version causes annual queues.
📍2 Hardman St, M3 3HF
Pollen Bakery
Arrive by 9am or risk cinnamon roll heartbreak. These Ancoats-made pastries have cult status – flaky, cardamom-scented, and served with homemade jam. Their sourdough brownies? Life-changing.
📍2 Sheffield St, M1 2ND
The Launderette
Not actually for washing clothes (though their chocolate croissants might make you droop). Try the “Banana Split Cake” – vanilla sponge layered with caramelized bananas and proper dairy ice cream. Brunch crowd favorite.
📍13 Jack Rosenthal Street, M15 4FN
Trove
Don’t let the stripped-back aesthetic fool you – these Levenshulme bakers make sourdough-based cakes that even gluten skeptics adore. Custom orders welcome (they once made a beetroot-red velvet cake shaped like a tractor).
📍1032 Stockport Rd, M19 3WX
Milk Jam
Salted caramel addicts’ paradise. The “Snickers Cake” layers peanut butter mousse with crunchy feuilletine – it’s basically dessert ASMR. Warning: decision paralysis guaranteed with 20+ rotating flavors.
📍85 Oxford St, M1 6EQ
Richmond Tea Rooms
Alice-in-Wonderland meets Great British Bake Off. Go full fancy with their afternoon tea tiered stands – the blueberry muffins wear tiny sugar crowns. Pro move: Book the “Mad Hatter” booth for maximum whimsy.
📍15 Richmond St, M1 3HZ
