Planning a birthday party is no easy task these days. Whether you’re social distancing and hosting a small family celebration at home or going all out at a local venue, if you really want to make your guests smile, a fun, tasty cake is the way to do it. If you are on the search for that perfect themed cake, or some outstanding cupcakes, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of great bakeries and cupcakeries in the Des Moines area.
For even more information on throwing the perfect party, check out our Birthday Party Guide.
[Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 precautions, some of the following businesses may have adjusted their hours or offerings. Please check with each business directly to verify their hours of operation and their menus.]
Here’s 10 Birthday Cake and Cupcake Bakeries in the Des Moines area:
Crème, Des Moines
This award-winning local bakery is best known for their cupcakes. Crème also offers a variety of gorgeous cakes, in all of their gourmet cupcake flavors. Cakes are offered in 4”, 6” and 8” rounds or ¼ or ½ sheet cakes, making Crème a great option for those looking for the perfect birthday cake or cupcakes. Vegan and gluten free cake options are available. To order, or for more information, visit their website or call (515) 288-1050.
Dorè Bakery, Des Moines
Specializes in specialty cakes, wedding cakes, dessert tables and cookies – always made individually for your special event. They work with every customer to create a unique and delicious custom cake for any celebration. Their thoughtfully crafted baked goods can be found both at the Riverwalk HUB located downtown on the river, and also at the Trellis Café. Call (515) 330-1517 for more information.
Echo’s Cookies Shop, Waukee
Whether you are looking for a unique sheet cake for your party, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Echo’s Cookies Shop is the perfect destination. They specialize in custom sheet cakes, cookie cakes and THE cutest custom decorated sugar cookies. For more information, call (515) 508-1273 or visit their website.
Let Them Eat Cake, West Des Moines
The name almost says it all. Let Them Eat Cake focuses on quality desserts for parties and gatherings. Stop by their retail location in Valley Junction and sample one of their single serving size cakes that they make daily in 13 different flavors. They offer a number of other pastries too. Visit their website or call them for more information at (515) 277-1709.
Mimi’s Sweet Cakes & Bakery, Pleasant Hill
Mimi’s carved cakes and tiered cakes are especially impressive featuring everything from tacos and fried chicken to unicorns, to your child’s favorite movie or cartoon character. This licensed in home bakery also offers cupcakes in a number of flavors and decorations. You can email them at mimissweetcakesnbakes@gmail.com for additional information.
Molly’s Cupcakes, Des Moines
Molly’s Cupcakes offers amazing cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies, ice cream and other goodies. Using only the finest, freshest ingredients they handcraft their products from scratch. Molly’s Cupcakes will work with you to create a tasty treat for your birthday boy or girl. Call (515) 244-0778 or visit their website for more information.
Scratch Cupcakery, West Des Moines
Founded in 2010, Scratch Cupcakery now has four locations in Iowa. Their rotating menu offers 18+ varieties of cupcakes daily. For your next party, consider celebrating with some of their custom cupcakes, one of their custom cakes, or a custom cookie cake. Scratch also serves up cookies and edible cookie dough. Check out their website for more information or give them a call at (515) 518-8962.
Sweet to Eat Bakery, Ankeny
Sweet To Eat Bakery is a traditional bake shop with bread, pastries, cookies and cake pops, but their custom cakes are truly Insta worthy. They accent cake themes with wonderful modeling chocolate figures and cake toppers. Bonus, they have some Gluten-free options. Place an order on their website or give them a call at (515) 249-5054 for additonal info.
The Bake Shoppe, Windsor Heights
This shop steeped in baking history has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, cranking out bread, breakfast pastries, cookies, pies, cupcakes and cakes.The shop still uses many old-fashioned recipes, but has added its own touch of innovation to special-occasion cakes. Kids and adults will be blown away by these handcrafted creations. Contact them at (515) 255-2253 to place an order.
What’s your favorite go to bakery or cupcakery to sweeten up your kiddo’s birthday?
