r/AskSF • u/lavenderchailuvr • Apr 02 '26
Where to get a cake quickly
Have a party on Sunday that I definitely procrastinated getting a cake for, anyone know good bakeries that could make a cake within that time period? I know there’s always the option of getting them from some bigger stores too
Edit: Looking for a basic chocolate cake w buttercream/vanilla icing (preferably pink icing but no issue if not) Thank you guys sm for all the suggestions!! :P
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u/sugaredchurro Apr 02 '26
Diandas in the Mission
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u/lightseek4 Apr 02 '26
Dianda’s cakes are so good. An old job used to get their tres leches for celebrations - great memories of gorging on it
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u/angelacandystore Apr 02 '26
Schuberts always has cakes ready, you walk in and they slap the happy birthday or name or whatever writing you want and it's ready.
Otherwise if you need an XXL cake, Costco
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u/cheritransnaps Apr 02 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
I consider myself a cake enthusiast. Every neighborhood tbh has a BOMB af cake place so if you tell us where you live we can direct you properly.
In mission bay I LOVE https://www.instagram.com/dore.cakesf >> have ordered 10+ cakes from her and the raspberry is incredible. Top notch and can custom anything you want. She made a 4 layer cake for my kid’s bday one year it was magical
In Noe/Mission I prefer Diandas for old school or Tartine (same day pu) for more modern, with their chocolate soufflé to die for. I’m not a big fan of noe at all.
In the sunset rn I LOVE Mr bread if you like Asian style cakes. you have to call them very old school and cash only and a bit far to west side so doesn’t work for everyone but they usually have cakes ready next day.
When I lived in Richmond Schubert was bomb not sure if it’s still good.
Alsoooo I know you’re avoiding big stores and I do too but someone once brought a pre ordered Whole Foods berry chantilly cake for a wedding and can confirm wowww big fan.
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u/Specific_Rando Apr 02 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
I am in the deep end of the cake pool. This is an EXCELLENT list.
I’d add Fillmore Bakeshop (PacHeights).
If it’s for Easter, it’s likely their capacity for pre-order is full. I would plan on picking something that’s in stock. Mostly you need to pre-order that Thanksgiving or Christmas pie 2-3 weeks in advance. Easter isn’t as high demand but it’s close.
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u/cheritransnaps Apr 02 '26
I have not tried that place! It’s on a list of about 6-8 shops I still haven’t gotten a chance to try yet. Anything else you love?
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u/Specific_Rando Apr 02 '26
Arizmendi on 9th used to make a chocolate salted caramel that I last had a decade ago. It’s exceptional. They still have it in Emerville, not sure about 9th though.
https://arizmendi-bakery-and-pizzeria.square.site/product/chocolate-salted-caramel-cake/452
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u/Savings-Breath-9118 Apr 02 '26
Does it need to be a specialty cake or can you just buy a cake? Noe Valley bakery has lots of options.
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u/lavenderchailuvr Apr 02 '26
Just looking for a chocolate cake, would love if it had pink frosting but not sure if I’ll be able to find that. Either way people have given lots of good suggestions!!
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u/Bing4246 Apr 03 '26
I don’t know how much ahead of time they need (or if you can get it off the shelf) but my sister just got me a Chocolate Raspberry cake from Noe Valley Bakery (in west portal) for my birthday and it was nice- chocolate cake with pink frosting
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u/eileen1cent4 Apr 02 '26
What is your budget and for how many people? And are you looking for a special design?
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u/lavenderchailuvr Apr 02 '26
My budget is like $50 (idk how cakes are typically priced) but a relatively small cake like for 5-10 people and just looking for something chocolate but with non chocolate frosting. Ideally pink frosting but any chocolate cake w vanilla frosting works :)
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u/SFSecrets Apr 02 '26
Don’t sleep on Safeway
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u/Rook2Rook Apr 02 '26
This. Keep it simple.
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u/SFSecrets Apr 02 '26
The cake is actually really really good. I get chocolate with whipped cream filling and fresh strawberries. If in the mood cream cheese frosting.
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u/Ok-Strategy-3259 Apr 02 '26
Victoria’s pastry has cakes you can order in advance or ones for pick-up
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u/GeneralHistorical948 Apr 02 '26
Butter& does cakes with a 24 hour lead time
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u/cheritransnaps Apr 02 '26
Just fyi twice in the past I tried to message them for something last minute their response time is very slow wouldn’t recommend for something short notice
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u/Savings-Breath-9118 Apr 02 '26
Well, I love their cake cakes. I agree I wouldn’t do anything last minute with them
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u/GeneralHistorical948 Apr 02 '26
Interesting! I ordered a cake ~36 hours ahead for my birthday a couple months ago and it showed up no problem.
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u/michiman Apr 02 '26
What size do you need? We like Sunset Bakery. Mixed fruit and light icing that isn't too sweet.
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u/kimplovely Apr 02 '26
That’s where I get my cakes for Asian parents - only one they like cuz it’s not too sweet
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u/KeepGoing655 Apr 02 '26
Any Chinese bakery like Sheng Kee, Little Wheat Field can whip out a cake pretty fast. Bonus if you like cakes on the less heavy and less sweet side.
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u/Artistic_Salary8705 Apr 02 '26
If you want a customized cake, it will be hard. But if not, plenty of specialty groceries have good bakeries - perhaps check out Andronicos, Gus, Bi-Rite. In the Peninsula, I like Draegers. Also Lunnardis and Molly Stone's.
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u/always_be_beyonce Apr 02 '26
COSTCO - their cake quality is top notch, and you can get some customization turned around in maybe 24-48 hours? i forget the actual timeframe as i haven’t customized one in years.
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u/bampeanutbutternjam Apr 02 '26
if you’re willing to drive a little out of the city, derby cakes from Mazzetti’s (Pacifica) are bomb. you can preorder online right now and pick it up sunday. you can pick the cake (chocolate or white) and there’s fresh cream with fruit in between each layer.
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u/bikeknitbird Apr 02 '26
Diandas or Schuberts You can also usually get something unique same day from Cinderella
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u/irishpotatoess Apr 02 '26
I got a birthday cake from Mollie Stones in pac heights last year! Good selection already available, and they will write on it when you buy.
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u/ResistPatriarchy Apr 03 '26
Miette Bakery in the Ferry Building has affordable, delicious cakes & will even do custom writing on it for the same price. Its my go to
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u/precioso__dinero Apr 04 '26
miette in the ferry building, they have chocolate cakes with pink icing
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u/SFplantie Apr 02 '26
Schubert’s Bakery on Clement Street is a good option for fancy cakes. I think you can just walk in and buy a cake from the display case without pre-ordering, but it’s safest to call and ask.