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The Best of New York · Eat · Desserts

The best birthday cakes in New York City

Updated November 2026. 10 places.

Every year around my birthday I face the same delicious dilemma. Which cake? In a city with this many bakeries, picking one feels like choosing a favorite child. I’ve been through the chocolate phase, the funfetti phase, and the “maybe I should just get two” phase. After years of very dedicated research (someone had to do it), these are the best birthday cakes in New York City.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best birthday cakes in New York City, 2026

  1. Magnolia BakeryBakery · West VillageMagnolia Bakery is one of the most popular bakeries in New York City, largely thanks to Sex and the City.
  2. Martha’s Country BakeryBakery · WilliamsburgThey’re consistently good and always get complimented to the extreme.
  3. Amy’s BreadBakery · ChelseaIt’s rich, moist and perfectly airy, topped with a “chocolate silk.
  4. Billy’s BakeryBakery · TribecaBilly’s Bakery holds a special place in my heart because it’s my neighborhood bakery.
  5. Erin McKenna’s BakeryBakery · Lower East SideAfter many slices, I can confidently say that nothing tops Erin McKenna’s Bakery.
  6. Lady MBakery · Upper East Side
  7. Ladybird BakeryBakery · BrooklynThese beautifully decorated cakes check all the boxes. moist, flavorful, airy and memorable.
  8. Milk BarBakery · Multiple LocationsIt’s impossible to name a more popular place to get birthday cakes in New York City than Milk Bar.
  9. OvenlyBakery · Brooklyn
  10. Two Little Red HensBakery · Upper East SideIn fact, I’d go so far as to say that Two Little Red Hens makes the best red velvet cake in New York City.
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 13 Best Birthday Cakes in New York City (Locals Discuss).