Julia Child once said, “A party without cake is just a meeting,” and that couldn’t be more true. From weddings to birthdays, the baked treat has always been a symbol for celebrating momentous life milestones. In a month filled with a handful of cakecentric national holidays, dedicate June to honoring this delicious dessert by stopping by any of these Philly bakeries and restaurants who do it right.
More commonly recognized for his seafood and steaks, executive chef Sean Ford just debuted a new chocolate hazelnut crunch bar that’s perfect for celebrating National Hazelnut Cake Day June 1. “We carefully blend a few different types of chocolate— chocolate ganache, white chocolate shavings and dark chocolate sauce—and then layer in the hazelnut praline and chocolate-coated rice puffs for texture and crunch,” says Ford of his divine dish. 1426-1428 Chestnut St., 215.246.0533, delfriscos.com
This Chestnut Hill gem has been baking cakes for Philadelphians for over 100 years.“Bredenbeck’s Bakery has been a staple in the Philadelphia community, serving the finest desserts since 1889, and is still family owned,” says fourth-generation owner Jake Boyd of the hot spot sweet shop. Today, it offers a selection of 18 cake flavors, but you can currently enjoy a slice of the limited edition spring torte—a butter pound cake tiered with lemon curd, and raspberry and blackberry puree, and iced with a coconut buttercream. 8126 Germantown Ave., 215.247.7374, bredenbecks.com
Fluffy vanilla cake frosted with vanilla buttercream, milk crumble and strawberry sauce are the elements of what makes chef Marcie Turney’s Funfetti cake so delightful. “Whenever this dessert works its way through the dining room, everyone turns their heads to get a good look. Next thing you know, we’ve got another dozen orders for it. It’s contagiously exciting,” Turney explains—thus the perfect slice for celebration. 1234 Locust St., 215.546.2220, budandmarilyns.com
Decadent doesn’t even begin to describe the collection of eye-catching desserts you’ll find lining the display case at this luxurious bakery-cafe combo. “Our cakes are technically made with a heavy focus on traditional French culinary techniques,” says owner Joseph Amrani. So from the Fraisier gâteau to the chocolate tiramisu, you’ll know each bite is baked with precision and passion. 9 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610.649.7001, delicechocolat.com
Head toward King of Prussia Town Center for a day of shopping and sweets June 14 for National Strawberry Shortcake Day. “Davio’s’ shortcake not only features locally sourced strawberries but also plump red raspberries, making it the ultimate summertime treat,” says pastry chef Candice Holovich. 200 Main St., 610.337.4810, davios.com
Photography by: Delice et Chocolat Photo by Tomasz Fryzel/Courtesy of Aversa PR
