The Yummiest Custom Cakes in Oakland

James and the Giant Cupcake

★★★★☆ 4.4 (593) • $$

"After running by this place for months I came to see that this was thee Oakland cupcake jam! I went inside to get my girlfriend her favorite cupcake (red velvet) and was greeted with kindness, cheerfully educated on my options and overall left with a mini cupcake too. :) Sad that their jack London location closed but just Drive another 15 minutes and do yourself a favor to support this local gem! Cant wait to try the vegan options!"

The Cupcake Shoppe

★★★★☆ 4 (639) • $$

"Maybe located in an interesting area but this shop does NOT miss. This has been my go to place for the past few years to pick up cupcakes, grocery store ones weren't hitting anymore.Customer service is GREAT.Everyone here is very nice. Including the owner(?). I have been here many times and never felt received a hint of attitude or uneasiness. They are welcoming and open to explaining the flavors available. However, I don't understand the tip system for putting the cupcakes in a box but that's not important here.Everyone loves the variety of flavors and quality of cupcakes!Tiramisu, NY cheesecake, carrot, etc. This place has so many different kinds that I can't help but purchase at least a dozen, two if there are flavors that pique my interest.The frosting is delicious, the cupcakes aren't stale or too moist, the perfect amount to hold shape and the frosting on top. They also sell cake pops, banana pudding(?), and slices of cake. They may do custom orders but I feel I have a great experience perusing the different options on display that I don't need to place an order ahead of time.Overall, love this place. Will be my main cupcake shop indefinitely."

Marley's Treats

★★★★☆ 4.3 (476) • $$

"I'm so sad that Marley's Treats is closing their storefront! They'll stay open throughout February (March onwards, TBC) before transitioning to catering only. As a huge Pandan/Ube fan (but also someone who does not have a sweet tooth), this hits hard. These flavors are my absolute favorites! I ordered my wedding cake from Marley's--an 8" UBE CAKE ($135) along with dozens of UBE CUPCAKES ($32/dozen)--and they were a hit! So many guests raved about how moist and yummy they were. Delivery to Walnut Creek ($40) was smooth too.When I visited their store, I also tried the UBE FLANDESAL and UBE OREO CUPCAKE. They were decent, but I definitely preferred the ube cupcakes. The flandesal's leche flan filling was a bit too sweet for me. It was coconutty, and slightly salty which helped balance the sweetness a bit. I also found the Ube Orea cupcake to lack ube flavor in comparison as the oreo cream kind of diluted it.However, the PANDAN ICE CREAM $11 for a pint, took me by surprise. It's super green (probably an extract), but the texture is creamy--not icy at all. The pandan flavor is actually strong, which is rare! Most spots dial down the pandan/ube flavors, so it ends up too subtle, but not Marley's Treats! I personally like this more than other pandan ice creams I've had (like Garden Creamery and Miharu). My husband also tried their UBE PANDAN CRUNCH ICE CREAM and he said it was really good too, but they didn't have it when I was there.That said, the UBE MILKSHAKE was painfully sweet. I had it on an empty stomach and felt sick after a few sips--couldn't even finish it. Also felt that the milk kind of watered the ube flavor down (compared to cupcakes/ice cream). Their milkshakes are only for those with a serious sweet tooth.Btw, I'm on a mission to try all the pandan cakes/ice creams/coffees in the Bay Area. Haven't tried too many yet, but I'll report back. At least I have had Singapore's Bengawan Solo Pandan cake to compare as a gold standard!***Tip: Catering only after February :( think it's street parking only, but there are meters in the downtown.Likes: Ube cake, ube cupcake, pandan ice cream, ube pandan crunch ice creamMeh: Ube Flandesal, Ube MilkshakeLast words: Strong ube and pandan flavors (extracts)"

Alice Street Bakery Café

★★★★☆ 4.4 (252) • $

"I ordered a cake online and this was honestly the most amazing cake I have ever seen. I asked for an edible print cake and the picture quality was so good it looked real. I placed the order online and they were very responsive and sent me a text the next day to confirm details. The cake was absolutely gorgeous, ready to be picked up on time, and they even gave me a free plastic cake cutter."

Delicieuse Princesse Bakery

★★★★☆ 4.2 (228) • $$

"I'm so glad to have stumbled back to this bakery after it was closed/sold. I heard it was open and wanted to pick up a cake for an occasion. I peek in the refrigerator and saw a really cute custom cake! My eyes lit up and I asked how do I order something like this. Evonne stepped up and greeted me, said to just text her and send inspos! I'm so glad there happened to be a custom cake in the refrigerator at the time or else I'll never know! I've already ordered a few custom cakes from her and I know I'll be back for more! Everyone loves her cakes and compliments how it's not too sweet and tastes just right! I cannot wait to place another order!!"

Cupcakin' Bake Shop

★★★★☆ 4.4 (158) • $$

"Celebrating both my and my girlfriend's birthday together. She's on the 11th and I'm on the 22nd. I'm not going to lie. The first time I came here I thought they were a little expensive for a cupcake but now on my 2nd visit they are most definitely worth it. Interesting flavor combinations but the the key to their cupcakes is the detail. The icing is flavored often but what's important is that it's not overbearing. Details: they had a Key Lime Pie and the detail that set it up was the crumble crust on the bottom. I love stuff like that. Creative Flavors: Passionfruit Bourbon. I wept. Flavors change often so when you get there you can find out or call. These desserts are very light and never feel heavy.Warrants going all out and getting a sugar high on these cupcakes.Go!"

Horizon Bakery

★★★★☆ 4.1 (68)

"Cakes here are adorable! What caught my eye was the jellycat cake but they have different animals as well. Ordering was easy and on their website. Originally they did not have any spots open for my date but I sent them an email and they were so accommodating! The cake was strawberry and cream flavor - not too sweet like American cakes. The fruit was fresh and the frosting was light. They provide free candles as well. Pickup for me was around 12pm and they will text you when it's ready. They also had some cakes ready for purchase when I came in. The shop is small and used to be the egghead store in Cupertino."