Let us eat cake, and not just any cake but some of Beijing’s finest birthday cakes made by our very own talented bakers in the expat community. Whatever the theme of your kids’ party, and whether they want a dinosaur or princess cake, these creative pastry chefs have got you covered.
Alena
Alena is great at decorative fondant cakes that taste just as good as they look. For my son’s birthday, our request for a fondant dragon cake inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon was turned down by some bakers, but Alena accepted the challenge! I don’t know how long it took her but the end result drew open jaws and many oohs and aahs. I was all the more impressed by the moist and yummy seven-layer rainbow inside, which my son had requested as well. While it depends entirely on your choice of filling and how labor-intensive the design you choose, this cake cost upwards of RMB 700, which seems fair for a customized cake of this quality and size (able to feed 20). Alena even hand-delivered the cake to my home, which isn’t something she always does but did in my case, which was a lovely personal touch.
Palyko by Camilla Kongshavn
A baker whose culinary talent is almost as big as her heart, Camilla Kongshavn is no stranger to any foodie in Beijing. Doubling as the busy manager of four Sweet Cravings WeChat groups where you’ll find many of these bakers and chefs, Kongshavn’s own dessert business, Palyko, has been satisfying customers for years. She takes pride in using non-toxic preparation while baking and using organic ingredients when possible. Preferring to focus on the quality of the taste rather than just looks, Kongshavn keeps the appearance of her cakes clean and simple. Prices start from RMB 399.
Malika’s Cakes
Aside from beautiful themed cakes with customizable flavors – from black forest to honey and even ice cream cakes – Malika also makes cute pastries such as cupcakes, lollipops, donuts, and unique cookies for kids and adults alike. In Malika’s own words, “I add a part of myself in each cake to make it special.” Basic cakes start at RMB 300, but more sophisticated decorations can increase the price, and don’t forget to add shipping.
Shizu Bakes
Shizna is a Maldives native on her second year in Beijing and seems set to corner the market on amazingly artistic mousse cakes. She uses different layers of fruit compote and chocolate fillings to create culinary treats that are creamy and delicious. Offering a variety of flavors from lemon to hazelnut, and even carrot mousse, in a great choice of designs from mini cloud cakes to mosaics, Shizna is happy to take personalized requests that make your cake one of a kind. Prices start from RMB 300 for the mini cakes and RMB 450 for the regular size that feeds eight to 10.
The Chiffon Lady
Angie Chan is perhaps the latest addition to this list and offers something a little simpler – chiffon cakes that are lightly flavored with citrus, earl grey, and two unique Southeast Asian flavors of pandan and black glutinous rice. For kids’ birthdays, she has customized simple designs and also adds sprinkles or M&Ms for color and extra sweetness since the chiffon cakes themselves are not richly flavored. In my experience, both kids and adults have enjoyed them since they don’t have cream nor do they sit too heavily in the stomach afterward! Prices are very reasonable at around RMB 120 and up, per cake.
There are many many Beijing bakers out there, and these are five whom we have either tried personally and/or received rave recommendations for. They are certainly worth ringing up for your child’s next celebration!
KEEP READING: Sweet Cravings Beijing: The Must-Join WeChat Group for Dessert Lovers
Images: Pexels, courtesy of contributors
