17 best shops for birthday cupcakes in New York City
When it comes to celebrating a birthday in NYC, shops for birthday cupcakes are a popular and delightful choice. These specialized bakeries offer a variety of delicious and visually appealing cupcakes, perfect for both kids and adults. From classic flavors to unique creations, shops for birthday cupcakes in NYC have something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a small batch or a larger order, these bakeries are equipped to make your birthday celebration extra sweet.
- 1. Empire Cake
- 2. Buttercup BakeShop
- 3. Magnolia Bakery - Rockefeller Center
- 4. Baked Cravings
- 5. Buttercup Bake Shop
- 6. Bebe Bakes
- 7. Sprinkles New York - Upper East Side
- 8. Two Little Red Hens
- 9. Butter Lane
- 10. Georgetown Cupcake
- 11. Little Cupcake Bakeshop
- 12. Molly's Cupcakes
- 13. Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
- 14. Billy's Bakery
- 15. Baked by Melissa
- 16. Soma Cakes NYC
- 17. Magnolia Bakery
1. Empire Cake
Iconic bakery in New York City

The moist oreo cupcake I tried was so delicious that I returned to the bakery just two days later to purchase four cupcakes. This bakery has quickly become my new favorite in New York City. They offer a wide variety of cakes, from elaborate tiered cakes perfect for special celebrations to smaller cakes suitable for everyday events.
The cakes at this bakery are not only visually impressive, but they also taste incredible. The moist and tasty cake itself is some of the best I've had in NYC, and the melt-in-your-mouth buttercream icing is the perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a true delight.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
2. Buttercup BakeShop
Popular NYC bakeshop since 1986 with gluten-free options

I recently ordered cupcakes for a birthday celebration from Buttercup Bake Shop and I was thrilled with the outcome. The cupcakes were not only visually appealing with their creative and colorful decorations, but they also received rave reviews from guests for their delightful taste.
The cupcakes were a hit at my daughter's party, and I couldn't have been happier with my decision to choose Buttercup Bake Shop. The treats were beautifully decorated with an impressive level of detail, and their delicious flavors satisfied everyone's sweet tooth. I highly recommend Buttercup Bake Shop for anyone looking to order high-quality and delicious cupcakes for their next event.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
3. Magnolia Bakery - Rockefeller Center
Famous for its classic American baked goods

The banana pudding at this establishment is a must-try, with its delicious taste and generous size. The small pudding is ideal for an individual serving, and it is priced reasonably. The customer service is exceptional, as the staff permitted us to sample the pudding before purchasing. The pudding is not overly sweet, unlike many American desserts, which are often too large and sugary.
On our last day in NY, we stopped by Magnolia Bakery and then headed to Bryant Park to savor our desserts before going to JFK. We chose a vanilla cheesecake and banana pudding, even though there were many other enticing options available. Both desserts turned out to be excellent choices and satisfied our sweet tooth. The bakery is worth a visit for anyone with a craving for delicious desserts.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
4. Baked Cravings
Gluten-free and vegan options available

The bakery's staff is known for being friendly, accommodating, and helpful. They go out of their way to help customers create the perfect treats and are always available to answer any questions over the phone. This level of customer service enhances the overall bakery experience for everyone who walks through the door.
The bakery's delivery service is efficient and reliable. Customers have praised the speed of delivery and the care taken to ensure that the food is well-packed. This ensures that the bakery's delicious treats arrive at their destination in perfect condition, providing a satisfying experience for everyone involved.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
5. Buttercup Bake Shop
Classic, nostalgic bake shop decor and atmosphere

Delivery experiences have been reported to be inconsistent, with some guests receiving incorrect orders while others face prolonged wait times. Third-party services have been involved in some of these deliveries.
On a positive note, the dessert selection has received high praise, with a wide variety of options available to suit different taste preferences. The service for desserts is commendable, as personalized recommendations are provided based on individual flavor preferences.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
6. Bebe Bakes

7. Sprinkles New York - Upper East Side
Colorful, fun environment with a wide variety of flavors

Red velvet cupcakes are a standout option at this bakery, offering a frosting that is exceptionally delicious. The service is commendable, and the unique ATM cupcake is a fun feature.
The bakery offers a variety of good flavors, with a weekly schedule for their regular offerings and monthly specials. The red velvet cupcake is a must-try, as it is one of the best available. The cupcakes are a good size, making for a satisfying treat.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
8. Two Little Red Hens
Popular neighborhood bakery with a cozy atmosphere

New York and Brooklyn are renowned for their delicious and flavorful bakes, with the New York cheesecake being a standout. This cheesecake is considered the epitome of the dessert, boasting a rich yet light texture and a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors. It is a favorite among food lovers and is frequently hailed as the best cheesecake available.
When it comes to cupcakes, there is one bake that stands out amongst the rest - the Brooklyn Blackout. This cupcake is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast and is perfect for birthday celebrations or as a sweet treat. With its delicious and moist texture, this cupcake is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. Whether you're a fan of cheesecake or cupcakes, New York and Brooklyn have plenty to offer.
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TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
9. Butter Lane
Cozy atmosphere and friendly service

A family traveled from Florida to New York City to celebrate the 13th birthday of their daughter, who wasn't going to have a typical birthday cake. They found an exciting Groupon deal for a cupcake making class at Butter Lane and decided to give it a try. The birthday girl and her two friends spent a few enjoyable hours learning and making cupcakes.
According to the parent, the cupcakes were delicious, and the staff members were educational, entertaining, and provided outstanding customer service. They appreciated the fun and unique experience and felt it was worth visiting Butter Lane. The staff at Butter Lane was equally thrilled to have hosted the special celebration, welcoming the family warmly.
10. Georgetown Cupcake
Offers gluten-free and vegan options

Georgetown Cupcake's offerings in New York include delicious and well-portioned cupcakes, with particular highlights being the salted caramel and red velvet flavors. While the buttercream frosting has a slightly grainy texture, the cakes themselves are reasonably moist and full of flavor. A notable feature is the presence of a caramel swirl baked into the salted caramel cupcake's batter.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, Georgetown Cupcake is highly regarded for its exceptional cupcakes. With 370 traveler reviews and 257 candid photos, the bakery has earned a reputation as one of the best in New York City. The abundance of positive feedback and images showcase the establishment's tasty treats and its appeal to visitors from around the world.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
11. Little Cupcake Bakeshop
Eco-friendly practices, community involvement

A variety of cupcakes were enjoyed at two recent birthday celebrations, with each one receiving high praise. The flavors of the cupcakes were highly commented on, with specific mentions of the Brooklyn Blackout cupcake being a standout favorite. The presentation of the cupcakes was also noted as being beautiful and appealing.
At the daughter's birthday party, a dozen cupcakes were served and quickly became the hit of the gathering. Similarly, at a friend's birthday party, the Brooklyn Blackout cupcake was met with great enthusiasm and requests for information on where to obtain it. It can be inferred that the cupcakes were a significant contribution to the success of both events.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. Molly's Cupcakes
Customize your own cupcake at the cupcake bar

A variety of delectable desserts are offered, including creme brûlée, peach cobbler, birthday cake, blueberry cheesecake, s'mores, Samoa, and Boston cream pie. These treats are popular choices among customers, who praise the talented staff for their ability to create such delicious dishes.
The staff at this establishment are not only talented, but also friendly and helpful. They are known for their exceptional customer service, which adds to the overall positive experience of enjoying the dessert offerings. Whether customers have dietary restrictions or are looking for recommendations, the staff are always ready to assist.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Lunch
- Cheap Eats
13. Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery provided delicious birthday cupcakes for our celebration. The staff were exceptionally friendly, offering great assistance in selecting the best flavors.
Birthday cupcakes were ordered from Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, and they were a big success. The red velvet cupcakes were a particular favorite, with everyone enjoying them.
14. Billy's Bakery
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service

Billy's Bakery is well-known for its fresh and delicious cupcakes, making it the ideal spot for special occasions such as birthdays. The bakery's staff is not only friendly but also helpful, ensuring a pleasant experience for customers.
In a recent visit, I was impressed by the rich flavors and perfectly balanced frosting of the birthday cupcakes I purchased from Billy's Bakery. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking high-quality cupcakes for their special events.
15. Baked by Melissa
Popular for unique flavors and celebrity endorsements

The cupcakes were a huge success at the birthday party, with guests praising the variety and convenient bite-sized portions. The experience was so positive that the order is planned to be repeated.
Mini cupcakes were a big hit at a birthday party, and their delivery was punctual. The overall experience was great, leaving a desire to order again.
16. Soma Cakes NYC

TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
17. Magnolia Bakery
Famous bakery with a classic NY vibe

Cupcakes are a popular choice for birthday celebrations, and the ones being referred to here are no exception. They are described as incredible, implying that they have a delicious taste and are visually appealing. The staff at the establishment where these cupcakes are sold are reportedly friendly and helpful, which contributes to a positive overall experience for customers.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the Classic Cupcake Assortment. This assortment features a mix of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. To make the cupcakes even more festive for birthday celebrations, they are often topped with a 'Happy Birthday' pick. The inclusion of this assortment and the birthday pick suggests that the establishment is committed to making customers' birthday celebrations special and memorable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations