The Best Red Velvet Cake And Where To Find It In New York City

Red velvet cake is one of New York City’s most popular and indulgent baked goods. The vibrant red color in this iconic dessert comes from an acidic reaction between cocoa, buttermilk and baking soda; but we know you’re not here for a chemistry lesson. Here’s our list of our favorite places to find red velvet cake in NYC.

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Two Little Red Hens

Baked Traditional Red Velvet (Left), Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream (Right) | © Clareese Hill
Two Little Red Hens Bakery is tucked away in a cute storefront on the Upper West Side. They boast a wide range of cupcakes from chocolate and vanilla swirl to seasonal banana with cream cheese icing. Their red velvet cake, topped with a light layer of rich cream cheese icing, allows both texture and flavor to shine. Shop workers say that their red velvet cake is particularly special because it’s served at room temperature, which ensures a smooth and fluffy texture each time.

Baked

Baked has found great success in not being your average bakery. They offer a wide range of decadent goodies, taking great pride in preserving their classic treats. Their red velvet cake is steeped in tradition, relying on the rich flavor of Valrhona cocoa powder rather than food coloring. Luxurious icing compliments the cocoa; opt for traditional cream cheese or cinnamon vanilla buttercream on top.

Make My Cake

Make My Cake has been a Harlem gem for over 15 years. Working from old-fashioned recipes, this bakery boasts a wide variety of cookies, cupcakes and other treats that can indulge even the most discerning sweet tooth. A New York Times pick, their red velvet is an established favorite, creating the perfect blend of rich cocoa and smooth cream cheese. Their unique recipe plays with the earthiness of the cocoa and the tangy flavor of the icing to create a flavor harmony that is both luxurious and delicious.

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