Sweet Spots in Vancouver: Where to Get a Full Chocolate Cake

There’s no doubt Vancouver, Washington has a sweet tooth. Ask around and you’ll quickly discover that the city is flush with bakers who treat the humble chocolate cake as a canvas for creativity. After combing through local recommendations, personal taste tests, and some deep dives into bakery menus, here’s my take on the must‑visit spots when you’re craving an entire chocolate cake, not just a slice.

Simply Sweets

Starting close to home, this neighborhood bakery is my go‑to for classic American cakes. Simply Sweets’ menu rotates weekly, but their perennial favorite is Simply Chocolate, a rich chocolate cake slathered with silky ganache buttercream. It’s available for in‑store pickup or custom order, and if you’re feeling adventurous there are other riffs on cocoa: Mocha tops the same cake with espresso buttercream, while German Chocolate tucks coconut‑pecan filling between layers. Located just off Columbia Street, the bakery is a bright, cheerful space where you can smell the buttercream as soon as you walk in. This is where I send anyone asking for a dependable, crowd‑pleasing chocolate cake, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or “just because.”

Larson’s Bakery

A Vancouver institution, Larson’s has been baking from scratch since 1986. Their selection reads like a love letter to chocolate lovers: there’s the straightforward All Chocolate cake, a tender crumb with chocolate filling and icing, and more decadent options like German Chocolate (piled with coconut and walnuts), Chocolate Mocha, or Chocolate Mint. For something nostalgic, try the Chocolate Marilyn, which pairs vanilla custard (“Marilyn”) with buttercream and chocolate crunch. Larson’s is perched on SE Mill Plain Boulevard, so it’s an easy stop on your way home from errands. Call ahead to order a full cake; they’ll let you pick the filling, frosting and even a custom design.

Bleu Door Bakery

Tucked near Main Street, Bleu Door Bakery is where French technique meets Pacific Northwest flair. Their Old Fashioned Fudge cake, vegan, believe it or not, is a dense chocolate number blanketed in fudge buttercream. Prefer something gooier? The German Chocolate Decadence piles coconut‑pecan filling between layers of fudgy cake and finishes with ganache. They also offer a gluten‑free Flourless Chocolate Cake. Everything here is triple‑layer and made to order, so give them 48 hours’ notice. Grab brunch while you’re at it, this is one of the few places where you can eat a savory croque monsieur before bringing a chocolate cake home.

Sweet Touch Bakery

Craving something Eastern European? Sweet Touch specializes in European‑style cakes, and two standouts are the Prague, a chocolate sponge layered with chocolate cream and the Honey Chocolate Cake, which alternates honey sponge and chocolate sponge with vanilla cream. These cakes aren’t overly sweet, making them perfect for adults who prefer a more restrained sugar rush. Located on Thurston Way, Sweet Touch requires a few days’ notice for full cakes, but the effort is worth it. It’s like importing a slice of Eastern Europe without leaving Clark County.

Stacey’s Sweet Temptations

Not every bakery has a storefront. Stacey’s Sweet Temptations started as a cottage business and now sells at local farmers markets. Stacey (yes, she really is the one baking your cake) emphasizes scratch‑made goods using natural ingredients, including vegan and gluten‑free options. She’s a custom cake artist who works on wedding and celebration cakes, and you can taste the care in each bite. Her official business address is on NE 24th Avenue, but the easiest way to catch her is at the Salmon Creek Farmer’s Market or by placing a custom order through social media.

Cookie McCakeFace

While technically better known for cookies, Cookie McCakeFace offers full cakes on special order. The company recently moved its pickup point to Vault 31 Bar on SE 123rd Avenue. What makes them worth including? Their cakes are playfully indulgent, think thick layers, over‑the‑top fillings and whimsical designs. If you’re after a fun chocolate cake that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is the spot. Just check their social channels for availability, as hours vary.

Bloom Cake Studio

If you’re willing to drive north to Kalama, Bloom Cake Studio is a hidden gem. They craft custom cakes and desserts inspired by Pacific Northwest ingredients, with sophisticated designs and premium flavors. The studio sits inside the Kalama Market at 254 Hendrickson Drive, about 30 minutes from Vancouver. Cakes are available daily, and you can book a tasting if you’re planning something special. Bloom’s commitment to artistry and local ingredients elevates their desserts beyond mere sweets; each cake feels like a celebration of our region’s bounty.

Lauretta Jean’s (for the adventurous)

Just across the river in Portland, Lauretta Jean’s is a pie shop that also makes an incredible Chocolate Raspberry cake. Layers of devil’s food cake and rich chocolate frosting embrace tangy raspberry preserves. It’s a little drive to Division Street, but sometimes you need an excuse for a mini road trip. While not strictly Vancouver, I’d be remiss not to mention this cross‑river delight when discussing our region’s best chocolate fix.

There’s no single “best” chocolate cake in Vancouver because each bakery brings its own style and flavor. Whether you prefer the nostalgic comfort of Larson’s, the European elegance of Sweet Touch, the vegan indulgence at Bleu Door, the home‑baked charm of Stacey’s, or the artistry of Bloom’s custom creations, our corner of the Pacific Northwest has a cake for every occasion. My advice? Try them all and start keeping your own ranking. After all, the pursuit of the perfect chocolate cake is a sweet journey worth savoring.