Not to alarm you, but Seattle is a city simply teeming with baked goods you might not know about. Frequently, wonderful pastry experiences await you at establishments not “known” for their desserts: places masquerading as coffee shops, sandwich joints or even gourmet pasta markets! Since they usually don't have neon signs advertising their homemade goods, Cakespy is spreading the sweet word:
Caffe Ladro: Many Seattleites don’t realize that all of the baked goods at Caffe Ladro are made in their own bakery! Ranging from cakey scones drenched in buttery glaze to cardamom crumb cake and substantial cupcakes with smooth, thick frosting, we’d say it's worth a visit. In fact, Mr. Cakespy has been known to go in solely for their vegan oat bars and not even buy a coffee. Various locations; online at caffeladro.com.
Dish D’lish: You probably think of this place more for catering and savory items, but their sugar cookies are serious business: snow white and dense, with meltingly tender crumbs; they also make a beautiful strawberry shortcake (click here for the recipe!). 5136 Ballard Ave. NW (b/t NW Ione Pl. & NW Dock St.); online at kathycasey.com.
Monorail Espresso: Their “chubby” cookies rock our world—kind of a chocolate chip cookie dough cookie which is perfectly soft but still fully baked. And they’re homemade by Monorail’s quirky owner, Chuck Beek, who was one of the first coffee-cart dudes in Seattle in the 80’s; talk about street cred. 510 Pike St. (right by the Banana Republic store on 5th Ave.).
The Other Coast Cafe: Much ado about muffin! Their muffins and cookies are made from scratch, and are buttery, sweet little masterpieces that go above and beyond the bakery items you’d expect from a sandwich shop. Go before 8am and your muffin will still be warm; take one bite and wonder why you haven’t gone in before lunch before. 601 Union Square (at Union & 6th Aves.); online at othercoastcafe.com. ** Baked goods at the downtown location only; a special thanks to Cake Gumshoes Renee and Krista for introducing us to these baked goods!
Pasta + Co.: True, many of their desserts are supplied by Dessertworks--but not the lemon tarts, which are made in-house, and are just the right degree of custardy-sweet and tart. Various locations (though we favor the Queen Anne one); online at pastaco.com.
Specialty’s: Mostly known for their sandwiches, their desserts are all from scratch: cookies like the rich peanut butter or wheatgerm chocolate chip, as well as mini bundt cakes and brownies including the “Lovers’ Lane” which is a double fudge brownie topped with coconut, semi sweet & white chocolate chunks, and crunchy walnuts. Is it too much...or is it just enough? Various locations; online at specialtys.com.