BY KAREN YOUNG
You can never get too much of a sweet thing. Here’s a list of some bakeries (and bakers who ship) around the 818 for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Sugar Cookie Cupcake in a Jar from Yummy Cupcakes.
This Food Network featured shop has some of the most creative cupcakes anywhere with over 350 cupcake combinations (and growing) total — 82 on the vegan menu, 13 flavors (and growing) on the new sugar free menu, and a rotating menu of 22 daily flavor combinations in-store every day. The cupcake in a jar is a huge hit and perfect to ship. The sky is the limit to what this shop can create.
The selection at this bakery/cafe is enormous with an international array of sweets — from cakes, cookies, pastries, mousse, breads. You name it, they have it. And you can’t beat the prices. Be prepared to stand in line, but it moves quickly. The Milk ‘N Berries cake with its mounds of whipped cream and three berries is the best (a kind of strawberry shortcake) I’ve ever had.
Known for its signature frosting filled cupcakes and pudding (individual and large bowls) , there are also homestyle layered cakes, pies, puddings, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, bars and more for the holidays.
Find edible cherry blossoms, glossy pearls, woven baskets, Chanel handbags, holiday themes and more. John and Susan Rota create culinary works of decadent sculptured art at their Encino bakery where there also teach what they know in decorating classes.
This kosher-style, Continental bakery offers a wide selection of specialty breads, danish, coffee cakes, cookies, fancy cakes are sure to please everyone. Most products are Parve. There’s also a selection of sugar free items.
Grasshopper Triangle Bars at Sweet Butter Kitchen
Sherman Oaks: Sweet Butter Kitchen
This cafe/bakery/marketplace bakes comfort food desserts —cakes, cookies, pastries, tarts, bars and more. It’s always a sure bet for seasonal holiday goods, baked and candy items, that rank high on the cute factor, while being delicious at the same time. Specialty cakes for special events are made to order.
Nata’s is a cafe and bakery specializing in Portuguese cuisine. The bakery is filled with native treats. The”natas”—little custard pastries— are as good as any you’ll find in Lisbon. Savor individual pastries, brownies, cookies and tarts, as well as cakes native to Portugal, France and Italy.
Sherman Oaks: Nothing Bundt Cakes
These adorable and often thematic cakes come in a variety of sizes and flavors. From the Bundtini bite sized treats to the single serving Bundlet to the towers and larger cakes, they are perfect for shipping and many occasions.
Sherman Oaks: Buttercelli Bake Shop
This organic bakery serves morning pastries fresh out of the oven, brownies, bars, cookies, cakes and even their own take on a pop-tart. Individual drip coffee is served all day long. Plus, there’s curbside service, order ahead and your sweets will be brought to you. Also find gluten-free goods.
Studio City: Big Sugar Bakeshop
This cozy shop makes everything fresh daily using top quality ingredients and heirloom recipes for the homemade taste. Choose from cookies, cakes, bars, brownies, pies, tarts, fudge and more. There’s also a wonderfully quaint gift section.
Red Velvet cookies for Valentine's Day from Xtreme Desserts in Studio City.
Home of the original sandwich cookies, in particular the famous Red Velvet cookie, this bakery in the Trader Joe’s shopping center also has cakes, bars, cookies, cake pops and a new and growing menu of mini decadent treats. Check out the tiny coffee cup and wrappings made of chocolate and filled with various sweet cream fillings. So cute. Ask about shipping.
French tarts, cakes, scones and fresh breads more are the name of the game at this patisserie/boulangerie. If you like macarons, be sure to order in advance. If you’re not in a sweet mood, try a sandwich with ciabiatta bread.
Tarzana: Diana Sproveri Bakeshop
Home of the original lollipop cake bite pops, Diana Sproveri bakes cakes and cupcakes and is also available for private hire to create a dessert table. The menu includes gourmet cupcakes, Lollibakes®, chocolate-covered confections, mini-gourmet cookies, and mini-plated desserts. They box and ship too.
Gertie & BB's "Cherries Jubilee"...send them beautifully wrapped!
SWEET GIFTS THAT DELIVER
Gertie and BB Homemade Candies: If you’re looking for a unique sweet treat to gift business associates, friends and family — or need something special for entertaining, look no further than Gertie and BB Gourmet Goodies. It’s insanely delicious and packaged beautifully.This Sherman Oaks based company was recently featured at Chicago’s Field Museum as part of the “Chocolate Around the World” exhibit. The sweets are a crispy crunchy combination of homemade toffee and gourmet chocolate layered with other rich tastes that can be called a cookie, a candy or a mix of the two. A percentage of their profits are given to WeSpark Cancer Cancer Support Center in Sherman Oaks.
Cookies for a Koz: These cookies come in a variety of standard and seasonal flavors. Each with a perfect quick crisp, yet soft bite on the outside, and an incredibly moist inside. Developed by Calabasas resident Roberta Wilson, with help from brother, jazz great Dave Koz, these delectable cookies honor their mother and contribute to The Starlight Foundation. Order them online and they’ll come invidually bagged and boxed, or if you need them quickly, they’re also now available packaged at Home Goods department stores.
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MyDailyFind.com. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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