Where to get the best cake in Edinburgh

Home-baked fare and heartfelt hospitality abound at this Edinburgh cafe chain founded on the bedrock of family tradition and a passion for baking. It’s gorgeous looking and super stylish, with cakes just as beautiful as the interior design. Mimi’s is found across the city; in Leith, Corstorphine, the city centre, Lauriston Castle, Comely Bank and Archerfield. Order a cupcake, a slice, a traybake, or a full-on afternoon tea.

There are lots of gluten-free and vegan cakes on the counter. And you can order a quirky celebration cake, such as a four-layer vanilla sponge with homemade mixed berry jam and vanilla buttercream icing and a nostalgic sprinkling of pick-n-mix sweeties. Mimi’s wasn’t crowned Scottish Baker of the year 2023-2024 for nothing, so get booking and try it out for yourself.

Step into the whimsical world of Lovecrumbs and its ever-evolving menu of offerings that tantalise taste buds with unique flavour combinations and wholesome aesthetics. The boho cafe landed on West Port a little over a decade ago, sandwiched between a fascinating vintage shop and the Western Bar.

Each day the homely urban interior is packed with local residents, art students, office workers and tourists, soaking up the casual and friendly vibe. All of the cakes arrive from Lovercrumbs’ sister venue, Nice Times Bakery, each day. The cake style is rustic and hearty, with colourful high-rise layer cakes and decadent brownies proving especially popular.

Established with a vision to redefine the cupcake experience, Cuckoo’s Bakery has earned a sterling reputation for its fusion of artistry and flavour. Every creation is a visual Bake Off-worthy delight, meticulously adorned with an array of toppings and decorations that speak volumes about the dedication to aesthetic perfection. From the timeless classics like red velvet and chocolate, all the way to the innovative and adventurous, such as salted caramel and gin and tonic, there’s a cupcake for every taste preference.

Much of its secret lies in the quality of ingredients — flour milled in Fife, Scottish butter and local free-range eggs. Cuckoo’s is found in two locations in the city; Dundas Street and Bruntsfield and on a nice day, you can watch the world go by at one of the outdoor tables. This is a magical place to bring a child or to treat your mum. And, while best known for its cupcakes, Cuckoo’s regularly caters impressive multi-tiered cakes for weddings and events.

If you like your cakes small and sophisticated and served with a dollop of timeless elegance, book an afternoon at one of the most refined places in town, Prestonfield House. Its restaurant, Rhubarb, is one of the places where you can enjoy this opulent experience, beside a roaring log fire and by the light of candelabra.

Alternatively, enjoy it in the Rose Garden in summer, as peacocks meander past. Dairy and gluten-free options are available and the menu changes to celebrate the season — with themed cake decor to match. Cakes we’ve spotted on the menu include caramel apple, maple and pecan choux, carrot and citrus mascarpone and clementine and chocolate tart.

Those eschewing animal products or gluten will find this cafe, attached to an art gallery, to be a source of plant-based inspiration (there’s always at least one vegan and one gluten-free cake on display). The cake counter is laden with tasty options for those following all types of diets.

Order a daily special, such as a dark chocolate bun topped with white chocolate icing, rhubarb pistachio cake with fresh fruit, Persian pistachio, orange and rose water sponge, Three Kings cake and Victoria Sponge with seasonal strawberries. Then soak up the sweetness with a shibui loose-leaf tea (brewed here in Edinburgh) or an oat milk latte and peruse the installations/exhibitions upstairs.