If you're London-based and in need of a robust slice of cake, look no further than Cakehole. Their slices are huge, their flavours are spot on, and the quality of product is always top tier. Started in 2007, this small bakery can be found at various London food markets selling their freshly baked vibrant treats, plus they also deliver within the area.
I had Cakehole on my radar for a while but it wasn't until the 2020 lockdown that led me to discover their creations. Many a Saturday I would walk to Barnes Farmers Market just to buy a slice of deliciousness, feeling super smug with my precious package as I walked back to Putney through the leafy green parks that connect the two locations. Sometimes I would have lunch first, other times I would tuck right in.
Tiramisu Cake
It is rare to see tiramisu cake so I was straight on this one. This cake is comprised of two vanilla sponge layers doused in coffee, and iced with a mascarpone cream cheese frosting. The sponges contain enough coffee to get that bitter flavour, but not too much to be overpowering, you still get to enjoy the vanilla sponge. The frosting is so creamy, making this a moist cake which actually tastes like tiramisu and is a pleasure to eat.
Coffee Cake
This is the most delicious coffee cake I've ever tasted. A lot of coffee cakes lack that intense coffee flavour, but Cakehole nail it. The sponges are perfectly baked and provide a real coffee hit as they contain instant coffee in the mix. The thick buttercream is sweet yet strong, and the chopped walnuts add texture. IMO, this is three layers of heaven.
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Chocolate cake is a classic, so how does the Cakehole version stand up? This one has two delicious chocolate sponges, slightly crumbly in texture with a full rich chocolate flavour, and is decorated with super sweet chocolate buttercream. Visually, I love the piping of the buttercream, the thick swirls add decoration and finish. The ratio is about 50% cake, 50% buttercream so it is quite a sugar rush, trust me when I say a cup of tea makes a good companion.
Red Velvet
This iconic American cake is another winner, with two moist layers of vibrant red sponge alternated with two thick layers of contrasting white frosting. The frosting is simply mascarpone cheese and cream cheese, so ultra creamy and rich rather than sugary. The sponges are crumbly and have that classic red velvet taste - you know, the one where you aren't entirely sure what it tastes like but you like it anyway.
Black Forest
Another classic cake profile, and one that you just don't see enough of, this black forest did not disappoint. Two thick, velvety chocolate sponges are accompanied by a creamy frosting and tart cherry compote. Some black forest cakes have far too much cream, but this one has everything in perfect ratios. Those huge cherries provide a fruity balance to the deep chocolate flavour, and the neutral cream cleanses the palate ready for more. It's actually a surprisingly light cake to eat.
Carrot Cake
It will be no surprise that the carrot cake is great too. Two thick sponges contain carrot, lemon and cinnamon to make a lightly spiced, moist cake. The frosting is made up of mascarpone and lemon, in addition to cream cheese and icing sugar, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the carrot sponge. I was too busy eating to get proper pictures but hopefully the below image will give an idea.
Sticky Nuts Brownie
Cakehole don't just excel at cakes. This walnut brownie was just as decadent, rich and filling as you could hope for. The chocolate brownie base is held together by a sticky caramel, with walnuts and chunks of 72% dark chocolate providing crunch. Every bite is rich and sweet, expect to eat this in a couple of sittings.
Other Delights
The Cakehole stall is always inviting and temptation to just buy everything is strong. The design of their bakes is simple yet striking. It's a real joy to survey the selection and choose based on your heart's desire. My top tip: if you don't see what you're looking for just ask, it might not be out on display yet.
I hope you now feel inspired and excited to try these bakes, you will not be disappointed! If you have already sampled the treats let me know what you thought, especially if you agree that their coffee cake is the best ever!
Lulu xx