I’ve always been curious about how long-standing food traditions come into place. Why did movie theaters choose buttered popcorn? How did a hot dog become the default baseball game staple? Out of the multitude of sugar-soaked baked goods, who decided cake was going to be the candle clutching confection cooked for my birthday? Turning 35 doesn’t have many perks outside of  being able to be labeled as “middle aged.” We are past the days of surprise parties or receiving breaks on the cost of our vehicle insurance, so let us revel in the little things. And by little things, I mean melt in your mouth morsels full of yeast, flour and frosting.

Lindaman’s – Strawberry and Vanilla Custard  *WINNER*

1235 S. Grand Blvd. 

Stop what you are doing and immediately drive to the South Hill with your sweet tooth in tow. Part cake, part pie, part aphrodisiac—this cake hits every note. Creamy vanilla custard, fresh strawberries, a dense chewy cake and a hint of crunch I wasn’t able to identify. If you are thinking hard on what to get me for my birthday, I’ll take another piece of this.

Just American Desserts – Apple Spice

213 S. University Rd. 

For years, I used to ask for a large apple fritter instead of birthday cake. Accidentally stumbling upon apple spice cake at one of my favorite bakeries sounds like the next best thing. With diced chunks of roasted apple and a perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a cream cheese frosting—it’s like my 12 year old dream come true.

Batch Bakeshop – Vanilla Bean with Dark Chocolate Ganache

2023 W. Dean Ave. 

Happy Birthday to me! Multi-layered cake has always been my favorite. So I was excited to see two decadent layers of dark chocolate squeezed into the fluffy vanilla flavored cake: as rich as it was beautiful. Batch Bakeshop is bringing West Central some serious eats along with a new twist on pop-up markets, events and classes.

Nothing Bundt Cakes – White Chocolate Raspberry

2525 E. 29th Ave. 

Upon first hearing from a friend about her Bundt cake addiction, I smirked and went about my cakeless day. Bundt cake has always been this dry boring white cake that has no home in my palate. But this is the opposite of anything you might assume. These personal and full-size circles of awesome are a game changer.

Common Crumb Artisan Bakery  Carrot Cake

19 W. Main Ave.

Every visit to Common Crumb I am taken aback by the perfectly tuned individual portion desserts. A glass case full of edible art. Picasso wrapped in wax paper. This tasty morsel was no different. With a lot of carrot cakes, you miss the carrot. This masterpiece was full of finely shredded orange available in every delicious bite.

Kris Kilduff is crafted of 77% smoked gouda, 20% gnocchi and 3% ice cream sandwich.