Paper Cake Shop — Local services in Seattle

I didn’t try the cakes until the next day, and I did refrigerate them, so that could have affected a few things. That said, I’ll start with the positive.

The interior is lively and colorful. I liked how the block colors came together. It felt stylish but not overwhelming. There’s a sense of joy in the space, and it’s actually fun to just hang out inside. The colors aren’t too loud on the eyes, and the overall atmosphere is refreshing.

The woman who helped me was kind and really helpful during our first interaction. She answered my questions, gave suggestions when I wasn’t sure what to get, and her personality seemed to match the artistic vibes of the space and cakes. I’m sure the other baker I saw briefly in the back reflects it he cake shop in the same way.

Visually, the cakes are beautiful. I genuinely love the modern designs, and they tie in nicely with the interior. Just looking at them makes you feel excited and curious. You can see how much time, effort, and creativity went into their presentation. They’re impressive.

I bought the Jewel Box, which included every flavor available. Unfortunately, the cake itself was dry across all slices. The texture leaned somewhat dense and dry. I usually enjoy a dense cake if it’s moist and rich, but these lacked that softness.

For example, the cereal milk inspired cake, the one with the rainbow frosting mostly tasted like a sprinkle cake. I didn’t pick up on any cereal flavor. Though I’ve never had a cereal milk dessert before, so maybe my lack of experience is the reason why I couldn’t notice it. Japan does a good job in creating milk flavored desserts, I think if you could include that, it could bring out the cereal experience.

The miso caramel cake leaned heavily caramel. It was sweet. I liked the amount of miso, actually. It felt just right for me, even if others might want a bit more intensity. Still, I could only manage a small bite or two before it became too much.

Then there was the Thai tea cake. None of us tasting it could find any Thai tea notes at all. I assume they’re using a concentrated brew already, but I’d suggest going even more concentrated. That flavor needs to show up more. Also, the boba chip on top had no flavor. It might’ve gone stale in the fridge, but even so, the flavor was also stale.

The guava cake was my favorite, aside from the dryness. It was refreshing and woke up my palate. It stood out. The buttercream frosting tasted like regular store bought cake and I was hoping to gain a different experience.

The pink cake blackberry was delicious and beautiful, same dryness unfortunately.

The matcha cake had a nice raspberry note that came through first. The matcha itself was the right level, although I could taste the matcha, others that tried it with me expressed they couldn’t detect it. The matcha wasn’t earthy in a muddy way. It tasted more like what people often call “ceremonial” matcha, even if that term doesn’t technically exist in Japan.

From what I can tell, most of the cakes use buttercream frosting. It’s fine, but it’s thick and heavy. I think it works as an outer layer, but I would’ve preferred something lighter inside. A creamy, rich filling that adds moisture would really elevate the experience, especially since the cakes were already dry.

Each cake had personality, but they needed some kind of moisture to carry it. Maybe a syrup drizzle or flavor soak could help, like a Thai tea syrup/soak for the Thai cake. That alone could bring everything together.

I’m pretty sure I’m forgetting a slice or two, but I don’t have my notes beside me. Still, I can see the amount of work they put into each cake. The number of components, the creativity, the time behind every piece, it’s not lost on me. But with all that thought and care going into the look and concept, the flavor in some areas and texture should reflect that level too.

I would say that aside from the cakes being beautiful, some really tasted like your common cakes (confetti cake, caramel cake, etc etc.)

I do think it’s worth checking out and giving a...

I went here for the first time on Saturday with my friend. We arrived at about thirty minutes after they had opened. It was pleasantly busy, not filled with people to the point that we couldn’t sit.

With big windows and a lot of seating, the space was very bright. Everything matched and I liked the style inside. It was kind of like if someone had bought an Anthropologie store and turned it into a cafe inside. Kind of maximalist boho interior, loved it a lot.

I got the Mango Royale cake. It was $9. It was not the typical sponge kind of broadly Asian style cake, it was more broadly European style heavy cake with nice buttercream on it. The mango flavor was heavenly with the graham crackers on top. It was moist as well.

I saw the previous reviews that claimed the cakes here were dry. So I asked the worker here to help me choose a cake that wasn’t dry, as I prefer softer and moister cakes. She said that the cakes often will dry out if improperly stowed, like any pastry will. But in her opinion, the one I had selected was perfectly moist. And she was right!

The one my friend chose was also moist. It was called POG and was SO delicious with the most lovely citrus flavors.

The flavors of both really popped, they were wonderful. The cream wasn’t too heavy either, and the cakes weren’t too sweet which is what my friend and I prefer!

$9 seems reasonable to me as well because it’s clear that these are homemade with a dedicated pastry chef behind them. Most cafes these days have more expensive lattes, so $9 for a slice of cake is fine with me. It’s a treat, after all! So don’t let the price freak you out. It’s well worth it, you’ll be satisfied.

It also was dog friendly. It seemed easy to navigate for those with mobility aids and possibly someone with a stroller. Spacious but cozy!

And finally, the only issue I had is that my friend and I didn’t like either of the drinks we had. But out of thirst and courtesy, we drank the entirety of them both.

Overall, it was a fabulous little bakery and I would gladly come here again, maybe to celebrate something!

P.S. I did not realize my piece was entirely vegan. I would have never known until I googled the name of the cake today. It was...

Picture this: wandering through Seattle’s eclectic Fremont neighborhood, yearning for something sweet, and suddenly you find yourself in a sugar-laden paradise that is the Paper Cake Shop. This place is not just a bakery—it’s the Sistine Chapel of confectionery, where each cake is nothing short of a fresco waiting to be devoured. The vibe here? Imagine if Willy Wonka decided to ditch chocolate and focus on the finer things in the sweet world instead.

Let’s talk about the cakes, shall we? One bite and I swear I was back in grandma’s kitchen, only this time it was a piece of art. The cakes here aren’t just delicious; they’re Instagram supermodels waiting for their close-up. When my wife decided against the cake with fruit loops, the staff, noticing her interest, handed her a small handful of fruit loops with a wink and a smile. A small gesture that speaks volumes about the kind of thoughtful service you can expect here.

The team at Paper Cake Shop is as colorful as the sprinkles adorning their cakes. These folks aren’t just skilled bakers; they’re culinary DJs, mixing flavors with the finesse of a mixologist crafting the perfect cocktail. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making you feel more like part of a decadent dessert club than a mere customer. I’d go as far as to say you might even want to linger longer just to soak in the ambiance—and maybe grab another slice while you’re at it.

And let’s not forget the decor. It’s like a hipster’s dream cross-bred with a Pinterest board—quirky yet sophisticated, complete with cozy seating that makes you want to kick back and savor what’s on your plate. If Seattle weather calls for perpetual grey skies, then this shop is the ray of sunshine you didn’t know you needed.

In sum, Paper Cake Shop delivers a masterclass in sweetness that would make even the bloke who invented pavlova proud. This is more than a bakery; it’s a celebration of the finer things in life—delicious and delightful. Five stars from me, and if I could give it a whole constellation, I would. So trust me when I say, next time you’re in Seattle, swing by Paper Cake Shop—you’ll be happier than a kangaroo in a...