Lark Cake Shop

This review is for the classic ice box cupcake and their coconut cake.
The ice box cake tastes like bland cookies and cream. The frosting was flavorless and the mild taste came from the chocolate wafers. Didn’t mind spending the $ 4.50 on it because it looked interesting in the photos but will not be getting that again.
The coconut cake was dry and dense and didn’t taste anything like a coconut cake. The bottom and top layers of the cake were almost to the point of being burned. $ 50 for this cake is a joke. I could have bought a box of cake mix from the grocery store that is $ 3 and it would have tasted much better. I should have read the reviews prior to choosing this cake shop because many say the same thing of their cakes being dry.
Is it really that difficult to make a cake? You’re a cake shop and can’t get it right

My new favorite cake store in LA! John, the owner, was really nice and helpful. I tried the carrot cake, the red velvet cupcake and the peanut butter chocolate cupcake. All of them were super moist and delicious! I’ll be back for more soon.

Ever since my favorite bakery Confexion Cupcakes closed it’s doors I’ve been trying to find an alternative bakery for my new go to in the Pasadena area. Which bought me to Lark’s Cake Shop which interestingly has been bookmarked for a while ever since I realized they opened a location in Pasadena but I never had a reason to go to til recently since I was in the area & made a stop (Lark’s is located around the corner and shares the same parking and building (I think) with the ever so popular Lavender & Honey (that place is also bookmarked but it was way too crowded for me to want to wait in line, was in a rush that morning) to try their cupcakes and their infamous ice box mini cakes that they are known for. Unfortunately, there was no ice box cakes when I went. The girl working at the time told me it doesn’t happen often but I just happen to come on the day they didn’t have it. However they did have a huge selection of cupcakes. Ended up purchasing half a dozen for myself (hey, I needed to try a taste test a few to see if I like it oh who am I kidding I have a huge sweet tooth lol) the stand out flavors IMO was the red velvet and the carrot cupcakes. The rest (can’t remember what I got were pretty much one note in taste and not memorable) in the end, I still want to try their icebox cakes (this time I will call in advance before arriving) will update then. For now, I’m still on the hunt for a new cupcake shop to frequent.

love the icebox cake but it ran out very very soon… Was there in Pasadena location and it sold out on Sunday at 1 noon…
Was rushing to Silverlake location after work… Icebox cake sold out again on weekday at 6pm.
Please stock up more icebox cake.

I won a gift card to this place a few weeks ago for either 12 cupcakes or an 8“round. With my birthday coming I thought it was a great time to use the gift card. I went in to order my cake and talked with the girl a little bit behind the counter. I work in a bakery and went to culinary school for baking so I am pretty passionate about pastries and like to hear about how other people do business.
First red flag: the cases we SUPER empty. But, it was a Tuesday afternoon so we shall call it an off day.
Second red flag: the clerk mentioned all the baking is done off site and sent over daily. Typically, this means a lot of frozen and aged products which leads to drier cakes and poorer quality control.
Third red flag: the cupcake I bought after ordering my cake was very bland. Very coarse white cake, with MAYBE a dime size amount of filling of custard and unsweetened whipped cream topping (it was called something like berries and cream). Did not finish the cupcake.
So, I picked up the cake yesyerday and when I saw it I thought, «the writing isn’t straight… but don’t be that customer.» So then we get home and eat it (it was Colleens Caramel Cake). Now, I am a huge fan of buttercream, I love it, so i dig in but this buttecream was awful! Then I get to that dang coarse white cake again that tastes like it was brushed with salt water. Then I notice the bottom of the cake is totally over cooked. I am just shocked at how much they charge for something like this.
I was super excited for a salted caramel cake for my birthday but now I am just bummed I wasted the calories.

Can never go wrong with an old fashioned ice box cake. I didn’t know about their existence until only a few months ago, and they are easily my favorite dessert. The blueberry flavor was the first ice box cupcake I’ve ever tried, and it changed my life. The whipped cream is perfection: not too sweet and very, very light. The shop here is simple and yet I was still overwhelmed with the small display of goodies. Service was good, and my cupcake was packaged carefully in a little box that survived the car ride home. We parked up the street in the residential area, and be careful opening the passenger door as the curb is very high!

Lark. My. Favorite. Cupcake. Ice box.
I first had Lark cupcakes from the Silverlake location. The parking was annoying there so I didn’t visit often… Then the Pasadena one opened & I was so happy. I am obsessed with all the cupcakes but I have to admit it is a little pricey. It’s okay though… The ice box cupcakes are so good I’m willing to pay more. And one day (soon) I will try the ice box cake.
The parking is easy here and it’s closer to my home.
I think everyone should try Lark at least once.
The ice box will Change. Your. Life.

We had just parked the car to head into Lavender & Honey when I spotted Lark’s sign out back. Of course I was intrigued, cupcakes will do that to a girl.
We enjoyed our lattes and then walked around the corner to see what Lark was all about.
Very simple shop. Almost stale and medical office like — I hate overcrowded shops carrying a whole bunch of nonsense when I’m just trying to get my sugar fix on but this place is Plain Jane inside.
Onto the cupcakes — I glanced over all of the flavors, most of which are the same thing you’ll find at most places making cupcakes. Black and White, Vanilla, Carrot, Red Velvet — boring, boring, boring! I’m not exactly the type who likes to try new cupcake places because I’m extremely picky but I was enticed for some reason. I did quickly notice the cupcake trays which stood out as different. I’d hoped inside Lark would win me over and my cupcake would be perfect.
I decided to order Vegan Boston Banana because I love vegan pastries and desserts. Banana cake filled with cream topped with ganache (which I’m not usually a fan of) but it looked and sounded promising.
We also ordered an Icebox.
We were asked if we’d be having these for there or to go and chose to have them there. Now having the icebox, I can’t imagine this option being a to-​go item unless they pack it on dry ice as it was practically melting and falling apart within the 60 seconds or so it took us to grab a fork, knife and napkin and sit down at their one table (4 chairs) inside the shop.
I went for the vegan option first, slicing it in half only to find it to be nearly frozen. I was not impressed at all. Later I asked why they have the cupcakes refrigerated as I hadn’t noticed their display case was a refrigerator to which the girl replied because the cupcakes contain perishable ingredients. Hmmmm… maybe I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, but last time I checked if something is Vegan how would it be perishable? Well, all of the cupcakes are and this is where most bakeries would give you a warning that the items you are purchasing need to be set out for 15 – 30 minutes to come to room temperature before serving. None of that was mentioned to us, which caused their most expensive vegan cupcake to be a huge disappointment. A simple «you may enjoy this cupcake more if you let it become room temp, since it’s damn near frozen» would have really helped a girl out. Anyways, I wouldn’t return or recommend the cupcakes — even room temp I can’t imagine they are anything worth writing home about or the caloric intake.
Back to the Icebox, although it felt as though it was already melting it was quite tasty. I’ve never had one and did really enjoy it. It was cool (in temp) treat that was also sweet yet mild enough in flavor to really go down as a very enjoyable eat. I can imagine stopping in here on a warm day in search of one over a heavier choice such as an ice cream cone.

This place is awesome! My friends from work kept pushing me to check it out and insisted I try the icebox.
and of course when I was finally able to go, they didn’t have the icebox cake but the chocolate cream cheese cupcake, the chocolate peanut butter cupcake and the key lime cupcake were so amazing that I wasn’t as disappointed.
I am totally going back to try my luck with the icebox cake again.

Super simple and small shop! But their cupcakes were out of this world. I saw a sign that said they were voted to be one of the top 28 bakeries in la by the la times, so I peeped in. I had just eaten around the corner at lavender and honey, so I wasn’t even hungry. But of course I bought a few to taste and they were all amazing. Often, cupcakes are too sweet for me but these were flavorful and creamy without the gross levels of sugariness!
One of the signature cupcakes is the icebox: a 7 layer mini cake with chocolate and whipped cream. I also tried the mocha cupcake, which was my favorite. And I also tasted the chocolate cookie cream cheese cupcake, and the cream cheese icing was fantassssticcc. Good thing this place isn’t closer, bc I would eat way too many of these and die early.

Compared to all the other well-​known cupcake shops around, Lark Cake Shop is by far my favorite cupcake shop. Not only are their products fresh, they’re not overly sweet either. The cupcakes are way better at room temperature so make sure to let them sit out for at least 30 minutes before devouring into them. My fave at the moment is their key lime cupcake. Yum! It can get a little pricey but you’re paying for quality so it’s definitely worth it for a treat.
Also, definitely try their old fashion icebox if it’s your first time visiting! The old fashion icebox has multiple thin layers of chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream which is to die forrrr. It’s super light, airy, and delicious. Their gingersnap icebox is also a must try (another one of my personal faves).
FYI, they also serve hot coffee from Intelligentsia here.
Parking is easy peasy compared to the Lark Cake Shop in Silverlake. There’s plenty of street parking as well as a private lot in the back.

i was so optimistic and excited when Lark opened shop in Pasadena. i have a fond memory of visiting their SIlverlake store back when artisan bakeries began popping up and was quite tickled by their charm. this Pasadena location lacks the touches their original storefront offers, mostly being a local outpost to purchase their signature craft. it is simply and elegantly decorated, but something just seems to be missing. i specifically remembered the moist and decadent cakes from the Silverlake store, especially their ICEBOX CAKES. those never seem to disappoint. the cupcakes are also delicious. the frosting is light and never overly sweet, and they actually melt in your mouth (ie. they use real butter — thank you!). but when i finally decided to try one of their cakes for my step dad’s birthday, i found myself surprisingly disappointed. i ordered the MOCHA CAKE a few days ahead. it was gorgeously decorated and beautifully boxed. however, when it came time to cut and eat the cake, i found it disappointingly dry. i hope it was just a hiccup on their part. i have never had anything that disappointed me from this bakery, and the cake itself was not inexpensive. unfortunately it left me with a frown and i’m afraid i would not order another cake from them. i still vouch for their cupcakes and icebox cakes any day.
this location also offers candles and cards for purchase. they don’t offer any cake writing services here, so make sure to put that in your order when you call it in. free parking in the lot, located just around the corner from Lavender & Honey, in charming East Washington Village Pasadena.

Made it right before closing! We got the mocha cupcake and an old fashion ice box To go. The ice box was very creamy and had a cookie texture to it. It had whipped cream in between each cake layer. The first few bites were delicious! But i think it’s too much whipped cream for a small sized cake. I got a little sick of eating it half way. The mocha on the other hand was alright, nothing special. Overall I would prefer other cupcakes from other bakery but the ice box cake is worth a try at least once.

I feel let down… we ordered the icebox cake for a surprise engagement party for a family member thinking it was something different and exciting. At the store, I peeked at the cake and thought everything was okay. I didn’t see the red smudges all over the cake until I got home and opened the lid. I was shocked that a professional cake shop would make the red frosting bleed into the white frosting. It was too late and the bakery was closed the next day so I just bit my tongue and took the ugly cake to the party. I just hoped the cake tastes better than it looked. I was wrong again… it tasted blah, super sweet and disappointing. About 30 people were at the party and almost half the cake was left. I was not only let down but embarrassed to bring a cake that ugly and icky tasting. This is the second time I was let down by Lark. This time… shame on me!

I was a huge fan of Lark 5 years ago when the Silverlake location first opened up. I was extremely disappointed when I stopped in to the Pasadena location.
I came in on a Wednesday right before noon and in a crunch to get a last-​minute birthday cake. When I looked in the display case, there only 6 cakes to choose from, two red velvet, two chocolate mousse, one coconut, and one mocha. What the heck??!
I asked if there could be ‘happy birthday’ written on the cake and the cashier said that it’s not her specialty (i.e. only trained to be the cashier). That’s when I looked around and noticed that all the jars and cake stands were empty. There was nothing in the cookie jar, no brownies, no tarts, no bars.
Apparently Lark only stocks up on Fridays and Saturdays. Why even open on the other days then?
The only good thing? The cakes were just as rich and decadent as the Silverlake shop.

Arrived at Lavender Honey at 5:05p.m. Crap they’re closed. Alright, guess I’ll try the new cake shop close by.
The staff is really friendly here and she was thorough with all the questions I asked her. She recommended me to try the old fashioned ice box so I did! It was just cream on cream on cream on cream. Nothing really exciting or stands out to me. I’d say it’s good but it’s not exceptional or anything. Probably would not come back even if I visit lavender and honey (and missed it) again.

After a year of pining over when I’d have the chance to try the Lark Cake Shop icebox cake, I rushed to their Pasadena location, which had opened up not too longer. And I’m sad to say that I was greatly disappointed.
Maybe I got the wrong idea of what an icebox cake was supposed to taste like. Layers of thin chocolate wafer cookies held together by whipped cream sounded like a delicious dessert dream come true. At $ 4.50 per icebox cake, I admit, my expectations were a little higher than average. A chocolate ice cream sandwich with melting vanilla ice cream would be the best way to describe how it tasted. While that brought back some nostalgia, it just wasn’t making the cut for me. Boring and uninteresting in flavor, albeit gorgeous in appearance.
Oh well. I guess when it comes to dessert, you can’t win em’ all. This is just a matter of preference as it seems like a lot of people seem to enjoy the icebox cake. Try it once if you’re curious but don’t expect to reach dessert nirvana.

Super easy to find. You enter through the door on Hill Ave. The bakery is super small with only 2 small tables for you to enjoy your dessert. The girl helping us was friendly and answered all of our questions, since it was our first time. I came here because a friend of mine said the red velvet cupcakes were super good, but after trying out their cupcakes I beg to differ. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t nasty but I have had way better cupcakes. If you want to know more about each cupcake, I recommend looking at one of their detailed paper pamphlets before ordering. I thought it was weird how the worker told my mom and I that the cupcakes usually aren’t as good cold and are meant to be eaten at room temperature. I actually prefer my cupcakes cold and right out of the fridge (almost like cake). But she was right, the cupcake tasted a bit dry and the frosting on mine was hard. If you want a custom cake, make sure you call at least a week in advance for the order.
Cupcake review:
–red velvet: The cake was ordinary. The cream cheese frosting was super whipped and light. Not amazed.
–vegan boston banana: The cake tasted like dry banana bread. The chocolate frosting was very rich, almost like dark chocolate. Frosting was unfortunately too hard so I just took it off.
Maybe the cupcakes would have been better like how the worker recommended it?
SUGGESTION TO BUSINESS: If you know your cupcakes taste better at room temperature, maybe set aside some cupcakes so they can be consumed right away so the true taste of your cupcakes can be experienced.
After reading most of the reviews, I regret not trying out the ice box! Maybe next time I will try out one of those instead of getting a cupcake.
Parking: Street parking. I ate at Lavender and Honey before so I parked in their lot and just walked over to Lark.

Super cute store, fantastic service, not wowed by the famed ice box cake.
I thought it would be cold, more like ice cream, it was honestly no more than an oreo cupcake with tons of layers and way too much frosting.
Very pretty and I am sure tedious to make, fun to try and while the quality was there, it was warm not cold.
Not wanting to ruin it, I ate there to be able to enjoy it right away, but I was really expecting more.
Tasty, but just not what I was expecting, I’ll have to check the original location for more options and give them another try.

Ooh la la, we have a shiny new business in our little section of Pasadena! I couldn’t be more thrilled :) I love Lark Cake Shop in Silverlake and was super stoked to hear they’d opened one here in Pas.
HOURS:
Just opened Wednesday, February 5, 2015. And of course I had to stop in on my way home lol. Thankfully they’re open (10am) till 8pm Sunday — Thursday and even later on Friday & Saturday: 10am — 10pm.
CUPCAKE FLAVORS:
~ Sarah’s Famous Chocolate Mousse
~ Carrot Cake Cupcake
~ Stacey’s Old Fashioned Coconut Cupcake
~ Plain Vanilla Cupcake
~ Chocolate Coconut Cupcake
~ Black & White Cupcake
~ Colleen’s Caramel Cupcake
~ Red Velvet Cupcake
~ Berry Shortcake Cupcake
~ Coffee Cake Cupcake
~ Pumpkin Cupcake
~ Flourless Chocolate Cupcake
* Vegan Boston Banana
* Vegan Chocolate Orange
Although I’m sure I’d love everything Lark offers, a few of my favorites are:
[Chocolate Mocha]
Chocolate cake, whipped cream filling, iced with caramel mocha Italian buttercream and decorated with toffee bits
[Old fashioned Ice Box]
Thin chocolate wafer cookies layered with whipped cream
[Nora’s Lemon]
Lemon cake topped with lemon American buttercream icing
PRICING:
Regular cupakes: $ 3.50
Vegan & Flourless: $ 4.00
Icebox: $ 4.50
It’s a little steep here but remember you pay for that great quality. I am no fan of Sprinkles and their dry over priced cupcakes so I love that Lark is slowly expanding.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
All smiles here. Enough Said.