Unearth The Voyage
Boston’s dessert scene is bursting with bakeries, cafes, and hidden gems where you can grab a single slice of cake without committing to an entire round. Whether you’re craving creamy cheesecake, fluffy vanilla layers, or something totally unexpected like pineapple cake squares, the city has you covered. Here are fifteen fantastic spots to satisfy your sweet tooth, one perfect slice at a time.
1. Michette (Somerville) – Basque cheesecake
Golden on top and impossibly creamy inside, this Basque cheesecake has earned serious praise from local food critics. The East Somerville boulangerie bakes it without a traditional crust, letting the caramelized surface do all the talking. Each bite delivers a custardy center that melts on your tongue.
Eater Boston named it the area’s standout, and one taste explains why. The texture sits somewhere between flan and classic cheesecake, with a slightly burnt top that adds depth. Stop by Michette and ask for a wedge to go, or enjoy it with coffee at one of their small tables while you watch the bakers at work.
2. Manoa Poke Shop (Somerville/Porter Sq.) – Pineapple cake squares
You might come for the poke bowls, but the pineapple cake will steal your heart. These single-serving squares are chewy, gooey, and perfectly portioned for one person. The best part? Every piece is a corner piece, so you get those irresistible crispy edges all around.
Manoa Poke Shop keeps these treats near the register, making them an easy add-on to your lunch order. The pineapple flavor is tropical and sweet without being overpowering. It’s the kind of dessert that surprises you in the best way possible, especially when you weren’t expecting a Hawaiian-style cake at a poke counter in Porter Square.
3. La Flaneteria @ Bow Market (Somerville) – Flan by the slice
Flan gets a fun makeover at this Bow Market pop-up, where rotating flavors keep things exciting week after week. Pumpkin spice, honey-sesame, Oreo, and other creative spins appear regularly, so no two visits are quite the same. Check their Instagram before you go to see what’s currently available.
La Flaneteria operates out of Buenas, making it easy to grab a slice while you explore the market’s other vendors. The texture is silky and smooth, with caramel sauce that pools around the edges. It’s a playful take on a classic dessert, perfect for anyone who loves trying new flavor combinations.
4. Mamaleh’s Delicatessen (Cambridge + other locations) – Five-layer chocolate cake
Five layers of chocolate cake stacked high and slathered with thick frosting make this a showstopper. Mamaleh’s Delicatessen serves it by the slice at all four of their locations, so you can indulge no matter which neighborhood you’re in. The frosting is rich and generous, coating every layer with chocolatey goodness.
If you fall in love and want a whole cake, just give them 48 hours’ notice. The deli vibe adds a nostalgic touch, reminding you of classic Jewish bakeries where desserts were always over-the-top delicious. Pair your slice with a cup of coffee and settle in for a sweet afternoon break.
5. Bova’s Bakery (North End) – Classic slices, 24/7
Open around the clock, Bova’s Bakery is your late-night cake emergency solution. The North End institution keeps a steady rotation of slices ready to go, from fluffy coconut to spiced carrot cake. Red velvet is a vivid crimson, and the cheesecake is dense and satisfying.
Because they never close, you can satisfy a midnight craving or grab breakfast cake at dawn. The bakery has been a neighborhood fixture for decades, and the old-school Italian atmosphere adds charm. Walk up to the counter, point at your favorite slice, and enjoy a piece of Boston dessert history any hour of the day.
6. Sloane’s (Allston) – Funfetti cake slice
Childhood memories come flooding back with this playful funfetti cake slice. Sloane’s plates it with Tahitian vanilla buttercream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, and a scoop of strawberry-white-chocolate ice cream on the side. The rainbow sprinkles scattered throughout the cake add pops of color and a hint of sweetness.
It’s nostalgia on a plate, perfect for anyone who loved birthday cake as a kid. The buttercream is smooth and not too sweet, balancing the sugary sprinkles beautifully. Allston locals know this is the dessert to order when you want something fun and Instagram-worthy without sacrificing flavor.
7. Long Bar & Terrace at Raffles (Back Bay) – Boston cream pie (really cake) by the slice
Ten layers of cake, cream, and chocolate create a towering masterpiece that redefines Boston’s official dessert. Long Bar & Terrace at Raffles cuts this architectural wonder into sleek slices, making it easier to tackle than a whole pie. Each layer is visible when you slice through, showing off the craftsmanship.
The custard is smooth and rich, while the chocolate topping adds a glossy finish. It’s an upscale take on a classic treat, perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress out-of-town visitors. The Back Bay setting adds elegance, turning a simple cake slice into a memorable dessert experience.
8. Flour Bakery + Café (multiple locations) – Vanilla celebration cake & other slices
Flour Bakery keeps cake slices stocked across all its Boston and Cambridge locations, making it easy to grab a sweet treat wherever you are. The vanilla celebration cake is a crowd favorite, topped with cheerful sprinkles and layers of moist vanilla cake. The frosting is creamy and smooth, spreading evenly between each layer.
Other slices rotate through the display case, so you’ll always find something new to try. Flour’s reputation for quality baking means every slice is consistently delicious. Stop by after lunch for a midday pick-me-up, or take a slice home for dessert later in the evening.
9. Modern Pastry (North End) – Cakes by the slice
This North End stalwart has been serving Italian pastries and cakes for generations. Modern Pastry lists multiple cake slices right on the menu, so you can choose from several options without ordering a whole cake. The selection changes, but you’ll always find classic Italian flavors alongside American favorites.
The shop’s old-world charm makes every visit feel special, like stepping back in time. Whole cakes are available if you’re feeding a crowd, but singles and couples will appreciate the by-the-slice options. Grab a slice to enjoy with espresso at the counter, or take it to go and savor it while strolling through the historic neighborhood.
10. Mike’s Pastry (North End + satellites) – Cakes by the slice
Famous for cannoli, Mike’s Pastry also offers an impressive lineup of cake slices. Boston cream, chocolate mousse, and red velvet are just a few of the options listed on the menu. You can order a single slice or take home a whole cake if you’re planning a celebration.
The North End location is always bustling, but satellite shops make it easier to skip the crowds. Each slice is generously sized, giving you plenty of cake to enjoy. Mike’s has been a Boston institution for decades, and their cakes carry the same reputation for quality as their world-famous cannoli.
11. Lady M (Back Bay) – Mille Crêpes slices
Twenty paper-thin crepes stacked with pastry cream create Lady M’s signature mille crepes cake, and you can buy it by the slice on Newbury Street. The boutique bakery specializes in this elegant dessert, which originated in Japan and became a global sensation. Each layer is visible when you cut through, revealing the delicate craftsmanship.
Same-day pickup is available, so you can plan ahead for a special treat. The texture is light and airy, melting on your tongue with a subtle sweetness. It’s a refined dessert that feels luxurious without being heavy, perfect for an afternoon indulgence while shopping in Back Bay.
12. Paris Baguette (Central Sq., Cambridge) – Assorted cake slices
This Korean-French bakery chain brings a rotating selection of cake slices to Central Square. Strawberry, cookie butter, and light chiffon cakes are just a few of the flavors you might find on any given day. The Cambridge location keeps the display case stocked with fresh options, so there’s always something tempting to choose from.
The cakes are visually stunning, with bright colors and intricate decorations that make them almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Paris Baguette’s menu changes regularly, so check their website or stop by to see what’s currently available. It’s a great spot for a casual dessert break while exploring the neighborhood.
13. La Saison Bakery (Cambridge) – Seasonal cakes by the slice
Seasonal flavors take center stage at La Saison Bakery, where slices like Honey Apple, Chocolate Pudding, and Cheesecake rotate throughout the year. Food Lens highlighted this Cambridge bakery for its creative approach to classic desserts. The Honey Apple cake is especially popular in fall, while Chocolate Pudding is a year-round favorite.
La Saison lists cakes and sweets on its website, so you can check before you visit. The bakery focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, giving each slice a unique flavor profile. It’s a wonderful spot for anyone who loves trying new desserts and supporting local artisan bakers in the Cambridge community.
14. Salt Patisserie (Newton Centre) – Refined cake slices in rotation
Chef Thiago Silva brings French technique and Brazilian flair to Newton Centre, creating cake slices that Eater Boston praised for their exceptional quality. Salt Patisserie rotates its offerings, so each visit brings a new discovery. The attention to detail is evident in every layer, from the texture of the cake to the balance of sweetness in the frosting.
Silva’s background shows in the refined presentation and sophisticated flavors. These aren’t your everyday supermarket cakes; they’re crafted with care and skill. If you’re willing to travel a bit outside the city center, Salt Patisserie rewards you with some of the finest cake slices in the greater Boston area.
15. Sofra Bakery & Café (Cambridge) – Almond Rose Cake
Fragrant rose water and ground almonds combine in this petite, gluten-free cake that appears on Sofra’s menu. It’s a single-serve treat, perfect when you want something elegant but not overwhelming. The almond flavor is rich and nutty, while the rose adds a floral note that makes each bite feel special.
Sofra Bakery & Café is known for Middle Eastern-inspired pastries, and this cake reflects that heritage beautifully. The gluten-free preparation doesn’t compromise on texture or taste; it’s moist and tender throughout. Order it with a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea for a truly memorable dessert experience in the heart of Cambridge.
