12 Best Spots for Birthday Party Treats in Toronto

Kids know cakes, treats and sweets are important. We say listen to your kids and listen to us. Here are our fave places to go in TO when the going gets tough and things (like birthday parties) get important.

Pop Tart lovers, rejoice. Now you can have a handcrafted artisanal version of your favourite childhood treat, thanks to of-the-moment Bake Shoppe at College and Ossington. In a variety of flavours—including double chocolate, gourmet jam and nutella—these morsels have redefined the toaster pastry category. And given that you can get a message handwritten in icing on the tart, birthday cupcakes are quaking in their wrappers. And these folks can really bring it on the custom orders—we spied a 3D can of Campbell's soup and a bust of SnoopDog, all in cake form.

Eat My Words makes possibly the most beautiful sugar creations you have ever seen. The details on these cakes and cupcakes are so beautiful you don't want to eat them. But you do. And you will. You can even feel good about your decadence because the profits from each box of treats sold goes to the Stephen Lewis Foundation in support of those suffering with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Lollicakes serves up nut-free minis that are handmade on the premises. We think they are magic because they can also create lactose-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, egg-free, soya-free and sesame-free cupcakes (upon request) that still taste good. The real magic is in the hand-painted Belgian chocolate atop each and every cupcake. Worth every calorie.

Consider this downtown Toronto's magical mini-doughnut emporium, where, if it's not too crowded, kids can watch the dough fly.

West-enders already know about this Mimico bakery with its huge selection of baked goods and doughnuts to break a diet for (especially their coconut cream).

City-wide, mobile mini-doughnuts are made possible by Tiny Tom's food truck. But if a craving hits and you need one quick, their permanent location in Markham may be worth the drive.

The Salt & Pepper Catering Co. has the most amazing simple vanilla and chocolate mini cups we have ever tasted. (What other flavours are there anyway?) The butter cream frosting is just begging you to order a few extras for your mom stash.

Yummy Stuff has been one of our fave cake and cookie sources in the city for the past five years. Our longtime favourites have always been the chocolate brownie squares and we've also had great success with their custom cakes.

For a delicious treat that satisfies, we've succumbed to the charms of small-batch, gourmet cookies from Cookie Friday Co. Perfect for a party, present or pick-me-up, these not-too-big, not-too-small delicacies please and intrigue everyone.

Cupcakes, regular cakes, mini cakes, this Leslieville pastry shop has made a name for itself with their high-quality artisanal goods including, macaroon towers, handmade marshmallows and delectable cookies.

Whatever the secret ingredient is—whether it be their delicious baked goods or great customer service—West-enders flock to this happy bake shop. We bet it also has something to do with their cookie cupcakes, customized party favours or tins packed with pleasing ingredients.

One of Toronto's best bakeries for all-natural organic treats, Tori's also offers dairy-free, egg-free, casein-free and refined sugar-free and gluten-free products. Go for the ice cream sandwiches alone, but we bet you'll end up with more than enough to take home. Find more birthday cake bakeries in Toronto on Help! We've Got Kids.