SP Recommends: Top 5 Places to Get the Best Cake in Manila

A friend once gifted me with Chocolat’s signature Chocolate Caramel Cake, and after one taste I just had to find out where it was bought. I’m not really a big fan of chocolate or caramel, but Chocolat’s version of this classic favorite is easy to like because, given all that sugar in the ingredients, it has just the right sweetness. The caramel, which serves as the main sweetener, does not overpower the chocolate-y flavor of the moist cake. Chocolat, which began as a baking supplies store in 2003, is my winner for the chocolate category, hands down.   With branches at Greenhills and SM Mall of Asia

Think Conti’s, and immediately images of their famous Mango Bravo cake conjure up the mind. The store, which had its humble beginnings from Parañaque, has certainly made a name for itself through this frozen delicacy. Made up of layers of sponge cake, meringue, cashew, chocolate mousse and succulent mangoes, then covered with a mango cream frosting with hints of chocolate, it is no doubt a family favorite.   With branches at Serendra, Greenhills and Greenbelt

What a surprise to find a dessert that in itself is a spectacle at a Korean restaurant. At first I was apprehensive to try out their Tartufo Bacio Nero, which technically isn’t a cake but Italian gelato, but I'm glad that we did. The new discovery is now on our regular to-order list whenever we eat at Kaya. It is a dessert coated in vanilla cookie crumbs and covered in dark chocolate on the outside. Underneath it is a generous serving of creamy chocolate gelato. Dig deeper and you will find a luscious piece of cherry at the very core. Needless to say, it’s one dessert you will want to eat quickly (and believe me, you will), lest it melts. Overall, the Tartufo Bacio Nero is a great way to end a spicy hot Korean meal.   With branches at Robinson’s Place Manila, Glorietta and The Podium

I don’t remember eating Banapple’s Banoffee Pie, but only because it disappeared quickly during a party. What I do recall is the delicious combination of ripe bananas, cream, and moist chocolate cake. Worth trying too is their toffee cheesecake.   With branches in Katipunan, Makati and Tomas Morato

We discovered Cara Mia only by chance.  While dining at Amici in Makati, we were happy to find that it shared the space with this gelateria which also sold heavenly cakes and great coffee. We tried their Tiramisu and loved it at first bite. It was everything a perfect tiramisu should be : layers of rum-soaked lady fingers, coffee liqueur, cream, a hint of espresso and a generous sprinkling of cocoa powder on top. Truly, molto deliziosa.   With branches in Greenhills, Tomas Morato, Makati and Alabang