Empire Cake in Chelsea: Simple, fresh and very good
19 Sep 2012, Posted by in Empire Cake, Reviews
A few months ago when I was visiting Chelsea, the neighborhood I grew up in, I stopped into Empire Cake. I had been curious about this place for a while but thought it was just another cupcake place that had recently sprouted up (like a mushroom after a heavy rain). I came to realize that that assumption was way off the mark. In fact, the more things I tried at Empire Cake–the more impressed I became. It turns out that this place has what I jokingly call a “serious commitment to excellence”.
Simple, yet perfect dark chocolate dipped pound cake
The single thing that stuck out for me was how fresh everything was. Every different cake or cookie seemed like it was just baked and perfectly executed. I also liked their copious use of dark chocolate on and around everything. The basic sponge/pound cake “Twinkie” dipped in dark chocolate was a real winner–simple, but with an ultra-moist cake and a perfect, shell-like dark chocolate coating.
Like a high-end Chocodile (with no creme filling)
Even the cupcakes won me over. They have a chocolate cupcake dipped entirely in chocolate and a peanut butter and jelly cupcake that was fantastic.
Peanut butter and Jelly cupcake
The prices are reasonable as well. Stop in and let me know what you think.
Best of all their prices are pretty reasonable (unlike the condos along the High Line)
Follow DessertBuzz on Twitter. Empire Cake is located at 112 8th Ave (15th Street). Their website is here.
Thanks for the rec. You’re right, bakeries are sprouting up like mushrooms. This one also has a generic name, so I would have missed it. BTW, I’d like to make a plug for Birdbath’s granola. Had a yogurt parfait with cherries and lychees this morning.
Jessica, Good to hear from you! You know, Birdbath (City Bakery) has some great stuff too–great grain-based stuff like granola.
They are totally like mushrooms! I did not know about this spot. I’ve created a where I’d eat chocolate on the go guide on my site that already has over 85 places and counting. And I’m discerning and pretty much a snob who rarely goes uptown.
I’ll have to check this place out.
Jackie, wow 85 places—that’s more than I would have guessed too.