Whether you just got engaged, you’re throwing a surprise birthday party, or celebrating any major milestone, a stunning cake will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Check out these local shops offering up the best cakes in Chicago. 

Bjorn Cakes

1332 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60642

This sophisticated shop claims to be the only cake company in Chicago using organic butter & eggs. Their cakes are guaranteed to taste as good as they look! Choose from a variety of flavors, buttercream, and fillings including Belgium Chocolate, White Chocolate Italian Buttercream, or Creme Brulee. Check out their portfolio for artful creations that range from a 5-tiered wedding cake to a Finding Nemo’s themed children’s cake. 

Molly’s Cupcakes 

2536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Wait, who’s Molly? Miss Molly was Founder Johnny’s third-grade teacher and an awesome cupcake baker! In honor of Molly as a way to help children, a portion of profits is donated directly to schools in the community. From their famous center-filled cupcakes to a fun sprinkles station, life is sweet at Molly’s. Grab a cupcake (or two), a few treats, and you’ll be smiling from ear-to-ear. 

Cake Sweet Food Chicago

1635 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612

Tying the knot soon? Pastry Chef Mary Winslow has been baking up wedding cakes for decades. Couples can choose from lace, basket weave, ribbon flowers, or other timeless designs. Or if you have something particular in mind, go with a custom design. Tack on some “ugly truffles” and “damn good cookies” and you’ll be in heaven on your special day. 

Sweet Mandy B’s

1208 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

In 2002, Sweet Mandy B’s opened its doors to sprinkle some magic into the community. And with their old fashioned vibes and pastel colors, this neighborhood favorite evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. From Adult Cakes and Holiday Cakes to Special Occasion Cakes and a neverending selection of cupcakes, there’s something for everyone at Mandy B’s!

Alliance Bakery & Cafe

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Make your wedding dreams come true! If you’re looking for the perfect wedding cake, consider Alliance. Their team will work with you to select the ideal combination of fillings, flavors, and designs to suit your specific wedding vision. In addition to (or in lieu of) a wedding cake, they offer a variety of mini desserts, French and American, to create a mouthwatering sweet table. 

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Need a t-shirt that’s as Chicago as anything? Try out the Dogs/Beef 2020 t-shirt out now!

View the Best Pizza Places in Chicago

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Bake

2246 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The folks at BAKE are serious about their sweets. In fact, they start each morning with around 20 to 30 freshly baked pastries. They’re also serious about their cakes. German Chocolate Cake, Oreo Cake, Rainbow Cake, Nutella Malt Cake …yep we’ll take ‘em all.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

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Featured Image Credit: Cake Sweet Food Chicago on Facebook

 

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Despite ongoing health and safety concerns in Northern Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is still holding its famous Illumination: Tree Lights this year, the 8th consecutive year for the event. Similar to the North Shore’s Let it Shine experience we wrote about, the Arboretum’s experience has been reimagined as a two-mile-long driving event as organizers keep the safety of patrons in mind. Make no mistake though, the awe-inspiring spectacle of lights, colors, and music, will be unmatched.

A few new twists enter the fold in 2020, as well as favorites you’ve grown used to the past eight years, per a press release.

• The driving route is twice as long as the walking path of previous years, winding through almost 2 miles of the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres with more than 10,000 trees along the route. That means you’ll be able to experience more of the gorgeous landscape while not fearing having to interact with other human beings amidst a global pandemic. The event begins on November 20th, 2020, and will run through January 3rd, 2021 with extended hours until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Perhaps the coolest addition is that, for the first time, Illumination will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. This is paramount as the state of Illinois continues to urge citizens to strongly consider limiting their interaction with anyone, including family, during the holiday season. Perhaps The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights can be the perfect holiday pivot event for you and your family to enjoy from a safe distance.

Every year offers something more unique than the last. The Morton Arboretum lights show will feature illuminated trees that will dazzle you with intricate designs cast by light onto the ground. Illumination: Tree Lights, of course, supports the preservation of trees everywhere, accompanying holiday music and high-quality lighting effects make this family-friendly experience one for the books. Every effect is designed to highlight the Arboretum’s identity as The Champion of Trees.

Tickets to Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum went on sale for members-only Early Bird pricing October 1st to the 7th. Ticket prices range from $29 to $49 per vehicle. Timed tickets must be purchased online at mortonarb.org/illumination or in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center in advance of arrival at Illumination. Tickets will not be sold on-site during the event.

If you have never been to the Morton Arboretum, you are missing out. It’s nestled in Lisle, IL off I-88 but is easily accessible to even the most tucked-away city folk. It is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center with 1,700 acres that includes 16 miles of hiking trails, a Children’s Garden, educational exhibits, a Visitor Center, and specialty tree and plant collections. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serves 1.2 million visitors annually.

If you would like more information about exhibitions, events, and admission, it is available at mortonarb.org.

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View the Let It Shine North Shore Event Information

Safe and socially distanced events such as Morton Arboretum Illumination: Tree Lights around the Chicagoland area are the new norm for 2020.

View the Other Light Events Near You

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At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Morton Arboretum

 

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