We all have our expectations of a good chocolate cake. They should be sweet, moist, not too fluffy and bursting with a rich chocolate flavour.
Life is too short to waste your calories on bad chocolate cakes, so here's a list of where you can find some of the best in Singapore! Any one of these will make Bruce from Matilda cry with pleasure. No dry or tasteless cakes, we promise.
1. Lana Cake Shop (Lana Cakes)
When talking about chocolate cakes, Lana Cake Shop instantly comes to mind. Founded by Mrs Violet Kwan in 1964 who then retired in 2006, everyone's all-time-favourite Lana's Chocolate Cake ($44 for 800g) is moist, smooth, and not overpowering. Its highlight? A thick, shiny fudge that envelopes teh whole cake. It even has a nostalgic flavour to many Singaporeans.
The sole outlet of Lana Cakes in Greenwood Avenue has been in business for over five decades and is still the place to go to satisfy your chocolate cake cravings. In fact, many say you will not look at chocolate cakes the same way again once you have tried a piece. Want one? Start placing your orders, stat! You'll need to place orders at least a week in advance and it's almost impossible to buy one through walk-in.
Lana Cake Shop is at 36 Greenwood Ave, S289239. Tel: 6466 5315
2. Matt's The Chocolate Shop
Started in mid-2012, Matt's The Chocolate Shop strives to deliver the ultimate chocolate experience with their rich chocolate fudge cakes. Containing up to 60 per cent dark chocolate, their Whole Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake ($30 for 500g, $50 for 1kg) is smothered entirely in chocolate ganache and filled with an aromatic cocoa flavour. Want to pamper yourself for an afternoon high tea session? They're also known for their Small Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake ($4 each), but it's so irresistible, you won't be able to stop at just one.
Matt's The Chocolate Shop is at 122 Tembeling Rd, S423621. Tel: 6557 2274
3. Awfully Chocolate
The homegrown brand is no stranger to Singaporeans. With many outlets islandwide, Awfully Chocolate's cakes are all handmade daily from scratch and by hand. Their All Chocolate Cake ($34 for 6-inch, $68 for 8-inch) has two layers of soft and moist chocolate sponge, accompanied by a layer of chocolate fudge, that's made using the store's very own chocolate, thus the unique roast flavour. They also have other chocolate fudge cakes that are infused with bananas as well as rum and cherry – visit their website for more!
Awfully Chocolate has several outlets. Visit here for locations.
4. Chocolate Origin
Another homegrown brand that never fails to tug at your heartstrings and satisfy your sweet tooth is Chocolate Origin. Its Original Chocolate Cake (from $32.80 for 6-8 pax) is a crowd pleaser with its marriage of rich luscious chocolate ganache entrapping the two layers of chocolate sponges, topped off with a perfect chocolate glaze. It's creamy, luscious and an instant mouthgasm!
Don't have much of a sweet tooth? Fret not! They also have a dark chocolate version that adds tinge of bitterness to the overall mouthfeel. Besides these, they also have an equally rich Cuppa Lava Cake has a cold ice-cream bottom and a warm chocolate cake top, with pulsating lava that oozes out. Heavenly!
Chocolate Origin has several outlets. Visit here for locations.
5. Jane's Cake Station
Not many cake shops have the gumption of selling only two signature cakes, but Jane's Cake Station is doing just that. Offering only Durian Cake and Chocolate Fudge Cake, you can be sure they are both amazing. Priding themselves on selling traditional cakes made sincerely and from the heart, their Chocolate Fudge Cake ($38 for 8-inch, $58 for 10-inch) is comforting, delicious, and a pleasant surprise.
In comparison to the many fancy chocolate cakes on the market, this old school cake encapsulates the feeling of nostalgia and home sweet home.
Jane's Cake Station is at 265 Jalan Kayu, S799493. Tel: 6481 1322
6. Four Leaves
You've probably patronised Four Leaves before – mostly for their freshly-made bread loaves or value-for-money mini buns. One of the leading bakery chains in Singapore, you shouldn't be surprised that their Coco Exotic Cake ($31 for 4-6 pax, $42 for 7-10 pax) is so chocolatey and rich that it's even comparable to cakes from premium patisseries.
Our favourite part of the cake is the crunchy hazelnut base that adds texture to the moist cake that is layered with fresh chocolate cream and topped with fruits and premium chocolate bits. A great option for something affordable yet delicious!
Four Leaves has several outlets. Visit here for locations.
7. Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
For something truly indulgent and decadent, the Three Chocolate Cake ($49 for 500g, $96 for 1kg) from French artisan patisserie Laurent Bernard Chocolatier is your best bet. As its name suggests, it's made up of three types of chocolate – silky white, milk and dark chocolate – mousse is layered with dark chocolate sponge – so you get to enjoy the best of all worlds in one bite.
The marriage of the different kinds of chocolate results in a balanced flavour of both sweet and bitter, and will definitely tantalise your tastebuds.
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier has many outlets. Visit here for locations.
8. Vicky's
Another traditional household name that Singaporeans adore, Vicky's Cakes, is known for their Signature Fudge Cake ($44 for 800g, $55 for 1kg) – a classic, retro-style chocolate sponge that's generously coated all around with their signature chocolate fudge.
Dark, rich and super addictive, this slab of chocolate goodness is sure to ignite the senses! We say that this is the perfect cake for a child's – or let's be honest, adult's – birthday party.
Vicky's is at #02-K47 Bukit Timah Plaza, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, S588996. Tel: 6466 4000
Written by Cheryl Lim.