You know that feeling when you're driving down SE 12th Avenue and the smell of buttercream hits you before you even see the storefront? That’s the classic Portland experience. Honestly, in a city that treats its donuts like high art and its coffee like a religion, Piece of Cake Bakery Portland has managed to do something pretty rare: stay consistently excellent without becoming a gimmick. It isn’t trying to be a "concept" or a "brand activation." It’s just a damn good bakery.
I’ve spent way too much time thinking about why some spots in Sellwood thrive while others flicker out in six months. It usually comes down to the cake. Or the lack thereof.
While most people are out here waiting in massive lines for a Voodoo Doll or some intricate French pastry that costs twelve dollars, the locals are slipping into Piece of Cake for a slice that actually tastes like home. It’s been a staple for over 40 years. Think about that for a second. In 1982, Portland was a very different place, but people still wanted a killer slice of carrot cake. Some things never change, and honestly, thank god for that.
What Actually Sets Piece of Cake Bakery Portland Apart?
Most bakeries choose a lane. They either do the "healthy" thing—GF, vegan, low-glycemic—or they go full-tilt sugar coma. Piece of Cake decided to do both. And they actually pulled it off.
Back in the day, if you told someone you wanted a vegan cake that didn't taste like a dense brick of sadness, they’d laugh at you. But this place mastered the art of the vegan and gluten-free dessert long before it was trendy. They use real ingredients. It’s a simple concept, but you’d be surprised how many places cut corners with pre-made mixes. Not here. They’re known for a massive variety of flavors, but their "Nicky Special" is the stuff of legends. It’s this chocolatey, raspberry-filled, ganache-covered masterpiece that has basically become the unofficial birthday cake of the Pacific Northwest.
The Secret Sauce (Is Actually Just Butter)
Let’s talk about the texture. A lot of Portland bakeries lean into that super-airy, spongey style. It’s fine, I guess. But if you want a cake that has some weight to it—the kind of cake that feels like a hug—you go to Piece of Cake.
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The owner, Marilyn, has kept the vibe very "Old Portland." You walk in and it feels like a neighborhood spot because it is a neighborhood spot. There’s no minimalist white marble or neon signs meant for Instagram. It’s cozy. It’s a bit cluttered. It smells like vanilla extract and hard work.
They also do these incredible "Petit Fours." They are tiny, perfectly iced, and dangerously easy to eat in one sitting. I’ve seen people buy a dozen for a party and "accidentally" eat four in the car on the way home. I am people. I’ve been that person.
The Reality of Wedding Cakes in a Post-Pinterest World
If you’ve ever tried to plan a wedding in Portland, you know it’s a nightmare. The costs are astronomical. But Piece of Cake Bakery Portland has stayed surprisingly accessible. They don't upcharge you just because you uttered the word "nuptials."
Their wedding cake process is refreshingly straightforward. No three-month waiting list just for a tasting. They actually listen to what you want. If you want a cake that looks like a forest floor because you're getting married in the Gorge, they can do that. If you want a classic, three-tier white cake that actually tastes like something other than cardboard, they do that better than anyone.
- The Variety: They offer over 30 flavors. Seriously. From Marionberry (a local necessity) to Kahlua Cream.
- The Customization: They are surprisingly chill about weird requests.
- Dietary Needs: They are the gold standard for vegan wedding cakes in the city. No contest.
I once spoke with a couple who had a guest list with about fifteen different allergies. Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free—the works. Most bakeries would have shown them the door or charged a "hazard pay" fee. Piece of Cake just handled it. They made three different small tiers to accommodate everyone, and apparently, the vegan tier was the first to disappear. That tells you everything you need to know.
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The Misconceptions About "Old School" Bakeries
There’s this weird idea that if a place has been around since the 80s, it’s "outdated." People think they need "deconstructed" desserts or nitrogen-chilled foam. Look, innovation is great. I love a weird flavor combo as much as the next person. But at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday when you just want a slice of lemon poppyseed cake, you don’t want a science experiment. You want the real deal.
People often assume Piece of Cake is just for big events. "Oh, I'll go there when I need a graduation cake." Big mistake. They have a display case that is constantly rotated with fresh slices. You can just walk in, grab a coffee, and sit down with a slice of Red Velvet. It’s one of the best "Third Spaces" left in Sellwood that hasn't been turned into a high-rise condo lobby.
How to Navigate the Menu Like a Pro
If it’s your first time visiting, don't get overwhelmed by the options. It’s easy to do. The menu board is a lot.
Start with the Carrot Cake. It’s arguably their most famous item for a reason. It’s moist, it’s spicy in the right way, and the cream cheese frosting is thick enough to structuralize a building. If you’re a chocolate person, the Midnight Truffle is the move. It’s dark, rich, and will probably require a glass of milk or a very strong espresso to finish.
- Check the daily specials. Sometimes they experiment with seasonal fruit from the Hood River area.
- Order ahead for holidays. If you try to walk in on the day before Thanksgiving for a pumpkin cheesecake, you’re going to have a bad time.
- Don't sleep on the cookies. Everyone goes for the cake, but their shortbread is low-key incredible.
Why Local Businesses Like This Matter in 2026
We're living in an era where everything is becoming homogenized. You go to a bakery in Portland, and it looks exactly like a bakery in Austin or Brooklyn. Same light fixtures. Same font on the menu. Piece of Cake feels like Portland. It feels like the city I grew up in—a little bit quirky, very authentic, and focused on quality over optics.
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Supporting a place like Piece of Cake Bakery Portland isn't just about getting a sugar fix. It’s about keeping the soul of the neighborhood alive. When you buy a cake here, you’re supporting bakers who have been perfecting their craft for decades. You're keeping a local institution's lights on in an economy that isn't exactly kind to small businesses.
The Vegan Question
I have to circle back to the vegan thing because it’s important. A lot of "accidental" vegans end up here. By that, I mean people who eat meat and dairy but prefer the vegan cakes at Piece of Cake because they’re actually lighter and more flavorful. They use high-quality oils and fruit purees to keep things moist, and honestly, sometimes it beats the traditional butter-heavy versions. If you’re skeptical, just try a vegan cupcake. It’ll change your mind.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head over to the Sellwood neighborhood, here is how you make the most of it. Don't just rush in and out.
- Make it a walking tour: Grab your cake and walk down to Sellwood Riverfront Park. It’s about a ten-minute stroll. Eating a slice of cake while watching the Willamette River is peak Portland living.
- Ask about the "Ends": Sometimes (if you're lucky), they have cake scraps or "ends" available for a discount. These are the best for snacking.
- Check their hours: They aren't open 24/7. Like most real-deal bakeries, they start early and close when the work is done. Usually, they’re open until 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, but always check their Google listing before you make the trek.
- Bring your own container: If you’re local and want to be eco-friendly, they’re usually pretty cool about putting your treats in your own Tupperware to save on packaging.
Next time you have a bad day, or a great day, or just a Tuesday that feels a bit too long, go see the folks at Piece of Cake. Get the Nicky Special. Or the Lemon. Or whatever looks best in the case that day. Just make sure you get a big enough slice, because you're definitely going to want seconds.
Summary of What to Know
- Location: 8306 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202.
- Specialty: World-class Carrot Cake and the famous Nicky Special.
- Dietary: Best-in-class vegan and gluten-free options that don't compromise on texture.
- Vibe: Unpretentious, old-school Portland, family-owned feel.
Stop overthinking your dessert choices. Go to the place that has been doing it right since the eighties. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be supporting a piece of Portland history that actually deserves the hype.