DreamWorld Bakes

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking a bakery experience that transcends the ordinary, DreamWorld Bakes in Philadelphia offers a true escape into culinary fantasy. Founded by self-taught baker and "2024 Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly" baker, Ashley Huston, this establishment is celebrated for transforming cakes and pastries into edible works of art. DreamWorld Bakes distinguishes itself through a unique blend of global flavors—inspired in part by Huston's time in the Peace Corps—and a distinctly whimsical aesthetic, often featuring custom creations topped with fresh flowers, fruit, and plenty of sparkle.

This is a bakery with a strong, creative vision, where "unique and different" defines every product. Customers consistently rave about the ambition and complexity of the flavor combinations, which are packed with layers of taste. While custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special events remain a centerpiece, the brick-and-mortar cafe serves a constantly rotating menu of sweet and savory daily delights. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping cake that was once commissioned for a celebrity like Patti LaBelle or just a heavenly morning pastry, DreamWorld Bakes promises to deliver a memorable and truly special treat.

DreamWorld Bakes has settled into its first permanent location, making its home in a well-loved and growing neighborhood on the edge of Fishtown and East Kensington.

The bakery is located at:

2400 Coral St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA

This spot offers a cozy and welcoming environment, positioned perfectly to serve the surrounding Philadelphia communities. It operates on a specific schedule, which local customers should note: typically open Thursday through Sunday during daytime hours (Thursday/Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

• Parking Convenience: The location offers the highly-valued amenity of free street parking, making it less stressful for customers driving in from other parts of Philadelphia or the wider Pennsylvania region.
• Atmosphere: The space is described as a delightful cafe and bake shop, designed to be warm, inviting, and calm—a great place to sit in the back, offering a perfect hub for gathering and creating memories.
• Planning for the Visit: Due to its popularity and rotating menu, planning a quick visit during the week is often recommended to avoid the crowds typically seen on weekends.

DreamWorld Bakes functions as a full-service bakery and café, specializing in custom orders while also providing a daily selection of handcrafted treats and coffee.

• Custom Cake Studio: The core service involves creating bespoke, fantastical cakes for major events like weddings, birthdays, and baby showers, often requiring a two-week notice for custom designs.
• Daily Bakery Counter: Offers an à la carte menu of baked goods, including cake slices, cookies, donuts, and savory pastries.
• Takeout: Convenient service for grabbing your treats and coffee on the go.
• Breakfast and Lunch Bites: Serves sweet and savory pastries ideal for morning and midday meals.
• Coffee Offerings: A full espresso bar is available, featuring hot and iced coffee and espresso drinks, with options like oat milk to cater to various preferences.
• Quick Visit Planning: The setup is well-suited for a quick stop for coffee and a pastry.

DreamWorld Bakes’ reputation is built on its innovative and meticulously crafted menu items, many of which have achieved local fame.

• Ambitious and Rotating Flavor Menu: The menu changes monthly, ensuring an element of surprise and creativity. Past hit flavors include the Baby Spice (cardamom cake with passionfruit curd and mango-chai mousse) and Cruel Summer (Thai tea cake layers, mango lassi curd).
• The "Adulting" Cake: A highly-praised funfetti cake featuring malt milk, toasted milk custard, and vanilla frosting that has been called "fantastic" and reminiscent of "milk cereal creamified."
• Unique Savory Pastries: The bakery offers inventive savory options that go beyond the typical, such as the Breakfast Bon (a savory twist on a cinnamon roll, filled with scrambled egg, sausage, and caramelized onion) and the Ham & Cheese Pithivier (a "giant hot pocket" made with their signature buttery crx dough).
• High-Quality Daily Pastries: Standout items include buttermilk donuts (like the Strawberry Matcha Donut with strawberry-lavender preserve), specialty croissants (Rhubarb and Custard), and unexpected treats like the Guava & Cheese Poptart and Cosmic Brownie.
• Artistic Presentation: Known for whimsical, colorful designs that treat each cake as an art form, often adorned with glitter, fresh flowers, and fruit.
• Award-Winning Pedigree: The baker, Ashley Huston, has received significant recognition, including being named 2024 Best of Philly baker, which underscores the professional quality of the offerings.

To place a custom order, inquire about the weekly menu, or plan your visit, please use the following contact information:

Address: 2400 Coral St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA

Phone: (856) 390-0502

For anyone in Pennsylvania looking to "treat yourself" to a truly elevated baked good, DreamWorld Bakes offers a host of choices that justify the price point. The most worthwhile choices are the ones that showcase the bakery's unique flair and exceptional flavor layering.

First-time visitors should absolutely prioritize a slice of their signature cake, particularly whatever is currently on the daily menu. If available, try the famous "Adulting" Cake for its unique, nostalgic malt-milk flavor and texture, or the "Baby Spice" for an incredible blend of cardamom, passionfruit, and mango. The sheer creativity in these cakes is what has earned the bakery its awards and high praise.

For a savory morning bite, the Breakfast Bon is a must-try. It’s a hearty and unique swirled pastry that offers a substantial, flavorful meal, transforming the typical sweet bun into a savory breakfast indulgence. The Caramelized Banana Bread (which is also vegan) is another excellent daily treat praised for its flavor.

Finally, make sure to grab one of their specialized donuts or croissant creations—whether it's the Strawberry Matcha Donut or a unique seasonal fruit-filled pastry. While customers have noted that the coffee and specialty drinks can sometimes be inconsistent, the core baked goods "hit" every time, making the pastries themselves the main draw and the true highlight of a visit to this Philadelphia gem.

DreamWorld Bakes

2400 Coral St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA