Icing on the Cake

Introduction / Overview

Icing on the Cake stands as a genuine institution in the South Bay, a premier bakery located in the charming downtown of Los Gatos, California. Established in 1985 by Lynn Magnoli, and recently transitioned to former employee Maggie Raye in 2024, this bakery has maintained its reputation for producing ultra-premium, made-from-scratch desserts that are dense, moist, and unforgettable. It is not just a place for a quick sweet treat; it is where locals go to mark life's most special occasions, from birthdays and graduations to weddings.

The core philosophy of Icing on the Cake revolves around using high-quality, premium ingredients such as sweet butter, buttermilk, pure vanilla, and San Francisco-based Guittard chocolate. This commitment to quality is evident in their legendary cake flavors, including the widely acclaimed *Fresh Banana* cake—often described as a moist, luxurious banana bread with irresistible cream cheese icing—and the *Super Chunky Carrot* cake. The business proudly identifies as women-owned and fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming everyone in the community, including identifying as a Transgender Safespace and being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Beyond the classic cakes, Icing on the Cake offers a spectacular range of baked goods, including all-butter pound cakes, pies, cookies, and cupcakes. Crucially, they are dedicated to inclusivity, offering an impressive variety of alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, such as Vegan, Wheat-Free, Flourless, Nut-Free, and Egg-Free products, ensuring that everyone in the diverse California community can enjoy a treat.

Location and Accessibility

Icing on the Cake is perfectly situated at 50 W Main St, placing it in the highly desirable and easily accessible downtown area of Los Gatos, CA 95030, USA. This location positions the bakery as a destination, drawing customers from Los Gatos, San Jose, and the wider Santa Clara County for its celebrated products.

The area offers excellent convenience for visitors. Customers benefit from both a free parking lot and free street parking nearby, a significant advantage in the busy Bay Area. This convenience is crucial for those picking up large orders like wedding or birthday cakes. The facility itself is fully committed to physical accessibility, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot. The service model focuses on efficiency, supporting both in-store shopping and quick in-store pickup for pre-ordered items, catering perfectly to the 'Quick visit' planning preference of busy California residents.

Services Offered

Icing on the Cake provides a range of services centered around high-quality, artisanal baked goods:

• Custom Cake Ordering: Specializing in cakes for all occasions, from birthdays to weddings, with a wide array of premium cake flavors (e.g., *Golden Vanilla*, *Chocolate Buttermilk*, *Luscious Lemon*, *Red Velvet*) and fillings (*Caramel Buttercream*, *Raspberry*, *Bavarian Cream*).
• Special Diet Alternatives: Offers an extensive selection of baked goods for dietary needs, including Vegan, Wheat-Free, Flourless, Nut-Free, and Egg-Free varieties, such as a *Vegan Wheat-Free Super Chunky Carrot* cake.
• Retail Bakery Sales: Maintains a daily-stocked case with ready-to-purchase treats, including various sized round cakes, cupcakes, saucer-sized cookies (*Chocolate Chip*, *Snickerdoodle*), brownies, bars (*Lemon Bars*, *S’mores Bars*), and handmade pies (*Pecan*, *Key Lime Pie*).
• In-Store Pickup and Takeout: Facilitates easy collection of pre-ordered cakes and baked goods, as well as quick takeaway for individual treats.
• Onsite Services: Available for consultations and in-store shopping, allowing customers to browse the tempting display cases.
• Retail Merchandise: Sells unique gift items alongside baked goods, such as greeting cards, candles, and seasonal merchandise, making it a convenient stop for party prep.

Features / Highlights

The bakery's enduring success in the highly competitive Bay Area market is driven by several key highlights:

• The Legendary Banana Cake: This is arguably the most famous item, a moist, dense cake often compared to banana bread and adored for its creamy, rich frosting. It is a signature product that has created lifelong devotees.
• Scratch-Made Quality: A steadfast commitment to baking with premium ingredients (sweet butter, pure vanilla, Guittard chocolate) and traditional methods ensures a consistently superior, moist, and flavorful product, setting a high bar for Bay Area bakeries.
• Inclusivity and Dietary Variety: The wide array of options for special diets, including multiple Vegan and Wheat-Free cakes, is a major highlight, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire community's needs and preferences.
• Community-Focused Atmosphere: The bakery's self-identification as women-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender Safespace highlights its welcoming and inclusive community presence in Los Gatos.
• Nostalgic and Homey Style: The cakes are known for their classic, beautiful, yet unfussy decoration. They specialize in timeless finishes like buttercream roses, candy sprinkled confetti, and simple greetings, steering clear of trendy items like fondant or 'naked' cakes to maintain a focus on flavor and traditional quality.

Contact Information

For inquiries, custom orders, or to confirm daily availability, please contact Icing on the Cake using the following information:

Address: 50 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030, USA

Phone: (408) 354-2464

What is Worth Choosing

For a California user looking for the best in the South Bay, choosing Icing on the Cake is choosing a tradition of excellence. It is worth choosing this bakery for a few specific reasons that elevate it above typical options.

First and foremost, you must try a slice of their famous *Fresh Banana* cake. Whether you are ordering a 6-inch cake for a small gathering or a full sheet cake for a large event, this signature item is what has built their nearly forty-year legacy and continues to garner rave reviews. Customers often describe the flavor and texture as mind-blowing—a must-try Bay Area dessert.

Secondly, it is the ideal destination for anyone needing a high-quality dessert for a guest with dietary restrictions. Their genuine effort to offer delicious *Vegan* and *Wheat-Free* versions of their favorite items, such as the *Vegan Wheat-Free Super Chunky Carrot Cake*, means you do not have to compromise on taste or quality to accommodate everyone at your table. The staff’s reputation for being kind, patient, and knowledgeable in helping customers select the perfect option for special diets makes the ordering process stress-free.

Finally, for a quick visit, grabbing one of their large, saucer-sized *Cookies* or a *Lemon Bar* is the perfect way to experience their scratch-made quality on the go. The comforting, nostalgic flavors and commitment to premium ingredients ensure that whether you are picking up a grand custom cake or a small daily treat, you are getting one of the best baked goods the South Bay has to offer.

Icing on the Cake

50 W Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030, USA