The Butter End: Santa Monica's Premier Bakery for Custom Cakes, Gourmet Cupcakes, and Brunch

The Butter End Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors in the California region seeking a truly elevated

Bakery

experience,

The Butter End

in Santa Monica is a celebrated name that transcends the ordinary. It is widely recognized as a world-renowned custom cake studio, pairing the artistry of design with the science of delicious baking. Owner Kimberly Bailey, a featured personality on Food Network shows like

Ridiculous Cakes

and

Buddy vs. Duff 2

, has built this establishment on the philosophy that a dessert should be as visually stunning as it is incredibly delicious.

The retail space on Wilshire Boulevard, while offering a slice of daily indulgence, serves as the Santa Monica outpost for a cake studio known throughout Southern California for creating bespoke cakes for everything from celebrity events to elegant backyard weddings. The driving principle is a commitment to premium, scratch-made ingredients—using only cage-free eggs, organic milk, hormone-free butter, and the finest extracts and chocolates. This focus ensures their products, particularly their signature cakes and famous buttercream frosting, avoid the dry, forgettable texture often associated with large-scale event cakes.

While

The Butter End

is famous for its large-scale custom creations, which often have a

Custom Cakes have a $600 minimum

price point, the Santa Monica shop is a haven for everyday treats. The menu is a gourmet tour of classic and inventive flavors, notably in their extensive

Cupcakes

and

Large Cookies

selection. Locals can stop in for favorites like the

Carrot Cake Cupcake With Cream Cheese Frosting

, the decadent

Chocolate Bourbon Coconut Cupcake With Bourbon Ganache

, or their widely praised morning treat: the

Best Damn Coffee Cake

Furthermore, the bakery demonstrates a strong commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs, offering a significant range of

Vegan

and

Gluten Free

options across their cupcakes and cakes, which is highly valued by the health-conscious California community. Whether you are ordering a

Mini Cake

for a small celebration, picking up a

Blueberry Scone

for

Brunch

, or planning a spectacular wedding centerpiece,

The Butter End

promises a masterpiece that is unforgettable, inside and out. However, users considering an intricate custom cake should heed customer reviews and ensure detailed confirmation on design elements to manage expectations for highly personalized orders.

***

Location and Accessibility

The Butter End

is ideally situated in a prime location in Santa Monica, placing it conveniently on Wilshire Boulevard, a central artery for the Westside. This prominent address makes it easily accessible for customers across the greater Los Angeles area seeking high-end baked goods.

Address: 512 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

The bakery prioritizes ease of access for all patrons:

Wheelchair accessible entrance: The location offers convenient entry, accommodating users with mobility needs.
Proximity: Located in the bustling Santa Monica area, it is positioned well for both a dedicated stop and a
Quick visit
while running errands.

***

Services Offered

The Butter End

offers a range of services tailored to both spontaneous sweet cravings and monumental life celebrations. As a specialized

Bakery

, its core business revolves around high-quality baked goods and custom design work:

Retail Counter Sales: Daily availability of a wide variety of
Cupcakes
,
Large Cookies
,
Scones
(including the savory
Bacon Cheddar Shallot Scone
), and the acclaimed
Best Damn Coffee Cake
.
Custom Cake Design: Specializing in bespoke celebration and wedding cakes, with a
Custom Cakes have a $600 minimum
to ensure detailed, unique, and high-quality artistry. The process includes design consultations and detailed collaboration on color, flavor, and concept.
Celebration Cakes: Offering options for smaller events, including
Mini Cakes
and
Everyday Cakes
(
$75.00
), perfect for immediate family celebrations or casual gatherings.
Dietary Accommodations: A significant selection of
Gluten Free
and
Vegan
desserts is available, including
Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcake With Walnuts & Vegan Vanilla Buttercream
and various gluten-free cupcake options.
Gourmet Treats: Selling artisanal desserts like
Macaron
,
Eclair
, and items in their
Tiny Things in a Cup
menu, such as
Tiramisu
and
Butterscotch Budino
.
Convenience Options:
In-store pickup
and
Takeout
services streamline the customer experience, enabling a convenient
Quick visit
.
Beverages: Offers
Coffee
to pair perfectly with their morning treats and desserts.
Payment Methods: Accepts
Credit cards
and
Debit cards
for easy transactions.

***

Features / Highlights

The Butter End

is distinguished by several key features that solidify its status as a top-tier California bakery:

World-Class Cake Artistry: Recognized across the industry and featured on major television networks for their unique, detailed, and stunning custom cake designs, which are often considered edible works of art.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: A strict adherence to using premium components, including cage-free eggs, organic milk, and hormone-free butter, ensuring a superior flavor and texture that is consistently praised by patrons.
The 'Best Damn' Lineup: Signature retail items like the
Best Damn Coffee Cake
and the famous buttercream frosting set a high standard for daily baked goods, making a casual visit highly rewarding.
Dietary Inclusivity: The extensive availability of both
Vegan
and
Gluten Free
cupcakes and cake flavors ensures that almost every customer can find an indulgent treat that meets their needs.
Rolled Chocolate, Not Fondant: A crucial highlight for cake connoisseurs, their custom cakes are covered in rolled chocolate instead of traditional fondant, which significantly enhances the flavor of the entire cake, preventing guests from picking off the outer layer.
Gourmet Flavor Combinations: The bakery excels at innovative and refined flavor profiles, such as the
Coconut Cupcake With Passion Fruit Buttercream
and the savory
Bacon Cheddar Shallot Scone
, offering an exciting departure from standard bakery fare.

***

Contact Information

For daily orders, inquiries about pre-designed cakes, or to begin the custom cake consultation process, interested local users can reach

The Butter End

using the following details:

Address: 512 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Phone: (310) 393-4844

Mobile Phone: +1 310-393-4844

***

What is Worth Choosing

The Butter End

is the definitive choice for California residents who believe that quality should never be sacrificed for spectacle. What makes this

Bakery

stand out and worth the investment is the rare convergence of high-level artistry and exceptional flavor, all backed by a commitment to superior ingredients.

You should choose

The Butter End

for the sheer pleasure of their daily offerings. Whether you are craving the moist texture of a

Carrot Cake Cupcake

made the "old-fashioned way" with hand-grated ingredients, or the sophisticated notes of the

Chocolate Espresso Mascarpone Pudding

, the quality is evident. Even simple items like a cookie—such as the

Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie

or the

Lemon Ricotta Cookie

—are elevated to gourmet status.

For significant events, particularly weddings and major celebrations, choosing

The Butter End

means securing a showstopper dessert that guests will genuinely rave about, not just look at. The investment in a custom cake, which begins at a minimum of $600, ensures a meticulously designed, decadent centerpiece crafted with attention to every detail, from the moistness of the cake to the fine quality of the rolled chocolate exterior.

The bakery's efforts in providing inclusive options, including a full range of

Vegan

and

Gluten Free

options, further cement its status as a modern, thoughtful establishment catering to the diverse needs of the local community. It is a premium Santa Monica institution that successfully delivers on its promise to make "happy" through delicious, artful, and high-quality baked goods.

The Butter End Food & drink

Cupcakes
Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcake With Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Gluten free.
Lemon Sour Cream Cupcake With Sweet Lemon Buttercream $6.00
Apple Crumble Cupcake With Caramel Drizzle $6.00
Dozen Assorted Cupcakes $65.00
A delightful assortment of our chef's favorite cupcakes in various flavors, each artfully topped. Flavor varies.
Half Dozen Assorted Cupcakes $32.00
A delightful assortment of our chef's favorite cupcakes in various flavors, each artfully topped. Flavor varies.
Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcake With Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Gluten free.
Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cupcake With Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
A rich, moist chocolate cupcake, made with 64% dark chocolate, espresso, and filled with mini chocolate chips. Finished with a smooth vanilla bean buttercream
Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcake With Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
Just like Auntie Edie made when Kimberly was little. Only we make ours with organic bananas.
Vegan Vanilla Cupcake With Vegan Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Vegan.
Vegan Banana Cupcake With Vegan Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Vegan.
Almond Cupcake With Toasted Almond Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
Our Almond Cupcake is a delicate and indulgent treat that brings together the best of almond flavor. The moist, soft cake is infused with marzipan for a rich, nutty essence in every bite. Topped with velvety toasted almond cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect combination of flavors for almond lovers and dessert connoisseurs alike.
Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcake With Walnuts & Vegan Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Vegan.
Carrot Cake Cupcake With Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
Carrot Cake the old-fashioned way- every ingredient grated and mixed by hand with a wooden spoon, just like grandma used to do. Packed with freshly shredded carrots, sweet pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts, each cupcake bursting with wholesome flavor and texture. Topped with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting. It's a rustic, no-shortcuts treat that tastes like home in every bite.
Chocolate Almond Cherry Cupcake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
A deep decadent cupcake crafted with 64% dark chocolate, bold espresso, and almondy marzipan folded into the batter for a rich and complex flavor. Studded with fresh chopped cherries, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips, every bite offers a burst of texture and indulgence. Finished with a silky cherry cream cheese frosting, this cupcake is a perfect balance of dark, sweet, and tangy.
Red Velvet Cupcake With Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
Blueberry Walnut Cupcake With Sweet Lemon Buttercream $6.00
A moist tender cake bursting with juicy blueberries and crunchy walnuts in every bite. Finished with a smooth, sweet lemon buttercream that adds a bright, citrusy touch.
Coconut Cupcake With Passion Fruit Buttercream $6.00
Our Coconut Cupcake with Passionfruit Buttercream is a tropical delight that transports your taste buds to paradise. The light, fluffy coconut cake is infused with shredded coconut for a subtle yet rich flavor, while the passionfruit buttercream adds a tangy, sweet, and exotic finish.
Vanilla Bean Cupcake With Vanilla Buttercream $6.00
Chocolate Bourbon Coconut Cupcake With Bourbon Ganache $6.00
Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcake W/ Walnuts & Cream Cheese Frosting $6.00
Creme Brulee Cupcake $6.00
A decadent twist on the classic French dessert. This vanilla cupcake is filled with silky vanilla bean custard and crowned with more custard on top. Each cupcake is finished with a sprinkle of sugar, and torched to form a crisp, golden caramelized shell.

Tiny Things in a Cup
Tiramisu $6.50
Chocolate Espresso Mascarpone Pudding $6.00
Butterscotch Budino $7.00

Brunch
Blueberry Scone $8.00
Our Blueberry Scone is a rich, buttery delight with a perfectly tender, flaky texture. Made with organic blueberries.
Best Damn Coffee Cake $9.00
We call it ‘The Best Damn Coffee Cake’ because, frankly, no other name does it justice. One bite and you’ll wonder how you ever sipped coffee without it.
Bacon Cheddar Shallot Scone $8.00
Hearty, rich, and absolutely satisfying, these scones swap the sweet for savory in a big way. Pro tip: they pair dangerously well with coffee.
Chocolate Chunk Scone $8.00
Our Chocolate Chunk Scone is a rich, buttery delight with a perfectly tender, flaky texture. Made with premium chocolate chunks, each bite melts into a luscious blend of deep cocoa flavor and golden, buttery goodness.

Other Treats
Mini Eclair $6.00
Macaron $4.50
Eclair $9.00
Pavlova $13.00

Cakes
Mini Cakes $30.00
Everyday Cakes $75.00

Large Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie $6.00
Peanut Butter Cookie $6.00
Black & White Cookie $6.00
Chocolate Almond Cherry Cookie $6.00
Oatmeal Cookie With Cranberry & Pecan $6.00
Chocolate Chunk Cookie $6.00
Floral Almond Shortbread Cookie $6.00
Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookie $6.00
Double Chocolate Cookie $6.00
Dozen Assorted Cookies $65.00
Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie $6.00
Lemon Ricotta Cookie $6.00

The Butter End Details

Service options
In-store pickup
Takeout

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Offerings
Coffee

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

The Butter End Photos

The Butter End Location

The Butter End

California Los Angeles County Santa Monica Downtown Wilshire Boulevard

512 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

The Butter End Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 48 user reviews.

cupcakecookieswedding cakecarrot cakecoffee cakevalentine’s daycherryalmondvanillaceliac

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Ordered a cake for my small wedding- confirmed multiple times with Sara regarding the design and colors of the cake to match our wedding colors (dark blue and orange). I even asked if they can provide a sketch of what they think the cake will look like to insure we are all on the same page. While the design is very beautiful- the colors we received were black/white/ and only a small amount of orange. Very disappointed to have spent $1000 on it :( even when I tried to extra follow up and confirm we are on the same page- which sadly we were not.
July 22 · Lilith
Wow, the Butter End is a dream! I loved the bakery that was there and I was so glad someplace as delicious as the Butter End opened here. Their cupcakes are so yummy - their butter cream frosting is perfection. I have had their custom sugar cookies at an event and wow. You need a sweet treat or want to tempt yourself for a treat or two, stop in! You won’t be disappointed!
March 13 · Julie Stephens
Really clean store. My wife shad the Raspberry Goat cheese macaron probably the best one she has ever had. Peanut butter cookie was ok.
April 18 · Paul Haushalter
Kimberly (owner and baker extraordinaire) created my wedding cake last October and it was STUNNING. Her cakes, cupcakes, cookies, scones are some of the best I’ve ever had not just in LA, but all over the world. She’s a joy to work with and as someone with a sweet tooth to rival any kid, I can tell you this is the only bakery I will ever go to now. Do yourself a favor and get the chocolate cherry almond and coconut passionfuit flavors. The best!!!
February 15 · Rachel Silver
Butter End made the cake for my wedding and it was a huge hit! Multiple people told me it was the best wedding cake they’ve ever had (including the fussiest person I know!). They were also super easy to work with!
September 08 · Elyse Perlmutter-Gumbiner