Let's start by saying, I would give Denise's 10 stars on the actual cake, but 2 stars for terrible business communications! For such a legacy business, they should really be ashamed of themselves when it comes to customer service. I attempted to call them numerous times to ask about placing a custom cake order. NO ONE EVER ANSWERS THE PHONE!!! It doesn't matter what time you call. I then sent a very detailed email thru their website with my name, number, the custom design request and I referenced one of the cakes on their website. This was the response: Thank you for choosing Denise's Delicacies for your order! Before I can take your order, I have a couple of questions. When do you need this by? How many people are you trying to serve? Do you have a picture of the design you want us to go by? If so, please send a picture. Lastly, do you have a number I can call to place your order? Thank You, Denise's Delicacies In my message to them... I did tell them the due date, I did give the number of people to serve, I did reference a cake from their website and I did provide my phone number. I was absolutely frustrated and confused. After reaching out to a few other bakers and not finding what I needed, I gave up and decided to get up early one Thursday morning and go to Denise's in-person. I got there around 8:45am. It was not crowded. The young lady working behind the counter was kind and helpful. I mentioned about no one answering the phone, she said they were short-staffed. Then, the custom cake I was wanting, she said they did not do (just number cakes on top of a sheet cake.). However, since it was a week before Thanksgiving, they were not taking anymore custom orders at that time. So, I gave up and just got a 'numbers' cake. I placed my order, paid and left. I then returned the next day and requested to go up to the next cake size. When I went back, 2 weeks later to pick up the cake, BAAAAABY!!!, all I could do was laugh at how huge it was. We all got a chuckle, but it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! One of the men who worked there was kind of enough to carry to and place BOTH cake numbers in the back of my truck. Whowever the baker was that worked on my cake, did their THANG!!! I was absolutely pleased with how beautiful it looked. And all our guests raved about the cake. That being said, I would definitely order from them again. I just hope they elevate and work on perfecting their business. It's so sad to hear long time customers talk about how it was 'back in the day' when the actual Denise was there. They've been around too long to be lacking in that department. Because of the cake, I give them 4 stars. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Numbers Cake... Each number is a full sheet cake, serving up to 100 people each. - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

**Visited: 2/22/25** I've been a loyal customer of Denise's Delicacies for a long time, and over the years, I've learned that visiting means packing my patience. Parking near 22nd Street is tough, and there's almost always a line. Service tends to be slow, but the quality of the baked goods usually makes up for it. That said, what happened during my last visit was unsettling. I came in hoping to buy cupcakes. A young man working the counter -- clearly not properly trained -- carelessly pulled a tray of cupcakes out of the display case, causing 4-5 of them to topple onto the floor. What happened next was the real issue: the older woman working alongside him (possibly a manager) told him to pick them up, *put them back on the same tray, and take them to the back. I stood there shocked, thinking there's a good chance those same cupcakes were sold to other customers later that day. I'm writing this review nearly two months later because every time I consider returning, I remember this incident and change my mind. It's disappointing because Denise's had been improving lately -- after a period of what felt like cheaper ingredients and a decline in quality, the baked goods have definitely gotten better. But this experience made me question the standards behind the scenes. I ended up buying cake slices instead of cupcakes that day, but the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth -- and not because of the food. Great desserts... but a serious risk to your health if basic food safety is being ignored like this. read more

Always amazing cakes here. Denise's always brings a memorable flavor and nostalgia for events. Delicious icing and flavorful pound cakes. A great bakery that has been around for years. Easy online ordering. read more

Denise's Delicacies - 1/4 Pound Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The deserts are amazing! I ordered the pound cake, apple and sweet potato pies! The were all delicious!

Denise's Bakery has been a neighborhood staple for decades! Parking: metered street. Pack patience as it is hard to find parking. Environment: there's usually a line without social distancing rules. The inside can't hold many so you will have to wait outside. It would be nice if they would expand. They have spruced up the inside., it's nice and bright. They have a security guard to keep order. Crazy! Service: several counter people who are pleasant most times. You can order online at: www.cakesbydenises.com Selection: I ordered a slice of lemon and chocolate cake. $4+ dollars for a slice is pricey. The chocolate cake was nice and moist. Taste delicious. I didn't get to take a pic before I ate it. Lol! I purchased the lemon for a friend and they enjoyed. If you are not big on icing you can order without. I also ordered a small peach cobbler. There was a lot of dough like I like it but too much cinnamon. They also have apple cobbler. I love that they offer personal size desserts. Overall I enjoyed my experience and will continue to go back. They also have cookies, cakes, cup cakes, strawberry shortcake.... Enjoy read more

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I just purchased the small whole pound cake and it was amazing one of the best cakes I have ever had. I haven't been to Denise's since I was a teenager ans just arrived to Philly and went right to Denise's I was not disappointed. Can't wait to pick up another cake soon. There needs to be a chain of Denises. read more

Denise's Delicacies - I just purchased the small whole lemon pound cake and it was amazing. One of the best cakes I've ever had. - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Found an item in my pie!!!! Beware! And, when I called the bakery to address it, I was not given the opportunity to speak to a manager. read more

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I've been going here since 1990 and up until recently I've been 100% satisfied but lately the service hasn't been the same and the desserts have suffered as well. They're always out of certain things and give ridiculous excuses. You can definitely tell that the original ladies are not there anymore. Looking for a new bakery read more

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Tastes just like a SLAMMING southern pie! This taste is spot on! This is the best cheesecake I've ever tasted. It is creamy, flavorful, and not toO sweet. I definitely recommend it. Sweet potato poundcake Lacked flavor and taste like a boxed mix Pound cake This was the best tasting poundcake out of the three we tried. It was a good taste and I would get it again. Dense, if you like it like that, and consistent through every bite. Apple poundcake This cake was good and flavorful. Similar to a Jewish apple cake but a little denser and had a nice glaze on top. The portion was huge so it was very filling. I shared it I suggest you do the same and less you want to get full off this dessert. Pecan pie The nuts were a little overdone but everything else was OK. Just OK. Perfect crust. Sweet potato pie This was tasty. I get this again for myself and then one for an occasion. I suggest you try this. Just the right amount of flavor and sweetness. Consistent pie filling and the crust was perfect. Assorted cookies These were nothing to write home about. The cookies were not flavorful and don't seem like it's this businesses strong suit. I don't recommend getting them. Overall Denises is average at best. However, I highly recommend the sweet potato pie and sweet potato cheesecake. Do you see the theme? read more

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I am a long-time customer of Denise's Delicacies. I go to the Bakery for all my occasions that need cakes, cupcakes etc. I am sadden to say I will no longer be a customer at Denise's Delicacies. I called the Bakery on Sept 27th left several messages everyday up through and including today, Oct 1st, to order a very special birthday cake, the Chocolate Ganache Cake. I NEVER received a call back from anyone at the Bakery. I found myself in that area today, Oct 1st, so I stopped in to order the cake for pickup on Oct 3rd. I was told by the young woman that waited on me that I could not order the cake. I explained to her the several messages I left starting on Sept 27th and that I NEVER received a call from Denise's. All she said was there was nothing she could do. Denise's gives the option to order over the phone or online. When the customer tries to do both and is unable to do, due to the lack of response from that business, the business should make accommodations to that customer. (By the way, the Chocolate Ganache Cake is not available for online ordering.) I know I'm just one person, but history has proven it only takes ONE. Thank you. read more

1st time here. Kept hearing how good there desserts were and finally got a chance to check them out. I had an order of their assorted cookies. They were so good, I finished them in the car. They were nice, soft and moist; the only thing I was missing was milk. I also ordered a strawberry cheesecake that was rich and creamy, I just wished I was able to taste the crust more. We also ordered a red velvet cupcake as well as a chocolate cake and was told that they were both delicious. They were gone by the next day and an order was placed for my next visit back. The desserts were so good, I forgot a picture. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Display - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I ordered birthday cakes for my grandfather and brother. The coconut cake was amazing & the customer service was great as well.

We've purchased cakes in the past from Denise's. Ordered a 1/4 sheet pound cake with flowers for my brother's 60th Birthday.. we sliced the cake up and passed it round it was extremely dry and crumbly, so disappointing. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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If you love pound cake, this is place you should be coming too. My family has been celebratory cakes from Denise's for decades. The taste, sweet but not overly so, and the texture, dense but still moist, of their pound cake is unique. Trust me, you won't find another like it. read more

Denise's Delicacies - For my Mom and Dad - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I checked your business hours before I drove to your bakery (a half hour away) and they indicated that you were open on Monday. Sat outside for twenty minutes waiting for you to open, only to find out from the business next door that you were closed on Monday. That is not posted on Yelp. You might want to check that. read more

Legendary bakery in Philadelphia that is known for their designs and quality cakes. This is not your grocery store cakes so if that is what you have in mind and in your budget, forget about it! If you are looking for a statement cake, this is the place to check out! read more

Denise's Delicacies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Denise's use to be my all time favorite treat growing up. Birthday's in my family's household were always paired with Denise's cakes and ice cream! No other cakes compared! Since having my own daughter I thought I'd be able to allow her the same excitement of having these cakes too. But I was wrong. For my daughter's first birthday I ordered online as that's when the pandemic was. I called to confirm that it was clear and asked for a pink cake. When I picked it up They gave me teal. Teal? That's not close to pink at all. Then this year for her 2nd birthday I got the thickest coating of icing I've ever seen on a cake. What's the point?! I'm done being disappointed and will never order from there again. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Half of the cake is literally just icing... - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The pound cake and butter cookies (seasonal item) are ALL THAT!!! Don't go during your lunch because there is always a long line.

Their delivery can't be trusted. I did not receive the biggest item on my order, and no one answers the phone when I call during their open hours to get it fixed. Unacceptable. read more

I'm 26 have been getting cakes here for special occasions since I was 3 now I do the same for my daughter. I imagine she will do the same

I've been a customer for over 20 years. The glazed doughnuts are addictive! This is where I get all birthday cakes. My co-worker loves their sweet potato pies. You also have to try the sugar cookies, which they sell out of quickly. Scrap cakes are the best treat at a good price! Now, one thing they need to work on is customer service. Sometimes the wait is crazy! And if someone is placing an order, the wait is even longer. They need more front counter staff and definitely more staff at peak hours. I'll continue to enjoy the goodies and hopefully they focus on their customers' needs. read more

Favorite cake haven't had a birthday without it so you can imagine the disappointment felt when you write the name down for them and they go out of their way to spell it wrong. I would'nt recommend that disappointment to anyone read more

Denise's Delicacies - What's the name? Nevermind I'll write whatever name i want! The disrespect is unacceptable - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cakes are always great... but service is lacking. Don't bother to order ahead cause you still have to wait in-line no matter how long the line is & no matter what time you request for pickup. Annoying when you plan ahead. Just plan on waiting, so order when you get there. And that goes for special cakes w/writing as well. I watched orders being made... better service please! read more

Food and service top notch. The red velvet was a smash hit at the party Yum yum,..,.... read more

My first time having these sweets was for Thanksgiving and wow! So good. I got an apple pie and a mini sweet potato pie. I will be buying again for Xmas since I won't be able to travel home to Georgia! read more

Denise's Delicacies - a pumpkin pie in a box - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Where to go for delicious bakery. Yellow cake is my favorite and the sugar free chocolate cake is pretty good too! You need fancy or cupcakes, head right up north. They got you covered. read more

Baked good taste great. Service is good depends on who's serving you. A couple of those ladies have horrible attitudes. The parking sucks! Not too much of an ambiance!!! Get your cake and go. read more

For my moms memorial we needed a bakery fast so my wife martina looked up this place. It may be a small place but a famous place. When you walk in prepare to stand in line and enjoy the sweet smells in the building. This is a must see location. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Cakes and pies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've always heard great things about Denise's, but never got the chance to try it. Then they had a fire I believe and had to rebuild and I am so glad they did! These dessert were sooooo good (I got 3 of them). Pineapple Coconut Cake - 9/10 - so this cake is perfection the only reason I took off a point is because it was extremely sweet, which is not for me, but for those with a big sweet tooth is was delicious, moist, and a good balance of coconut and pineapple. It wasn't like one of those cakes where you're chewing a large piece of shredded coconut with each bite but somehow the taste was still there! The pineapple filling was a perfect addition to the layer cake. The piece was nice and big too. Apple Cake - 10/10 - this was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better piece of cake. It was a pound cake texture but just so moist and sweet, but not too sweet. There seemed to be a glaze on top that just added to its perfection. This was also a slice I bought was large enough to last me a couple days Peach Cobbler - 10/10 - I mean no one, no one has ever come close to my Mississippi-bred grandmothers peach cobbler until now. Can I start with the crust because it was just so thick and I loved that! Nothing worse than when I eat a peach cobbler and it's soggy because the crust wasn't thick enough. It was flaky and buttery, just perfect. The peach filling was made with love, not too sweet, not soupy at all. I'm so happy I finally gave Denise's a try. The staff was warm and helpful and gave great insight on what I should get. There's plenty of parking outside the store although 22nd Street does have a lot of business so certain times of the days it could be a bit difficult to find a spot. Everyone should try this place out if you're looking for a good dessert. They also take orders for special occasions ! read more

I came to Philly for a memorial. I needed to supply the desserts. Since I heard about Denise's cakes I decided to try it. I purchased two sheet cakes, one pound cake and one vanilla cake. I only had two bites from a family members plate. That was the best cake I've had in years. Everyone else must have thought so too because both cakes were gone by the end of the event. My husband and I are back home in another state, clear across country and all we can think of is how wonderful the cake from Denise's was and how we would love to get more. read more

I have always loved their delicious cakes and treats! The pound cake is fantastic and the icing literally melts. I am actually about to order my daughter's 21st birthday cake! Yes she has had a Denises's pound birthday cake at every single birthday since 2002!! read more

It took 4 days for someone to call me. I ended up just going to the store to place my order (I live in NJ). The day of pick up, I waited over an hour....just to pick up. It was ready but their system of pick up sucks. read more

Sweet tooth crazy, pie thinking, or sweet moist cake craving come to Denise's. Bakery definitely does not need a introduction as it's been a legend of all our famous bakeries in this city and definitely up there if not the one but one of the best. For yrs I been in love with her iced pound cakes that use to be I think, don't quote me though like $5 a slice last time I been there which was cool cause they were well worth it. That was around '17 so they might've went up since then. Still either way if it a be your first time, you'll agree. As mentioned in or seen in other reviews, her bigger and sheet cakes can be ordered ahead a time for events like weddings, graduations, showers, or etc. Sometimes the line can be a little long but not all the time it just gets like that once in awhile. Service sometimes pretty quick where you can be in and out just depends on the time of day. If you looking for good, buttery soft, moist slice pound cakes with your specific flavor of icing that good. Come here. Writing this review have me contemplating about stopping through today. read more

I've had two specialty cakes done here and they were both phenomenal. Just bring in a picture and the staff here will handle the rest. I appreciate the staff being patient with me as I modified my design to make it perfect! The cake was both beautiful and delicious and was quite a hit at my graduation party. I love their cookies, pies and pastries also. The apple pound cake, sweet potato pie and heath cookies are some of my favorites but everything here is great! Be prepared for a wait whenever you stop by. Hopefully they will be able to hire more staff or streamline the ordering process soon, but it's definitely worth the wait read more

Denise's Delicacies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Just celebrated my 65th in June and I ordered a half strawberry-pound sheet cake and when I tell you how AWESOME it was is an understatement!!! Guests are STILL talking about the cake. read more

I would love to commend this establishment, because not only do they bake the best desserts, but Denise and staff go over and beyond to satisfy their customers. I bought a cake for my sisters birthday and requested the cake with the wrong icing, well I thought it was something they did wrong, but actually it was something I said wrong. Once Denise heard of this issue she immediately had her office personal contact me and offered me a replacement cake and my deposit back. The first cake was delicious, but it wasn't what my sister wanted, well the replacement cake barely lasted a day. We are so quick to complain about a black establishment and won't patronage if we had a bad experience, but I will always go out of my way to support an business that is awesome. Thanks for your superb service! Much Love, Darlene E. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A baking staple in North Philly, Denise's Delicacies will entice you if you are on a diet and satisfy your sweet tooth if you love donuts, cookies and cupcakes. You know the best things in life. Tangie took my order and she was not on patient but had a pleasant demeanor as my coworker and I oohed and aaahed over the various selections. I fi ally set my eyes on some cupcakes, cookies and a glazed pretzel twist donut. So much for the diet I was on. Make sure you stop by Denise's. read more

I tried the regular pound cake, the sweet potato pound cake and the lemon pound cake w/white icing. #1 was the regular pound cake and was also the smallest slice . It could've been bigger for $4 b/c that was the best one. The sweet potato was pretty good but it was a little to soggy. The lemon was good but I didn't really care for the icing. The only one I'd go back for is the original. read more

Denise's Delicacies - Bakeries Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I wish I could have enjoyed it. I stayed on line over 30 mins. No problem. When I got to the front I began to ask the lady about custom cakes. I have never received so much attitude in my life. Like I'm tryna give you my money and you give me stank ass attitude? Ok cool. At first I thought I was bugging but when she got tired of me asking questions about the cake I said she could take the next customer while I figure it out. Attitude changed completely. She was nice, she was extra friendly, and warm. I waited for the next customer and the same shit. I have never been here before but this place damn sure wont get my money. Its needs some competition. Then maybe the service would be better. But why should they change when ppl keep going back? #supportblackowned read more

The best Double Chocolate cake I have ever had! When it's my birthday, my family knows they have to get my cake at Denise's.