Beautiful store and the most delicious cakes. So friendly too. I live in Tracy and this is worth the drive!

Fun trying all the cupcake flavors. Flavorful & the right amount of sweetness. I'm happy to see a delicious bakery in the heart of Hayward. I'm definitely going back to try the 24 Karot cake. read more

I think I've been to max's 4 or 5 times since they opened. Each time their service has been friendly and helpful and they've had a nice array of treats to choose from. We've tried a variety of items and would have a hard time choosing a favorite. The red velvet cupcake is probably the best version of that dessert I've had. We enjoy the coconut tres leches immensely, and it's the perfect size without having to buy an entire cake. I tried the Neapolitan slice on the recommendation of the employee and was blown away by the balance of flavors. The strawberry cake layer was superb and it was gone quickly despite being a very generous portion. My grandma told me not to bring her anymore treats from there because they were too good and she wouldn't be able to resist. They're a great addition to downtown Hayward and I'm excited for their business to thrive! read more

We have tried most of their cake flavors and they are all AMAZING! My favorite is the Vanilla Tres Leches! I love how they decorate the shop for the season, it shows that they put a lot of care and pride in their business. Thanks Max, keep up the good work on your baking shows! Its so much fun to watch a local guy on TV. read more

Everything I have tried has been amazing. I'm working on trying all of the flavors. Wonderful flavor balances abs most cakes. So far, the burnt almond is my favorite, but I can't wait to try more. Always friendly and helpful. The shop is always decorated so nicely and has a warm and welcoming environment. read more

Max's Cakes - Burnt Almond, Peanut butter, chocolate lovers, salted caramel. - Custom Cakes Near Me - Hayward, California

Best cake ever!! Super yummy and it was enjoyed by all! The cake was not only absolutely adorable it was delicious as well. Max and his staff are a pleasure to work with. read more

See all

I ordered a Strawberry Shortcake for my son's bday and it turned out not only eye pleasing ...the cake was heavenly!!! My son who LOVES anything strawberry couldn't stop saying "this is the best strawberry cake I've ever had" THANK YOU MAX! I will be coming back to try your other flavors!!! read more

We got the burnt almond cake. 10/10 for flavor, texture and aesthetic. I usually am not a big cake person but this was just the right amount of sweet. Plus the staff was really friendly. Always like to support local businesses read more

Probably one of the top 5 favorite bakeries in the East Bay for me! The Chocolate Tres Leches is a really unique item that you don't see anywhere else, everything in the Tres Leches series I feel are the absolute best desserts to grab here. Do not leave this place without grabbing a Tres Leches you won't regret it! The Horchata Cheesecake is also amazing, the creaminess and texture is perfect and accompanies the cinnamon flavor so well. The Mexican Hot Chocolate(?) cupcake or bite I forgot what it was; was also really good. There's a bit of a spice and dark chocolate vibe that you'd get from a Mexican Mocha. The brownies here are to die for, they kind of remind me of Mrs. Fields brownies but better. Again the texture on these brownies are absolutely perfect especially good when you microwave them like 10-15 seconds. Red Velvet is something that is always tricky for me, sometimes I feel like places that serve red velvet just make regular cake, dye it red and call it red velvet. But the red velvet here is on point, the flavor I'm looking for in red velvet is very present, especially mixed with Oreo like with the Red Velvet Oreo brownies. You'd think that the Oreo flavor would overpower it but I can definitely taste red velvet. Another item that stood out was the Burnt Almond cake. There's only one other bakery I know of that does Burnt Almond and it's all the way in San Jose. The one here is a bit different, there's a very candy-like texture and caramelized or roasted taste to the almonds. You get some hints of burnt almond taste in the cream as well. My only complaint is that the base cake is marble with vanilla and chocolate. I do feel that the chocolate elements paired with the caramelized almonds and cream makes it too sweet for me. I'd love if there was a vanilla only-version of this. The Burnt Almond Cakes that we got for the first time were a bit dry, maybe it was because we got the last batch? But the cupcakes were much better and more moist. Overall the quality of everything here is perfect. Will be a place I'll be coming back to often. read more

One of the best cakes I've tried in a long time. The cake was for my daughter's bridal shower. Everyone loved the cake! We also stopped by and bought some to die for cupcakes for Mother's Day (picked up the day before) the coconut cupcake was absolutely delicious. My other favorite was the toffee cupcake. I highly recommend this place for anyone with a sweet tooth. read more

Ordered through DoorDash and I have to say that these cakes are exceptional. I got death by chocolate and the burnt almond cake but I can't wait to try the others! read more

Order a Wednesday Adams theme cake for my daughters birthday! The inspo pic that I sent was spot on. After calling around getting quotes I was surprised at how reasonable the quote was. The cake was delicious, dense and full of flavor. I highly recommend using maxes cakes. Thank you again to you and your team! read more

Max's Cakes - Strawberry cake - Custom Cakes Near Me - Hayward, California

Found this little gem by accident and I'm glad I did. If you're looking for a treat but no overly sweet Max's is the spot. I bought cookies, cake slices and cheesecakes. The peanut butter cookies were soft and moist. The cakes slices are HUGE! I mean HUGE! Two people could share. The Coconut Cream slice just melts in your mouth. The flavor is amazing too. Thank you Max for making a Lemon cake that has an actual tartness in the middle. I'm guessing that's a layer of lemon curd in the middle along with whatever filling...the PERFECT match! You get a little sweet and sour in the same bite. Trust me it works! Yum! The cheesecake was yummy too! The bottom crust had a cookie like thickness and the cheesecake filling was creamy. Everything we tried here at Max's was NOT overly sweet... it was the perfect amount of EVERYTHING. Thanks Max's Cakes for giving me what I look for in a bakery. read more

See all

I picked up a slice of white cake with buttercream frosting and two peanut butter cookies. The peanut butter cookies are excellent but I don't care for the cinnamon they put in the cookies. It just seems odd and unnecessary. Because of the cinnamon, I wouldn't purchase the peanut butter cookies again (BUMMER!!!!). I love cinnamon but it just doesn't taste right in a peanut butter cookie. I want to try the other cookies but I will ask about the cinnamon first. The cake was delicious and had a light, creamy buttercream frosting. I'm looking forward to trying a different cake next time. It's a very pleasant bakery that's totally worth checking out! read more

Ok, ok. Wait! The way this place has me in a chokehold The Halloween decor...I cannot! We couldn't get over how the decorations were so detailed. I fell in love with the dragonfly wings in a jar The ladies that were in the bakeshop today were the sweetest! Thank You for being patient AND kind. Review based on the following only: 5 cupcakes get 1 Free 2 cookies n cream - the kids LOVED these 1 peanut butter cup - I die! Amazing 1 s'mores - the kids shared it and also loved this! 1 vanilla - basic but yums 1 coconut - winnah! We had to circle hella times for parking and it didn't help that we went during the farmer's market. So if you don't mind the walk, park at the sparking structure right before the movie theatre on the corner immediately following the turn onto B Street. K Bai!! read more

My new favorite place for cakes, cupcakes, and more. Whenever I am anywhere near Hayward, I am compelled to go there. OWNER MAX SOTO WAS ON SEASON 1 EPISODE 5 OF FOOD NETWORKS "BIG TIME BAKE" IN JULY 2020. MAX TOOK THE BIG WIN AND WON THE COMPETITION. He's a young guy who opened his own bakery and has the best customer service!! read more

The reviews about dryness have to be rival bakeries because this was the most fluffy and perfectly moist cupcake I've ever had. I saw this bakery tagged on my friends Instagram as she's a big supporter I went with her suggestion of trying the toasted almond, this cupcake was perfection. I can't stand cupcakes that are too sweet and this one was the perfect amount. My little one got the vanilla cupcake with sprinkles and when we typically go somewhere like this she takes a few bites and doesn't finish it but she finished this one quickly! If my picky eater finishes something that's a testament to how good it is. The owner Max greeted us immediately and was so helpful and kind. He even threw in a couple free things for us, excellent customer service on top of being so talented! Lastly, the decor was so nice and you can tell a lot of thought was put into putting the place together. The Halloween decorations were Instagram worthy as well. We will definitely be back to try some of the flavors we didn't grab today. read more

Outstanding cakes, cupcakes, mini Bundt cake. They also offer cookies, and peach cobbler. I had a slice of Lemon Supreme cake. It is the moistest cake I have every tasted. There weren't even crumbs. Just the perfect amount of lemon and icing between each later of cake. A slice of this three layer cake is $8 and well worth it. My husband had the mini Mexican Chocolate Bundt cake. I tasted it and it was also awesome at $5. Their decorated cake orders are already booked well into March. Be sure to plan ahead if you have a special day coming up! Max said if I want a cake in March to book within the next two weeks. A truly divine bakery on B Street, in Hayward. read more

Max and his staff are TOP notch. We got to speak with Mac when ordering my daughters sweet 16 cake though even if we had not I have NO DOUBT that his staff would have helped us with the same love and care. Max spoke with my daughter. Took time to ask questions and listen. She had a couple inspo pics and he made her feel comfortable and confident in creating her vision. We have tried his cakes and seen the creations all amazing. The flavors and textures are roll the eyes back delicious. We knew we would need to order early and we did though there was a change in our daughters schedule and had to cancel. Though completely bummed They gave us store credit and we were happy with that. Max and Max's staff...thank you for the service you provide and the care you take with your customers. Looking forward to reordering read more

I went into Max's Cakes to get my friend some gluten free cookies for her birthday. Not a lot of places around here offer gluten free pastries and because I live next door to Max's, I gave this place a shot. From the moment you step in, the shop is very clean, spacious, and welcoming while the employees there greet you and help you out if you're unsure on what to get. I asked for gluten free cookies even though they weren't on the menu, Max went above and beyond to deliver the best gluten free cookies my friend has ever had. Although, gluten free options is a special request...I'd definitely love to see it on the menu :) read more

If you want the best cookies, cakes desserts, look no further. Absolutely the best. Max came through for us on a last minute order, 7 dozen chocolate chip cookies individually wrapped for an event. Everyone loved the cookies. Thank you Max! read more

The desserts here are sooo good and all of the employees always give such great recommendations. I have never left here disappointed...highly recommend the Horchata Cheesecake, Pineapple Upsidedown Cake and the Carrot Cake Cupcake. Oh ANDDD the Peach Cobbler is to die for! I come here wayyy to often for my own health lol. And the vibe is unmatched. Love it here!! Do yourself a favor and check them out ASAP! read more

I finally found a place with great cupcakes! The red velvet was delicious . If you're are in the area definitely stop by for cupcakes. read more

My nephew's fiance needed a cake for their Saturday wedding and popped into Max's Cakes on Thursday. He told her he could fix a chocolate cake for her to take for Saturday. IT WAS THE BEST CAKE I HAVE EVER EATEN!!! This cake had 3 or 4 layers of chocolate with buttercream filling and frosting that was to die for. AMAZING!!!! Absolutely delicious, melt in your mouth, goodness. And I'm not a big chocolate cake fan either. I will certainly be going to Max's for all my cakes from now on. read more

Since Max's opened, so far, my family and I have tried the coconut cake, burnt almond cake, coconut tres leches, brownie, and chocolate chip cookie. The taste is very fresh and homemade. Everyone has that one relative or family friend for whose baked goods you would gladly pass up store bought cakes or anything from a bakery. Now imagine if that person also made some really cool custom cakes. That's what you get at Max's. read more

I've only tried two things, and I'm addicted to the original cake. I'm not going to mention which one, I'll just say that I've taken to getting myself two pieces for the week. At some point I'll have sated my addiction for a while, in which case I'll try something else. I don't like overly sweet baked goods, nor American buttercream, previously tending towards real whipping cream frosting/topping. The two cakes I've tried have been just right for a buttercream-type frosting. Staff are friendly and happy to answer questions. I'm very happy there's a really good bakery here now (I'm picky, especially if I'm going to eat high-calories)! read more

I ordered a custom cake from Max's for my daughters 18th birthday. Ist I have to say the customer service was excellent. They were so accommodating. When I picked up the cake I think it looked better than the picture I sent! The cake was moist and delicious. Definitely my go to for cakes now. Thank you Max and team!! read more

Max's Cakes - Custom Cakes Near Me - Hayward, California

See all

Made a beautiful and delicious birthday cake for my son's 18th. Service is exceptional but if you want a special cake you have to order way in advance! read more

Maxs cakes is the greatest ! Been getting all my cakes from there for the past 2 years and have never been disappointed! His quality plus costumer service is excellent. Definitely recommend with a 5 star rating !! read more

the salted caramel cupcake was out of this world good. we will let you know when we taste the other goodies. Max was so sweet. we went home and watched his video on Roku on the TV challenge read more

I managed to get there today just in time to get the last brownie and piece of champagne cake. I had to wait about 15 minutes for the cake and, boy oh boy was it worth it. The prices are very good for what you get. My cake slice was enormous. The cake was moist and delicious with a perfect crumb. The rasberry jam was perfectly tart and the buttercream was phenomenal (and I'm picky about buttercream). I meant to save some for later, but that didn't happen. I haven't tried the brownie yet, but I am looking forward to having it later since the cake blew me away. I got to speak with Max before leaving, and he is a super kind, humble young man. He seems blown away by his success, but it's clear he's earned it. As I told him, selling out before close is an EXCELLENT problem to have. That said, get there early. They will definitely continue to sell out, and Max's Cakes is going to become THE place people want their baked goods from. Editing to add: The brownie was THE BEST I've ever had. read more

Simply delicious ... really friendly staff. Will definitely be going back. Thoroughly enjoyed talking with the owner, Max, about recipes and just life in general. read more

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by everyone that was in the front which was great it's rare anyone says hi these days. We ended up ordering single slices of the red velvet cake and toasted almond cake. Absolutely delicious! We also got a chocolate tres leches cake also very very delicious. The portions are great for sharing and the price wasn't crazy high. The shop itself is very cute and I loved that they had tables to sit and eat! 100% worth the drive from Pittsburg. I will definitely be going back! read more

Amazing toffee, cupcake, and red velvet Oreo brownie! The service was wonderful also. One star down, unfortunately due to all the plastic packaging. read more

I have visited 4 times in the last month (weekly visit). Max is very friendly and helpful in deciding what to try next. The vanilla tres leches is so far at the top of my fave list. Peach cobbler next. I've also tried the horchata cheesecake (Yum!). I've referred a few people and they already have raved about Max's delicious desserts. Beautifully decorated and inviting store. read more

Max is an amazing cake master and is truly the kindest soul. He made such a beautiful and one of a kind bday cake for my sons birthday and really embraced how much it meant to our family, we almost didn't even cut it! He really made our vision come alive. The cupcakes (we literally tried all 10+ flavors at this point) and tres leches are also so delicious. Max and his team are the best. They have gained lifelong customers and we will for sure be back for years to come. PS, if they have strawberry shortcake cupcakes available... do yourself a favor and get more than 2 read more

100000/10 would recommend. Not only are the small bake shop desserts amazing but my customers order cake exceeded my expectations. This truly made my daughter's 1st birthday. It was beautifully made I didn't want to cut it. But when I did and tasted the vanilla and chocolate combo. Oh my gosh!!! I need more. Definitely the family's new go to baker. Thank you Max!! :D read more

Max's Cakes - My Critter Theme cake - Custom Cakes Near Me - Hayward, California

Went because i seen Gluten free advertisement and I'm allergic and they had nothing for me saying they don't offer it yet but soon so that was a disappointment read more

Yummy treats and amazing customer service. Glad I found this place. Cupcakes I order as a variety and then cut them in half so people can taste different ones. They love the experience and so do I. read more

Cupcakes, cake and tres leche cake were delicious . Moist and well balanced. And the customer service was exceptional , very nice people.