For a business that survived one of the deadliest fire related disasters in California and beyond, the owner of this business has worked tirelessly to stay afloat, waiting for the water to be turned back on, galvanizing other business owners to band together. I just ordered the Bavarian creme white wedding cake stuffed with fresh raspberries for my husband's 70th birthday and our guests were blown over by the presentation of the cake but especially the quality inside; "not too sweet.... I could actually eat the icing which I normally scrape off because it's way too sweet." The own of this sweet restaurant also makes incredible Greek Food too! I have been ordering cakes from this place for YEARS and I think they make the BEST CAKES in ALL of Los Angeles.....and I have had Susie Cakes too! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

See all

Holy moly, that is a DAMN FINE CAKE! I was looking for an Altadena business to support and hit the jackpot up there. I ordered a quarter sheet for a tween birthday party, marble cake with the Bavarian cream filling and whipped cream icing. Easily got 25 slices with maybe 20% left over. I was a little unsure about the cream filling being too heavy and pudding-like, but it was light and airy, with great creamy vanilla flavor. Cake was perfectly moist. Only issue was it was so tall that I had to rearrange the entire refrigerator to for it in. Did not see many plates where only the cake or only the frosting was eaten, everyone seemed to devour the whole thing. I don't buy a lot of cakes but this is definitely where I'll go in the future. read more

Tucked away in an Altadena shopping center, the chocolate ganache cake is to die for!!! Layered between the chocolate cake is a light fluffy chocolate mousse filling then whole cake is enveloped in a rich and decadent ganache (it's not too sweet)! I've been ordering my cakes from here for years! At my "mom friend" birthday celebrations this is the most requested cake. Be sure to call and order a few days ahead as this cake takes time to create! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Chocolate, chocolate mousse ganache cake - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

See all

Yes to the Bavarian cream white wedding cake! IMO- best ever! Owner is different from before but I come here for that specific cake. I haven't tried anything else.. read more

Got a small chocolate upon chocolate cake here and it was so swoon-worthy. Chocolate mousse within. Ganache without. If you hanker for deeply chocolate cake, this is too darn good. read more

Came here for our wedding cake. We scheduled a cake tasting appointment, the options were delicious and the presentation of the tasting was very cute and romantic. The owner personally went over the design options and explained everything in detail even provided recommendations. I am very pleased with the outcome (flowers and ribbon not included). If you want quality and simplicity with a personal and professional touch I highly recommend this bakery. read more

Pastries by Nancy - a wedding cake on a table - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

Cake has been consistently amazing, moist and delicious for years! Ask for whip cream frosting and chocolate moose center!

Very Unprofessional. I called about 2 weeks ago to discuss purchasing a wedding cake and doing a taste testing, and got no response. I called the phone number listed on both google and their business card over 4 times and was unable to leave a message, let alone get through. After 5 days, I finally received a response. I got a phone call and they mentioned how my wedding date was very soon, I then mentioned that I called over a week prior to situate this, but whomever I was speaking to stated that I called his personal phone number... like sir It's literally listed on google and your business card. Thats not my issue or concern, put the correct number next time. After that interesting comment I asked if delivery for the wedding cake was available for my date. When he asked how many people I was serving he mentioned the cake wouldn't be large and I can just pick it up.... First of all it's a wedding cake. Why would I, the bride want to pick it up on my wedding day? Or situate it. Almost every bakery I've spoken to offers some type of delivery or gives more information about a cake getting from point A to point B. It just seemed so rash and unprofessional. I would not recommend this place for weddings. Poor communication and poor time management. read more

I got a cake from Nancy's for my mom's birthday. It was chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and filling. It was delicious. It was huge too, but worth it. My mom enjoyed it. I asked that they put on a design of circles, inspired by Wasily Kandinsky. Eh, it didn't turn out so well, but that's ok. The hand lettered piping wasn't the best either, but it was legible. Still, it was delicious, and I'd like to celebrate other occasions with a cake from Nancy's. read more

They need to update their hours. I came here looking to order a cake for a party because it said it was open at 9. However when I arrived, the hours said they are open at 12pm. I love their cakes so I was a little disappointed that they weren't open. read more

We go back and I've been a fan of her pastries for years! I plan on returning some time soon.

I always come here for birthday cakes. They have this cake called "mini" cake that is not really a mini size. They have four flavors, but my favorite is CHOCOLATE. A must try :) read more

See all

They were on the preferred vendors list for a wedding cake for Altadena town and country club. We went to do a cake testing and the Bavarian creme and white cake was so delicious! The owner was very nice and accommodating. He made sure the cake was design to what I wanted and was flexible to deliver the cake to venue with a short notice on time change. Thank you! read more

Pastries by Nancy - a wedding cake decorated with flowers - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

They made my wedding cake in 2007 and it was delicious!!!! I had a cake made for more people than the number of guests attending and still we finished it all! I had red velvet, vanilla and chocolate and all were great! The buttercream frosting was fantastic too! read more

See all

We ordered a three tier cake for our October 2010 wedding from Pastries by Nancy, and it was excellent! When my now husband and I went for a cake tasting somewhere else and had an awful experience, we decided to drop by Pastries by Nancy since we were in the area. We gave them a 20 minute heads up before hand, and asked if we could come for a cake tasting and they obliged, which we weren't expecting at all. They were very accommodating and polite in person and on the phone. When we finally arrived for the tasting, they had all the flavors available (and arranged beautifully), except for carrot cake, which was what we really wanted to taste. Sean asked me if I could come back another day and he'd have a sample for me to take home, so I came back next week and he made us a full sized carrot cake for free! The best part was that IT WAS THE BEST CARROT CAKE I'VE EVER HAD! My husband and I loved it so much that we had them make all 3 tiers carrot cake. The day of our wedding there weren't any problems with the cake at all. It was absolutely beautiful and was everything we'd asked for in design and taste. On our 1 year wedding anniversary I ordered a carrot cake from PBD to celebrate, and it was just as good as I remember it! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Photo by Heidi Ryder Photography - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

Amazing Chocolate Ganache cake. Went in for my sisters birthday and they had a gorgeous chocolate cake ready to go. Can't believe I have never been to this place before. So great! Everyone loved the cake, it was a huge success. I think the cake was about $30 but fed 8 of us so it was a great deal. Had plenty leftover too! Really good quality and I'm so happy I had a good experience :) read more

I ordered this for a friend via DoorDash. The cake I originally ordered wasn't available which was fine because the one I got was what I actually wanted anyway but saw after I already placed the order. They called me to let me know and gave me great options and communicated everything well. Couldn't have been easier - thanks, Jesus. I'm writing this as a thank you to them. My friend sent me a picture of the cake and it looks even better than I imagined. My expectations weren't super high since I haven't done this before but they completely blew me away. I'll be ordering with them again for future birthdays. read more

Pastries by Nancy - Chocolate ganache cake - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

If we were rating the idiot owner's attitude, I wouldnt give any stars! He's a MAJOR a*hole who messed up my order, didn't apologize and then told me that if I was going to give him attitude, he wasn't going to sell me the cake that I had just waited 45 mins for him to fix!!! I have been going to PBN since 1999 and unfortunately will now find a place where the customer is appreciated. It's unfortunate the previous owners sold the business to this guy. If you want a delicious white or marble cake with bavarian cream filling and a ton of crappy service, this is the place!!! I started to write my review as I waited for my cake but the poor lady working there begged me to not post this as she was the only employee left and if any less customers came in, she would lose her job. I told her it wasn't personal and that people needed to know. Poor thing needs to let her boss know instead of me. Sorry for her but my fellow Yelpers need to be warned!!! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Does this look like a bakery too busy to make a customer wait an hour and then not apologize?! - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

See all

This place deserves (0) stars! I've been purchasing cakes here since the original owner Nancy, now when Nancy owned the place there were no complaints. Under the new owner Shaun (rude) i ordered a quincenera cake for my daughter well when the day came the cake looked nothing like we ordered or paid extra to have decorated, it was delivered to our event and not decorated it was just plain. I went to him and he gave some lame excuse and refunded me 150.00 then my sisters baby shower came we ordered a cake which again was not decorated. The owner said to us if we didn't like it we didn't have to come back and we will not be going back ever!! This past weekend my friend had a birthday party for her daughter and ordered from Pastries by Nancy and boy what a surprise when the cake was cut it had mold. I think Shaun tries to save money by baking the cakes early in the week when they are closed and keeps them as long as possible. Shaun bites off more than he can chew by taking on sooooo many orders he can't fill. The cakes are baked early in the week and because there is no room in the fridge the cakes spend time on the table outside where its hot. I would warn anyone before they even consider purchasing anything from here beware MOLD!!! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Mold on a cake purchased on 8/31/13.....BEWARE!!! - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

UPDATE REVIEW: Unfortunately, I never followed up with my experience with Pastries by Nancy. Well, we didn't end up using them because of the poor customer service we experienced. When we decided to go with them, we tried to order our cake over the phone since they had all of our tasting information. However, it took forever and a day to get in touch with someone who actually wanted to take our business. That seemed kind of odd to us. Thus, we did the old, go in person to book the order. Even when we did that the manager who was supposed to be there wasn't there. We called to follow up, leaving messages to make sure that our order was placed and they new all the details. We got the run around until we finally talked to the owner. The owner had no idea who I was or the fact that I had been trying to call to confirm the order. (Meanwhile, of course, our deposit check had already been cashed.) Needless to say I was a little ticked off, did not feel to comfortable about going with the bakery, and requested that he cancel our order if it even existed and demanded a refund of our deposit. At least the owner honored our requests, and we were able to find a lovely independent baker with whom we were incredibly satisfied. OLD REVIEW: I think that my search for a cost efficient wedding cake that tastes absolutely fabulous is over, and thank goodnes because I don't know how many more cake tastings I could go to and still fit in my wedding dress ;) Anyhow, my mission was to find a chocolate cake that tasted melt-in-your-mouth yummy as well as didn't cost an arm and a leg. I believe I have found it. After searching near and far, Pastries by Nancy has the cake that I want. It's a super hole in the wall bakery that you would never find. Literally it's hidden in the north-east corner of a plaza that looks like it only houses a Rite-Aid. However, in the corner there are a couple smaller shops like Pastries by Nancy. I feel that only local Pasadena/Altadena people know about it because it is located really north on Lake, but I highly think that you should give their cake a try for your next party. As I mentioned I went there seeking a wedding cake, and at our tasting we thoroughly enjoyed the white cake with bavarian frosting and the chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Fantastic! The butter cream was a tad bit waxy, but the cake and the fillings were yum-yum good. Also, when you are thinking about your wedding cake remember that you can always do a sheet cake option, and if you are creative with your numbering it can turn out quite reasonable. I'm looking at currently $2.50 per person, which is a heck of a lot cheaper than some $6, $7 per person cost at other places. read more

Historically, my family has bought amazingly delicious and beautiful cakes from Pastries by Nancy. This bakery used to be owned and run by Nancy, who was not the nicest of people, but knew what she was doing. Now it's run by someone named Shawn, who is not only rude, but also one of the most clueless and irresponsible people I've had the displeasure of dealing with. I will never return to this bakery. Taste: The taste of the cake is delicious. That's where the bakery earns it's star. I have nothing against the bakers that work here, they work magic. But the management, specifically Shawn, could definitely use massive amounts of improvement. Service: So incredibly poor. We got our wedding cake here. After so many lousy cake tastings, we were amazed at this cake tasting! The tasting had a complete slice of cake for each flavor of cake they made. We also got to taste the frostings, bavarian cream, etc. Shawn really worked his magic here. After he reeled us in, it all went downhill from there. I explained the cake to him and mentioned that I wanted some "fleur de lis" decor here and there. He didn't even know what a fleur de lis was. Really? I can understand if a car salesman doesn't understand what a fleur de lis is, but a bakery owner? That's equivalent to a florist not knowing what the hell a rose is! He asked me to send him a picture of the fleur de lis and the design of the cake. So I sent him an email to both email addresses he provided to me with pictures and a description attached. Two weeks later, I still had no confirmation that he even received the pictures! So I called during business hours on a regular working day, no one answers. Then I call again an hour later, no one answers. Then I call the next day and speak to some woman who says Shawn is not here but he will call me back. Nope! No returned call. So I sent another email and called again the next day, still no Shawn. Finally, a week later, I get a hold of Shawn. He has no idea who I am, he does not have any recollection of the cake we discussed, etc. I tell him to go check his email and he says "oh now I remember", yea let me send you an email by the end of the day confirming whether or not we can make this design. Of course I don't hear back for another week. Then finally I receive an email from him stating he indeed CAN make a fleur de lis and there are two ways in which he can make it. Great! We can also have a fondant bow on top of the cake! That's not all.... My mother and I stopped by to visit the bakery one week before the wedding. We thought one week would be the perfect amount of time so he won't forget us (again) and so we would not be cakeless at the wedding. Apparently, now "there's only ONE way of making a fleur de lis", and oh..."we never make fondant bows". He is such a liar. Bottom line: Our cake monogram was so incredibly ugly my mother specifically had to request to put it in some faraway corner so that no one would really see it at the wedding. See picture. read more

Pastries by Nancy - our disappointing and sad wedding cake with the ugliest monogram :( - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

Not sure what this place is. Last time I was there, I walked in and no one was in sight. After a few minutes, a man came out asking 'what I wanted'? He said they had nothing for sale. read more

Update on my previous review: Although this update is a little late. The next day after my horrible cake tasting I got a call from the owner ( I forgot his name). He left me a voicemail saying he is sorry for the long wait for my tasting but it was due to the Cake being let out of the freezer to defrost itself..???? I don't know about some of you but that just sounds nasty. Shouldn't a cake be fresh? Also, if you have to defrost a cake for a tasting, at least let it sit out and defrost before the customer arrives so that its ready on time!! the only good thing about this tasting was the so called "apology" read more

I was across the way getting gelato and thought I'd stop on in and check the place out...the cakes certainly look beautiful. I bought a chocolate cupcake and a sugar cookie. Took one bite of the cupcake and threw the rest away -- blech! I got a taste of very dry chocolate cake and a mouth full of Crisco -- obviously not a very good buttercream. The sugar cookie wasn't too bad, though....although it was too crunchy. I like my sugar cookies soft. I can't comment on their cakes, however, the cupcakes were just gross. read more

Most of their business is wedding cakes, but I purchase birthday and other party cakes here. This is *not* an eat-in bakery. They don't do slices, but they do have random small pastries. If you love chocolate, you will love their cakes - they are dense and full of intense chocolate flavor. You can choose three things - the cake, the frosting, and the filling. (They occasionally will have small single serving pastries with this combo) For chochoholics - try the chocolate cake w/ chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache... and then tell me if you enter a chocolate-induced coma. If that's too much chocolate, substitute their marble cake for the chocolate. As Nicky mentions, it's sort of a "secret" because it's not in a heavily trafficked location, but people come from all over to get their cake - one lady comes in from Palmdale and several from Orange County. It's on the NW corner of Lake/Altadena, in a mini-mall/plaza, and I believe they also have a branch in Whittier. read more

I ordered my wedding cake here for Altadena Country Club. It comes included with their packages. After calling other bakeries for tastings and getting subpar service, I came here. I called them and was able to get a tasting the same day, which was so nice of them. When I got there with my sister and husband to be, the man gave us great samples. Huge slices of marble, chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and lemon cake. I don't even like lemon cake, but I considered getting it because it was so good. I usually don't like buttercream frosting because it tastes too greasy, but their frosting was so creamy and delicious! There was also fresh fruit provided because you can add it to your filling. I ordered my cake here, and they charge extra for more servings, which was fine. I also wanted a damask-like design on the cake, and it was gorgeous! I really loved my cake, and I'm so happy to have ordered it here. They also had other desserts I wish I could have ordered. Definitely happy with their service and cake! read more

Tried this place for the first time today. Had a mini Bavarian cake and brownie delivered for an anniversary. The brownie was ehh, but I'm here to review the cake. Only HALF a cake arrived, old and stale. The other half? A random red velvet (which I hate, in general). It's like they took the leftovers of everything and threw it in a box. How they could take a customer's money in good faith is beyond me. Don't do it. read more

Outstanding cakes and service! Their cakes are not too sweet. Every party I bring them to they eat ALL of the cake and ask for seconds. No kidding! I don't normally like white cake but their Bavarian cream is to die for. They also have a red cake that is chocolate but it is a cherry red color. I had my friend order it for her wedding cake bottom layer. Everyone went "ooh and ahhh" at the surprise and it tasted delicious. Be sure to get whipped cream outside, not the fondant. It's way too sweet. I personally think the chocolate cake (brown) with the chocolate filling is too rich, but some may like it. read more

I love their cakes. I've gone at the last minute just to buy everything from last minute birthday cakes to "whenever I just feel like eating cake" cakes. I highly recommend the Bavarian White Chocolate Cream. The owner is really nice. He has sales promotions every now and then, you just gotta ask. Or maybe it's cuz he knows that I go there often. Someone else mentioned that their chocolate cakes are good. I definitely agree. They rock. Eitherway, good stuff. Oh yeah, they aren't that cheap. read more

When I was thinking of a last minute birthday cake for my daughter's 18th it was suggested I call "that place by that ridiculously priced gelato place." I did. The lady taking the order on the phone couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. Our chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and chocolate ganache was beyond lovely. All of you one star raters clearly have pedestrian taste. I mean ... absolutely clearly, guys. Perhaps you should go to crack rock Ralphs down the hill and get one of their cakes. I'm sure it would suit your taste much better than Pastries by Nancy. I have found my go to baker in not just Altadena but Los Angeles as well. We normally went to Lark in Silver Lake for all of our bakery orders. No more. This place is it. Bravo, guys! read more

My husband and I had our wedding at Altadena Town and Country Club. We went to Pastries by Nancy because it was one of the bakeries they are partnered with (and provides the cake in our package). The cake tasting went well, and we were impressed that they provided generous slices of chocolate, vanilla, marble, lemon, and red velvet cake along with fresh strawberries. At the end, we went with the lemon and marble (you can choose different flavors for each tier) in a simple design. Do bear in mind that if you want an elaborate design or fresh fruit in the cake, you'll have to pay more for those extras. Our cake had blue ribbon around each tier, which we had to go buy and bring back to Shawn. I also agree with previous reviewers that Shawn is not the most personable guy, but I kind of like that about him! He tells it like it is, doesn't beat around the bush, everything is transparent, and what you see is what you get. It was a breath of fresh air to a lot of the fake marketing that goes on around LA, where everyone is trying to sell you something (believe me, he is not). All in all, my husband and I absolutely loved the cake. A+ on look, taste, and on-time delivery! Plus, many of my guests asked where we got the cake because they loved it. Definitely will recommend. Thanks Shawn! read more

The cupcakes looked old. We were going to spend $70 there for cupcakes but changed our minds'. We ended up going to: Polkatots Cupcakes, 720 N Lake Avenue, Suite #3, Pasadena (626)798-3932. read more

Just got my wedding cake from here for 9-10-11. The cake looked amazing and tasted even better!!!

Shawn was terrific in helping us send his delicious chocolate ganache cakes to multiple recipients across the country! Shawn froze the chocolate ganache cakes so we could ship them via UPS to Oregon, Minnesota, New Jersey and North Carolina. Just as Shawn had assured us these delicious cakes arrived fully intact and ready to eat! They were delicious and everyone enjoyed them immensely! Thanks Shawn for helping us to realize a country-wide 80th birthday celebration! You're the best! read more

Since first going here last summer, I have probably been 10 more times! I know for certain I have ordered 4 birthday cakes and have gone for other various treats. Great prices and terrific desserts! read more

I been here twice now to pick up cakes for a little get together. The cakes are awesome. Both times my mother-in-law in baltimore called an and ordered I just signed for it and took it home. The owner seems super nice. It seemed like he was all there by himself though. Marble cake with butter cream, raspberries and gnash 6 inches tall. Truly delish and not over-sweet. The cake had a lovely flower arrangement on top too. I saw tiny cakes and cupcakes and cookies on display too. Everything looked great. Next time I'm gonna try a chocolate cake, sounds good. read more

This Bakery has been there for me for the last 20 years. My 30th, 40th and 50th birthday. Now a few years later my grand daughter's birthday as well. The most delicious cakes ever. Thank you again! read more

Needed a cake last minute and they were amazing with it. They decorated it beautifully and it ended up being delicious. I'm very happy with it and it definitely deserved what it cost. Everyone who came to the get together who has tried it have told me they love it. It's not too sweet but not too bitter. This place is definitely one that I will keep in my bookmarks if I ever need to go and buy another cake. Hopefully next time I'll be more prepared with timing. Thank you guys so much! It tasted really good! read more

Pastries by Nancy - Happy Birthday Cake. - Bakeries Near Me - Altadena, California

See all

We ordered their chocolate half-sheet cake, and was it delicious. And huge! The cake was extremely fresh. I think a chocolate cake is often a bit dry, but this one was moist. I highly recommend this place. read more

Pastries by Nancy's cakes are so soft and so delicious!!! The employees are extremely friendly and they helped me find the perfect cake for my brother's engagement!! When I volunteered to get the cake for my brother's engagement I never thought that I will find a good cake, but thanks to Pastries by Nancy I did!! I cannot say enough to express my gratitude. Highly recommend them for everyone!! read more