Editors’ Choice
Buttermilk Baking Company, Newburyport
From classy to comical to downright raunchy, if you can imagine it, Ashley Bush and her team of “Bakers of Badassery” can create it. Using all-natural ingredients, these babies are handcrafted right down to the house-made vanilla extract (which is also available by the bottle to amp up your own creations). We love the strawberry frosting—made with fresh berries, natch—but the peanut butter fluff cake is a dream for every kid or kid at heart. Many flavors can be made gluten-free. Be sure to call way ahead for busy times of year—these masterpieces take time to create. 9 Liberty St., Newburyport, 978-499-8278, buttermilkbaking.com
Readers’ Choice
Cakes for Occasions, Danvers
Owner Kelly Delaney’s entirely nut-free bakery has crafted beautiful, delicious treats for rock stars, sports heroes, and TV newscasters—as well as many local North Shore celebrations. Look to her for scratch-made edible interpretations of whatever your heart desires. 57 Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-4545, cakes4occasions.com