Welsh cakes are a firm favourite among the Welsh population and those further afield. Whether you prefer them soft and crumbly in their traditional style, or with a special twist on the classic recipe, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our top picks of some of the best places in Wales to indulge in everyone’s favourite Welsh baked treat…
Fabulous Welshcakes, Cardiff
As its name would suggest, Fabulous Welshcakes is home to some pretty fabulous creations. A shop dedicated entirely to the nation’s number one sweet treat, the stores in Cardiff Bay and the city centre have an amazing selection of Welsh cakes covering just about every flavour you can imagine.
There's the humble classic and fruit variations like blueberry and lemon, plus unique twists such as rose and pistachio, maple and pecan and chocolate and orange; pob lwc (that’s Welsh for ‘good luck’) in choosing your treat of choice! Handmade in small batches from all-natural ingredients, and traditionally cooked on site using a cast iron griddle, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist the aromas coming from behind Fabulous’ enticing doors.
Welsh Cake Hut, Cwmbran
A warm and friendly welcome will always greet you at the Welsh Cake Hut. Run by husband and wife team, Jeff and Melanie, the hut offers up a wide range of different flavours and shapes of Welsh cakes – and while the variety may be innovative, they are all still made by hand and cooked in the traditional way on a cast iron griddle and use quality local ingredients.
You can find Jeff cooking these handmade delights from the hut Thursday to Saturday in Monmouth Square, Cwmbran. If you want to enjoy the Welsh cakes on a special occasion you can hire the hut for weddings, birthdays and corporate events. You can also purchase Welsh cakes online.
Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Gower
Sitting on the cliff tops within the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Three Cliffs Coffee Shop offers tempting bites in a seaside setting you’ll find hard not to share on social media.
After more than 17 years on the beach-front, the café is a hit with locals and tourists alike looking to relax after a coastal stroll along the Gower Peninsula. All cakes, including its much-loved classic Welsh cakes, are homemade, include vegan and gluten-free options, and come highly recommend.
Becws Islyn Bakery and café, Aberdaron, Gwynedd
As you enter Aberdaron on the Llŷn Peninsula, you can't fail to spot this striking building with its thatched roof, but if its effortless charm isn’t enough to lure you in, the scents from this busy working bakery surely will.
Served warm with butter, the Becws Islyn Bakery Welsh cakes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in the café, where the walls are decorated in murals outlining the history of this beachside town, or outside on the roof top sun terrace, to the soundtrack of crashing waves with sea views to make your jaw drop. Just watch the Welsh cake doesn’t fall out.
The Plwmp Tart, Penbryn, Ceredigion
Just a short wander up from Penbryn beach you’ll come across this hidden gem among the surrounding woodland. A traditional-looking stone-built Welsh café serving simple, quality food, The Plwmp Tart has a wide selection of locally made cakes made using local produce.
Close enough to the beach to smell the salt, this café is a tranquil place to refuel on Welsh cakes after a seaside walk admiring the stunning coastal views over Cardigan Bay.
Cardiff Bakestones, Cardiff Indoor Market, South Wales
If you thought Welsh cakes were all currants and sultanas, think again. This insider tip in the heart of Cardiff’s popular Victorian era indoor market, Cardiff Bakestones puts a delicious twist on the original Welsh cake recipe, offering versions with chocolate chip, lemon curd, jam, cream and coconut, all made on a traditional bakestone right in front of your eyes. Fear not if you’re diabetic or vegan, the bakers make daily variations of the classic, helping to grow its loyal fanbase.
Rogue Welsh Cakes, Newport, South Wales
Based in Newport's vibrant indoor market, Rouge Welsh Cakes use only the finest ingredients to make a huge variety of Welsh cakes. Flavours range from the truly traditional (sweet spice and currants) to chocolate and salted caramel, white chocolate and cranberry, and peanut butter and jam (vegan). They even have savoury Welsh cakes on offer - try their cheese and leek, sun-dried tomato and feta, onion bhaji, and seasonal Welsh cakes. If you can't visit the market or their pop up stalls at local farmers' markets, you can order online.
A taste of Wales delivered to your door
If you can’t wait till you visit to sample a taste of Wales, you can order some Welsh cakes direct to your door.
MamGu Welsh cakes
Established by Thea and Becky, MamGu Welsh cakes produce over 14 flavours of the sweet (and savoury) treats made using locally sources produce – all of which can be purchased online and delivered to your door in recyclable packaging. Each Welsh cake is made by hand, cooked on a griddle and individually decorated at their bakery in Croesgoch, Pembrokeshire. Vegan and gluten free options are available too.
Calon Lân Cakes
Based in Cardiff, Calon Lân bakes Welsh cakes and bara brith using the finest ingredients and traditional baking methods to bring the best, homemade produce to its customers. A range of gifts can be purchased online, including a Welsh cake gift box and 'Make your own Welsh cakes' and bara brith kits.
Hathren bakes
Baked at home in a West Wales farmhouse, and baked fresh, to order and by hand, Meinir Evans, the part-time teacher and mother of three behind the business, always uses carefully sourced ingredients. The recipes Meinir uses have been passed down through generations, and the Hathren Welsh cakes box of 24 looks irresistible!
Fabulous Welshcakes
One of Wales’ best-known Welsh cakes company, Fabulous have a shop in Cardiff, however their popular produce can also be purchased online and delivered to your door. Using a traditional recipe and the best ingredients, including Welsh butter and free range Welsh eggs, the cakes are griddled in small batches to ensure a freshly baked taste.
There are many others across Wales to try – including Tan y Castell and more – have a look on social media to find a supplier near you.