DAVE'S CAKES OF OMAHA
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★★
District: Southwest Omaha
Cupcakes & custom cakes
Perfect For: Baked Goods
Standout Dishes: Oreo Cupcake; Red Velvet Cupcake; Oreo Fluff; Almond Cupcake
After 20 years of learning the crafts of baking and decorating in others’ kitchens, Dave Barry decided the time had come to break off and open his own place. He envisioned a custom cake shop where his artistry would be expressed through custom cakes. He’d also sell cupcakes on the side for some additional revenue.
But when his store opened in 2023, customers flocked to the shop in search of his mini cakes. Dave quickly realized that cupcakes were going to be the star of the show at Dave’s Cakes of Omaha.
This isn’t to say that Dave’s custom cakes aren’t stunning. A quick perusal of the shop’s social media quickly displays the prowess he and his team possess.
But if you want a smaller, less expensive version of those masterpieces, a cupcake (or several) absolutely hit the spot.
Dave’s is a tiny hole-in-the-wall in a strip mall tucked back off the southeast corner of 144th and Q. There’s a refrigerated case, a cupcake display case, a register, and room for about 15 customers in the front, as most of the shop’s space is decorated to the baking/decorating area. Only a giant glass window separates cake creators and guests, allowing the latter to see their confections come to life.
What immediately makes Dave’s cupcakes stand out from most in Omaha is the cake itself. The base is light and fluffy with a soft, tender crumb. The cake is moist and offers a delicate mouthfeel, complemented by the smooth, creamy frosting on top.
And the frosting to cake ratio is spot on. Some bakeries cover the cake with mounds of sugar, hoping the sweetness hides the average cake. Dave’s cake-frosting ratio is closer to 65-35, ensuring the cake is the star while allowing the flavor of the frosting to accent the base.
Dave’s Cakes has 9 consistent flavors you can expect to find on just about any visit, from the basic Vanilla and Chocolate to Red Velvet, Pink Champagne, and German Chocolate.
But the bakers also show off their creativity with a flavor of the week, which features much more unique offerings such as Churro, Caramel Apple Pie, Boston Cream, and Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly.
Even the most basic options pack plenty of flavor. The Vanilla is sweet, buttery, and slightly floral with a pleasing aromatic flavor. The Chocolate is rich and indulgent, with slight bitter notes of cocoa. And the Almond basically tastes like the best wedding cake you’ve had.
But Dave’s cupcakes get better as the flavors get more complex. The Pink Champagne has an even more tender crumb and a touch of tang along with sweet vanilla. The Red Velvet combines rich, dense chocolate with a tangy cream cheese icing. And the German Chocolate tops that brilliant chocolate cupcake with a gooey, caramel-like coconut-pecan frosting.
It’s the specials that truly steal the show at Dave’s, especially the Oreo. This confection has earned a cult following and draws fans to the shop like teenagers to a Taylor Swift concert. The cupcake again starts with chocolate cake, topped with a smooth, creamy Oreo fluff that will redefine the flavor of cookies & cream for you moving forward.
The Salted Nut Roll tastes exactly like the iconic candy bar, but in cupcake form. The vanilla cake, caramel buttercream, and caramel drizzle add a heavy dose of sugar, but salted peanuts bring a savory element for good balance. And the Bananas Foster combines the sweetness of bananas with just a touch of smoke in the cake, finished with a rich, gooey caramel drizzle.
The cupcakes are good-sized, about 4 inches tall, and considering the quality, Dave could likely charge $4-5 for each. The fact that he’s chosen a $2 price tag makes each an absolute steal.
And you don’t even need to buy a cupcake to have a great experience at Dave’s. The Oreo Fluff that goes atop the Oreo Cupcake has gotten so popular Dave now sells it on the side. Pro tip: buy a container of this, stick it in your freezer, and eat it with a spoon like ice cream. It sounds like madness, but your tastebuds will thank you.
And while cupcakes have become the calling card at Dave’s, this shop can whip up some fantastic custom cakes, too. With 5 base cake flavors, 7 frostings, and 7 fillings, Dave’s allows you great customization. Or you can select one of 28 specialty flavors, ranging from Mint Oreo to Cherry Bing, S’mores, and Chocolate Covered Orange.
And there are few designs this team can’t tackle. From deep sea exploration to teddy bear faces, Spiderman busts, and edible sunflowers, this decorating team has the skill to pull off your dream.
Speaking of the staff, they’re unfailingly friendly, and odds are great that Dave himself will not only be in the shop, but will be happy to step outside the kitchen and chat with you.
When Dave opened his shop, his goal was to build it on three tentpoles: quality, affordability, and a smile. One visit to Dave’s Cakes of Omaha proves he’s accomplished all three, showcasing why Dave’s has become Omaha’s premier cupcake destination.