Running a café means balancing great flavour with practicality. Cakes need to look good on the counter, slice cleanly and still taste brilliant at the end of the day.
Over the years of supplying cafés, farm shops and coffee roasters and specialty coffee joints across the UK, we’ve learned which cakes consistently fly off the shelf.
Here are the ones worth giving prime position on your cake counter.
1. Brownies
Brownies are the undisputed café classic.
They’re rich, indulgent and easy to portion, which makes them perfect for busy coffee shops. A good brownie also holds its texture for several days, meaning less waste and a reliable cake counter.
At Exploding Bakery our Salted Caramel Brownie and Classic Chocolate Brownie such as 'The Exploding Brownie' are consistently among the top sellers for cafés.
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2. Blondies
Blondies offer the same satisfying texture as brownies but with flavours like vanilla, white chocolate and caramel.
They’re ideal for customers who want something indulgent without going full chocolate overload.
Our Miso & White Chocolate Blondie has become a favourite with cafés looking for something a little different.
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3. Loaf Cakes
Loaf cakes bring a lighter option to the counter.
Flavours like lemon drizzle such as our St Clement's Loaf, coffee cake and fruit loaves give customers a slightly less intense alternative to brownies while still pairing perfectly with coffee. They’re also excellent for slicing consistently during busy service.
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4. Flapjacks
Flapjacks appeal to customers looking for something a little more wholesome.
They hold well, travel well and have great texture thanks to syrup soaked oats. Flavours like Apricot, Pecan and White Chocolate give them a modern twist.
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Why traybakes work best in cafés
Traybakes are ideal for café counters because they:
• slice cleanly into portions
• hold well for several days
• are easy to restock quickly
• offer strong margins per slice
For these reasons brownies, blondies and flapjacks remain the backbone of most successful cake counters.
