The Excellent Cheesecake

Women-owned & operated

Catering service

I can't believe I haven't written a review for a business my kids and I frequent all the time!…read moreWe've been coming to Always Yours since it opened. Hands down they have the best drinks, cookies, macarons, cakes, and now salt bread! I always come to get treats for my kid's teachers (for their birthdays, teacher appreciation week, just because, etc.). I've brought friends visiting the Bay Area to this bakery, which they have loved. Always Yours also has fun cup sleeve events, macaron classes and afternoon tea from time to time. We love supporting small businesses and this one is definitely worth supporting! P.S. with all these drink places popping up in the area...we still think the drinks at Always Yours not only taste better, but also are of higher quality.

Get the butter toffee cookie because it is so delicious!…read more The store is very clean, plenty of seating to enjoy your sweet treat. Order the ube cheesecake, butter toffee cookie, and a assam milk tea with boba. The order came out quickly. Ube Japanese cheesecake is tasty, not too much ube taste. It is super light and moist, love how it is not too sweet. For the assam milk tea, I prefer it with more tea flavor. The drink was ok, the matcha drinks look better. The butter toffee cookie was the best, it was flavorful, the toffee has added toasted nutty flavor with some sugar. I would get a box full. Overall, has a great variety of baked goods.

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Seven Hills Baking Co

4.5(335 reviews)

2.6 km

This bakery was recommended on the SFBI list of bakeries and pastry shops, so I had to try and stop…read moreby on my way back down south from the east bay. It's in a corner of a very cute gourmet food hall and had a good selection of goods left in mid-afternoon on a weekday. Service is also friendly and prompt. I had to get the kouign amann because I always get one wherever I can, and also picked up a plain croissant, currant scone, and panna cotta. The KA was decent; I would call this one a diet KA because they only put the sugar on one side so it was more like a brulee'd croissant. I also have to admit that, while this shaping is very attractive, the direction of the lamination makes eating this feel like shards in my mouth. However, flavor was excellent. The plain croissant is very plain. It's decent but I've had better. The scone and panna cotta, however, were delightful. Both had lovely soft textures and wonderful creamy flavors. The scone held up for two days and wasn't even a bit stale when I finally had it for breakfast. Highly recommend this tucked-away bakery in the Castro Valley!

I want to start off by saying that this is my first review for a non-gluten free place. I am being…read morere-tested for celiac disease and engaging in the "gluten challenge". Seven Hills Baking Co was my first stop as I haven't had sourdough since childhood. I got their classic sourdough loaf. Even though it wasn't warm anymore it was still amazing. It was quite hard to cut into with a serrated bread knife, which I'm not sure whether that's normal or abnormal for gluten sourdough. However, the inside was lovely and soft. Nice strong sour flavor, spongy dough that was almost moist (not at all dry). I want to note on the gluten free front that seven hills baking co offers a few items which they advertise to be gluten free. Though the ingredients may be gluten free, the items are baked in the same kitchen, the same oven, and then put side by side with the gluten in the display case. Furthermore I don't believe their ingredients are all certified gluten free. Therefore I do not recommend seven hills baking co for anybody with celiac disease. Do not buy your friend with a gluten allergy or celiac these items. There is most certainly cross contact.

Artisan bread selections (08/2024)

Lots of fresh baked goodies around lunchtime (08/2024)

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Kouign amann. Came out piping hot. More Crispy than light n flaky but it was delicious

Ones Cafe & Bakery

4.3(218 reviews)

2.6 km

Everything is soo flaky, fluffy, and flavorful!…read more Loved every pastry I've purchased here. I also get their ube latte and match latte.

This is the second time we've made a visit in less than a month and it's always bustling with a…read moreline and wait for food. We tried the chicken tikka masal both times and the first time was good, but the second time it was made even better. We had a croissant that was decent and a tuna avocado that was also okay. The kouignn amann was also allright. The verdict is come for the chicken tikka masala bun! I am still intrigued by the remaining of the huge selection they have.

Menu as of 1/11/25

Sold out of everything!

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Menu as of 1/11/25

Bay House Cakery

3.7(31 reviews)

2.9 km

Love that you can pre-order the malasadas from their site and pickup at Denicas locations ie…read moreDublin. Holidays they offered chocolate bombs Ordered from here twice, orders are always ready by your pickup time. It is hit or miss on flavors for me. I think most are overly sweet and I find myself trying to scrape off the extra sugar on the outside. Some previous star flavors: lemon curd, eggnog, halpia coconut. I love ordering these as gifts for ppl cuz i think most dont mind the sugar haha

Found out about these wonderful malasadas from my sister who mentioned they were selling them for…read morepre-order and pickup from Denica's Real Food Kitchen in Castro Valley and Dublin (Walnut Creek location is closed). Isabella, the owner offers 4 flavor option per week: Thursday - Sundays only with pickup starting at 10am right now...wonderful flavors like pumpkin, espresso, and guava...they also had ube which i know is all the rage but passed on that..not a fan and don't get it. Lol Filling were lightly sweet (which I prefer) and hints of each flavor...my fave was the espresso: custardy, creamy, coffee flavored with the next being the pumpkin. Guava has a very mild flavor and could've used a tad more flavor but it was good! All lightly dusted with granulated sugar *** 4 - 4.5 stars *** I would recommend picking up your order when they're ready as no fried item tastes as good as it sits and best when they're fresh...I picked up mine about 12:30 and 1/2 of the sugar was melted and exterior got a little greasy but still a yummy product! Unfortunately, you can not walk into Denica's expecting to get some malasadas...must go to Instagram and DM her your order which will set you back $12/3. Yeah, yeah will log in for food! Flavors change weekly! Enjoy!

Pumpkin, guava, espresso malasadas Pre-order via DM: @bayhousecakery

Delicious (didn't get the ube)

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Guava and Passionfruit Malasadas!

Bake It Up Bakery & Cafe

4.6(153 reviews)

2.7 km

This is more than just a cake shop!…read more I was looking for a new coffee joint when I stumbled across Bake it Up. It's located in the Lucky shopping center and has plenty of parking outside. There isn't seating inside but there is a few tables outside if you'd like to sit and enjoy. This place has been here for about two years. They have a great variety of tasty coffees and other drinks if you're not into coffee. I got a breakfast bakery item but they have plenty of cupcakes and cakes to choose from. The owner was so nice and helped us make good decisions on what to try. I will be back to try some of their dessert options.

Went to buy a cake for my son's birthday dinner, but they were closing. According to yelp they…read moreclose at 5pm but they have a sign posted that says Summer Hours they close at 3pm. I saw the cakes and they were still in there but turned me away. Went back today to buy cupcakes for my sons class but it took like 25 minutes for them to pack the cupcakes in the display case. They had a little boy working about 7/8 years old that had to call his mom to ask which cupcakes had peanuts, then had to make the boxes, then pack them. By the time I got them it was too late . My son knew I was bringing cupcakes and told his classmates but I never showed. I'll still drop them off tomorrow but kind of disappointed. Not sure if I have a third chance left in me lol. The cupcakes look tasty though.

Drink menu...

Cookie Croissant (Amazing)

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Never too late for coffee...

Tous Les Jours

4.1(765 reviews)

13.2 km

I found this place by accident actually. It's next to h- mart, and I had to used the restroom and…read morefound this place. It was closing soon, and I love anything ube. I bought it, but I was not able to eat it until next morning. Even tho I ate it a day old, it was still fluffy and soft. The ube cream was super creamy and airy as well. I was very impressed how amazing it tasted. It was not overly sweet, perfect sweetness. I Can't wait to return and try other flavors, now that I know it's worth the money.

I came to get a ube latte with the sushi bento I got from H Mart market. This store is located…read moreinside H Mart, convenient! All the cakes look so yummy! Service is fine. Perfect location to have at food court. I will be back!

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Paper Rock Fork Bakery

5.0(24 reviews)

0.0 km

Service: 5 Placing order/inquiry was pretty easy. She is…read morevery responsive and handles short notice orders. I was looking for a cake less than a week from pick up. Sent in order/inquiry via email and she was able to communicate effectively all the details that needed to be addressed in the span of a few days. Cake quality: 4.5/5 I originally chose s'mores and guava but because I wasn't sure if two layers would be too much for 2 people serving, I decided with 1 layer and 1 flavor. S'mores flavor was a marshmallow delight, which included a marshmallows buttercream for frosting, chocolate flavor cake, and marshmallows and graham cracker center. I loved that the frosting and cake were not overly sweet but felt that there could've been a bit more graham cracker. Overall: would highly recommend! If you are looking for a fast turn around time, and solid in quality flavor and design, please consider paperrock fork bakery! Also, Cheers to Elmeisher--She really cares and aims to make every cake wonderful and her best work yet. Can't wait to try her bakery again :)

I ordered a cupcake pull apart Dinosaur cake for my sons 2nd birthday!…read more I sent a dinosaur image I got from Google and asked if they could add a party had with his age on it. I honestly wasn't expecting it to turn out this good but wow! The artwork with the buttercream nailed the original image. Flavors: I opted for 4 flavors cookies n' cream, funfetti, Vanilla strawberry filling and chocolate! The chocolate cupcake with the chocolate filling were to die for. Super rich! Will surely be ordering from this place again!

Customized 80's them cake

Unicorn cake

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Vegan dipped sugar cookies

Castro Valley Marketplace

4.1(142 reviews)

2.6 km

Salad bar was delicious. The design-your-own salad has so many fresh choices. Great friendly…read moreservice. Definitely worth $20, enough to share! Overall this is a great marketplace. Genius design-- many different restaurants and seating options, along with a butcher, bakery, and cafe. Owned by the same folks as the Alameda Marketplace. Perfect place for lunch with a friend, or to do some food shopping, or to have a coffee-- so many different choices. You should check it out.

I've been here twice now and have enjoyed both experiences…read more - Parking available via street parking or the parking lot connected to the marketplace - Downstairs: shopping and restaurants (I.e. pizza) - Upstairs: restaurants - Stairs and elevators available to go upstairs

Outdoor seating

La Perla

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"Wise guy"

Paris Baguette

3.9(667 reviews)

12.8 km

Great service and pastries. Would recommend come here all the time!! The cake and drinks are also…read moregreat, Brooke was so nice

The food her is very very yummy :). yipeeee. I love the service here and the music. :)read more

Blueberry yogurt cake yumm

Penguin Pond Chocolate Cake

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Custom cake :)

Dessertchu

4.4(55 reviews)

6.6 km

My friend got me some desserts for my birthday. Pistachio…read morericotta cake was too sweet for my palate but it is as soft as you would imagine. Almost reminds me of the texture of tres leches. Biscotti brookie was a large portion and also very sweet but a good texture.

I discovered Dessertchu on Apple Maps when looking at what's nearby Zocalo Coffeehouse. Best…read moredecision ever to stop by! I originally came in for Dubai inspired chocolate pistachio cheesecake but was instead greeted so warmly by head pastry chef Nile! She is full of life and so passionate about her baked goods. I almost wanted to buy one of everything after hearing about each item. Desserts: *Blueberry Ube Cheesecake *Pistachio Ricotta Cake *Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Cake with Biscoff Cookie Butter *Red Velvet Cheesecake Cup Nile just baked the Dubai cake and mentioned she would have a slice for herself that night. It was sweet and decadent for sure. Definitely perfect for sharing! I loved the blueberry ube cheesecake and so did Mom! I was looking for my leftovers and they disappeared from the fridge. Creamy and slightly fruity with that thick buttery crust-- amazing! Pistachio Ricotta cake was light and moist. Perfect when you want something delicately sweetened for tea time. Red Velvet cheesecake cup was just ok for me due to the cheesecake frosting. I think I would've preferred a whole slice of cake instead. This bakery kiosk is a part of Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant Moussaka. Interior has the cutest cafe tables and chairs. Love the grey with baby pink + mint green color scheme. Step inside and go directly to the dessert display to place an order. They're also on DoorDash. Can't wait to see what Chef Nile comes up with next!

Things to do in Castro Valley

Baklava cheesecake

Walnut baklava

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Pistachio baklava

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Tina L.

0

2

1

5 years ago

The Cheesecake is amazing. The best I've had and I'm very picky. Don't miss out this cheesecake is very good. Owner is amazing.

Patrick L.

27

3

0

5 years ago

Wow, amazing! I've had some great Cheesecakes in my days, but this one is amazing! Would highly recommend! read more

Casey W.

2

38

27

5 years ago

Seriously the best cheesecake I have ever had. Cheesecake Factory can't even compare.

The Excellent Cheesecake - bakeries - Updated September 2026

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Bake It Up Bakery & Cafe

4.6

(153 reviews)

This is more than just a cake shop!…read more I was looking for a new coffee joint when I stumbled across Bake it Up. It's located in the Lucky shopping center and has plenty of parking outside. There isn't seating inside but there is a few tables outside if you'd like to sit and enjoy. This place has been here for about two years. They have a great variety of tasty coffees and other drinks if you're not into coffee. I got a breakfast bakery item but they have plenty of cupcakes and cakes to choose from. The owner was so nice and helped us make good decisions on what to try. I will be back to try some of their dessert options.

Went to buy a cake for my son's birthday dinner, but they were closing. According to yelp they…read moreclose at 5pm but they have a sign posted that says Summer Hours they close at 3pm. I saw the cakes and they were still in there but turned me away. Went back today to buy cupcakes for my sons class but it took like 25 minutes for them to pack the cupcakes in the display case. They had a little boy working about 7/8 years old that had to call his mom to ask which cupcakes had peanuts, then had to make the boxes, then pack them. By the time I got them it was too late . My son knew I was bringing cupcakes and told his classmates but I never showed. I'll still drop them off tomorrow but kind of disappointed. Not sure if I have a third chance left in me lol. The cupcakes look tasty though.

Home Flavory Eats

4.9

(7 reviews)

Great food was very delicious! The was vibe was good could be a little better! Excellent customer…read moreservice!

So I'm a bit behind on my reviews since I picked up these pineapple cakes from Home Flavory Eats in…read morelate Feb, towards the end of Lunar New Year celebrations. The bf had seen an article about the pop up and sent it to me bc he knows me and my family love pineapple cakes. He bought a box to give to my parents and I bought a box for us which worked out bc the minimum order was 2 boxes haha. I had a tough time deciding between the classic cakes (can't go wrong with original flavor!) and matcha crust (bc matcha is one of my favorite flavors). Luckily ordering a combo box with 50/50 was an option so I didn't have to decide! The pineapple filling was great, way better than the crappy barely there filling you get from the mass-produced boxes at stores that my parents had been resorting to. It really reminded me of the filling from when I went to Sunnyhills on my Taiwan trip. The bf had not been impressed with the commercial pineapple cakes my parents had given him to try before, and he said these were way better. Not sure he's a pineapple cake fan yet but at least he ate these more happily haha. The matcha flavored crust was good but in the end I think the original was the winner. The matcha masked the pineapple flavor a little too much.

Seven Hills Baking Co

4.5

(335 reviews)

This bakery was recommended on the SFBI list of bakeries and pastry shops, so I had to try and stop…read moreby on my way back down south from the east bay. It's in a corner of a very cute gourmet food hall and had a good selection of goods left in mid-afternoon on a weekday. Service is also friendly and prompt. I had to get the kouign amann because I always get one wherever I can, and also picked up a plain croissant, currant scone, and panna cotta. The KA was decent; I would call this one a diet KA because they only put the sugar on one side so it was more like a brulee'd croissant. I also have to admit that, while this shaping is very attractive, the direction of the lamination makes eating this feel like shards in my mouth. However, flavor was excellent. The plain croissant is very plain. It's decent but I've had better. The scone and panna cotta, however, were delightful. Both had lovely soft textures and wonderful creamy flavors. The scone held up for two days and wasn't even a bit stale when I finally had it for breakfast. Highly recommend this tucked-away bakery in the Castro Valley!

I want to start off by saying that this is my first review for a non-gluten free place. I am being…read morere-tested for celiac disease and engaging in the "gluten challenge". Seven Hills Baking Co was my first stop as I haven't had sourdough since childhood. I got their classic sourdough loaf. Even though it wasn't warm anymore it was still amazing. It was quite hard to cut into with a serrated bread knife, which I'm not sure whether that's normal or abnormal for gluten sourdough. However, the inside was lovely and soft. Nice strong sour flavor, spongy dough that was almost moist (not at all dry). I want to note on the gluten free front that seven hills baking co offers a few items which they advertise to be gluten free. Though the ingredients may be gluten free, the items are baked in the same kitchen, the same oven, and then put side by side with the gluten in the display case. Furthermore I don't believe their ingredients are all certified gluten free. Therefore I do not recommend seven hills baking co for anybody with celiac disease. Do not buy your friend with a gluten allergy or celiac these items. There is most certainly cross contact.

Baptista Baking

(17 reviews)

I contacted Will via his Facebook page and asked if he could make a Angry Birds Star Wars cake for…read moremy son's seventh birthday party. I usually don't wait until the last minute to book the all important cake but I contacted Will on a Monday for a birthday party for Saturday May the twenty fifth. A holiday weekend no less! But Will was available so we decided to book him and since we reside close to Will in Castro Valley it seemed like a great idea. We talked about cake size (we chose a half sheet) and discussed flavors. My son wanted a chocolate marble cake and we added a fresh strawberry filling. Will wanted an idea as to design for the cake and we emailed him a photo of what we might want. But Will had a different idea as to cake design of having the game itself be the decoration. My husband and I trusted Will's vision for the cake but told him the important elements of the cake. My son really wanted Darth Vader and the Death Star Pig as the main elements of the cake. We agreed on a pick up time and waited for Saturday morning. We were not disappointed at all! The cake looked and tasted great! The design was so beautiful too! Will even honored our request of a "not too sweet" cake. It tasted as good as it looked. And for a decorated half sheet with fresh strawberries with marble cake was only $ 60.00! Wow what a deal! You can see the cake of Baptista Baking page on Facebook. It is the Angry Birds Star Wars Cake. Thank you Will for a five star cake and service. We really appreciate you making a quality cake and being so receptive as far as the cake design. The birthday boy loved the results!

Will is a genius when it comes to cake and dessert creativity. He first made the Sleeping Beauty…read morecake that you see here for my daughter's 4th birthday. Not only did I have to lift her chin off the floor when she saw it, it was also adult worthy. I don't mess around when I buy a cake even if it's for one of my daughters because not only does it have to look good it has to taste AMAZING for the grown ups. I've also had the most delicious chocolate cream pie for Thanksgiving and he did a special order coconut cream pie for my dad who decided it was the best in all the Bay Area. Trust me. They have tried EVERY place you can find on yelp that claims to have the best CCP. This place ROCKS!

Desserts First

4.6

(25 reviews)

A wonderful experience from front to back. Delicious cake, dreamy whipped icing, well decorated and…read morejust lovely. Highly recommend - Thank you Amanda!

Today was a terrible day, I was upset and saw a booth for cupcakes at the Castro Valley Street…read moreEats. Just what I needed, something sweet. The booth was super cute and each cupcake was individually boxed. They also had French Vanilla and Maple Bacon cupcakes, red velvet cookies, apple pie (only $5) and caramel squares (yum!!). I choose the Mocha one and boy was I surprised... I swear, this cupcake is one of the best I've ever had. The frosting was light and not too sweet, the cake was light and fluffy (chocolatey flavor too). Right now, I'm sitting here wishing I had bought a dozen to eat all myself...to eat my sorrows out with this delicious goodness. Final Thoughts: Next time I have an event in need of a cake (or even a company party).... and maybe my future wedding, I will definitely be calling Desserts First!!

As Kneaded Bakery

4.6

(242 reviews)

This review is based in their second location. This bakery…read morehas opened a second location at the San Leandro library . The food was great!

We drop by every now and then. Apparently, I've failed to write a few reviews since my last one was…read morein 2020. We got a loaf of Sese Miche, a Very Berry Hand Pie a Blueberry Muffin. All three were delicious. Service was excellent and the shop was clean. What more can one want? Oh, reasonable prices? Yeah, they got that too!

AndreaMarie Custom Cakes and Treats

4.2

(25 reviews)

Hubbs 55th Birthday Cake! The most delicious "sugar free" cake West of the Mississippi! I'm a…read moreforever customer of these delicious cakes!

#blackownedbusiness #womanownedbusiness Andrea Marie's…read morecustom cakes are hands down awesome. I have been getting custom order cakes for years from her. She truest has a way of making you cake vision come to life. She stands behind her work. Takes her time to hear what the customer is asking for and tries her best to be accommodating to the customers time schedule. Cakes are always tasty and fresh with very reasonable prices. So proud to see AndreaMarie come so far with her passion

Sweet Originnals

(4 reviews)

I'm so happy I got to work with Stephanie. She catered my wedding cake and cupcakes for 150 people…read more Not a bite was left. We met before for taste testing and I fell in love with the hazelnut cake flavor with buttercream frosting. She was very flexible in helping me get what I wanted for very reasonable cost. She decorated my cake for me with little direction, which I was very grateful for. Being so overwhelmed with other decisions to make, I was happy to let her place the flowers I provided her with. Came out perfect and, of course, tasted even better! Thanks again to Sweet Originnals!

Sweet Originnals and team catered for both my wedding, my separate banquet and my brother's…read morebanquet. Best cupcakes ever!!!! Stephanie does everything to accommodate your needs and tastes. Highly highly highly recommend! Can't wait to order some more of those macarons. Wedding cake 5 stars - Nutella ! I didn't even know that they made nutella cakes before this Macarons 5 stars I loved the lemon raspberry. We also got nutella. Cupcakes 5 stars. Personal mocha is my favorite! Also tried the almond, raspberry. Catering: 5 Stars . Catered for 190 people! A+ for presentation and set up of the cupcakes. I would highly recommend for a wedding or celebration event.

Neko Sama

(3 reviews)

Very unassuming little table of baked goods, usually a cake flavor, cookies, and marble knots…read more Totally unassuming treats you may look at and think "cute," but don't be fooled because they are delicious. 100% get a treat if you see them anywhere. Pop ups in Oakland--at Tea on Piedmont, Flowerland, and West Oakland farmer's market. I heard some Christmas boxes are coming, good little gift. There are usually some little cookies packaged with a handful of different flavors if you want to buy some to eat later or give as a gift. Recently there were little coffee bean shaped cookies and raspberry cookies. The flavors are unique and always rotating when we see them out, we never pass by without buying at least a couple of things.

If cookies were art, Neko Sama would be Van Gogh. These little masterpieces not only taste amazing…read morebut are packaged so adorably, I felt bad tearing into them. First, the green spirals of matcha joy--delicate, buttery, and so perfectly balanced they made me rethink every cookie I've ever eaten. Seriously, these could convert someone who "doesn't like sweets" into a cookie addict. Then there were the checkerboard cookies, The chocolate flavor danced with the buttery vanilla like a waltz in my mouth. I was genuinely impressed they held such a sophisticated balance without overshadowing each other. Let's talk about the packaging: cute kitties and elegant simplicity that made me whisper, "Am I worthy?" But don't be fooled by the classy aesthetic--these cookies are hardcore flavor warriors. Would I recommend these cookies? Let's just say I already ordered more because the first batch mysteriously disappeared (thanks to me...and maybe my cat). Do yourself a favor: grab these cookies and experience bliss in every bite!

Crème and Petals