Lark Cake Shop now open in Pasadena

Last month, Lark Cake Shop opened a second location — the first opened in 2007 in Silver Lake — on Hill Street just north of Washington Boulevard, across from a Rite Aid and next door to Ray’s Electronics Repair, in an area whose Bohemian cred is growing by the day. (Other recent additions include Mint Leaf Indian Cuisine and, right around the corner, Lavender & Honey coffeehouse.)

Lark’s is known for its cakes and cupcakes — but also offers cookies, brownies, scones, pies, tarts, bars and peanut brittle. (Their dairy supplier is the Challenge Dairy Cooperative, a group of more than 600 California dairies.) And no, Lark doesn’t offer a gluten-free option, although you’re welcome to try the flourless chocolate cake or cupcake. However, there are two vegan alternatives: chocolate orange and Boston banana.

Probably the most popular item is the old-fashioned ice box cake (or cupcake), a seven-tiered concoction layered with wafer cookies, whipped cream and frosting. (It comes in gingersnap, berry or chocolate.) Other fan favorites include the chocolate mocha cake, with whipped cream filling topped with caramel mocha buttercream and sprinkled with toffee bits.

More cake and cupcake varieties include chocolate mousse, carrot, old-fashioned coconut, caramel, red velvet and lemon cream. Cookies? Chocolate chip, golden oatmeal (with white chocolate chips and golden raisins), peanut butter, chocolate drop and Mexican wedding.

Because the majority of cakes and cupcakes are made with perishable ingredients, they’re kept refrigerated. Lark recommends that you allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before eating. Everything is baked daily at the Silver Lake location and trucked to Pasadena.

You can also grab tea or dripped coffee here, but a better idea might be to walk around the corner to Lavender and Honey for a latte to go with your cupcake.

Lark is open Mon.-Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lark Bake Shop: 1355 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, (626) 798-1031.