READ MORE FROM OUR “BEST DESSERTS” FEATURE HERE.
From its tender, spiced texture to its topping of tangy-sweet cream frosting, carrot cake is a genius creation, and Milwaukee restaurants Buckley’s and Mason Street Grill have both been perfecting their versions for so long they qualify as legends. Buckley’s cake is the specialty of co-founder Pam Buckley.
Mason Street Grill’s version comes from Marcus’ corporate chef Mark Weber, who was inspired by his grandmother’s carrot cake. Before we crown the winner, this needs to be said: It was really tough! Both are delicious cakes deserving of their lauded status.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Mason Street Grill
425 E. MASON ST.
The sheet cake square – its deeper orange-brown shade makes it look more like a spice cake – is enhanced with chopped walnuts and shredded coconut. Topped with a relatively thin layer of cream cheese frosting, it also comes with caramel sauce. Our staff judges’ comments: “very moist, bordering on some sort of bread pudding,” “strikes a nice balance,” “can taste all the elements,” “not too sweet,” “the caramel sauce complements but doesn’t overwhelm.”
Buckley’s
801 N. CASS ST.
The elegant two-layer cake slice with a pronounced orange tone and modest bits of walnut and raisins is generously encased in cream cheese frosting. The judges’ remarks: “pretty!” “more spiciness in this one!” “lighter and sweeter,” “perfect texture,” “extremely sweet” frosting.
For achieving the perfect balance of spicy and sweet: Mason Street Grill!
