Welcome to Hot Cakes Ballard
- 5427 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 Hotline: (206) 453-3792
Welcome to Hot Cakes Ballard, a delightful bakery nestled in the heart of Seattle's vibrant Ballard neighborhood. Located at 5427 Ballard Ave NW, this charming spot specializes in decadent desserts that are designed to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth. With a plethora of options, Hot Cakes Ballard has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike, offering a menu filled with rich molten cakes and unique baked goods.
The ambiance at Hot Cakes strikes a perfect balance between cozy and lively, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual catch-ups to romantic date nights. The seating arrangement, which includes both indoor and heated outdoor options, creates an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a late-night coffee shop. Here, the enticing aroma of baking chocolate and fresh pastries wafts through the air, setting the stage for a sweet indulgence.
- Signature Offerings: Hot Cakes Ballard truly shines with its signature molten cakes. The Dark Decadence and Peanut Butter varieties are particularly noteworthy, boasting a luscious, gooey center that flows like molten lava. The Vegan Dark Chocolate option ensures that those with dietary restrictions can also partake in the indulgence.
- Take and Bake Treats: For those who prefer baking at home, the shop offers a selection of Take and Bake cakes, including the crowd-favorite S'mores and the irresistibly rich Strawberry versions, all priced at just $15 for a two-pack. These gluten-free and dairy-free options expand the accessibility for various dietary preferences.
- Complementary Delights: To take your dessert experience up a notch, indulge in the Pint of Bluebird Vanilla Ice Cream or the Pacific Coast Sea Salt Caramel Sauce, both crafted to harmonize perfectly with the molten cakes.
Customer reviews reflect a consistent theme: while some find the prices on the higher side, many agree that the quality justifies the cost. As one guest aptly noted, the molten cake paired with ice cream offers “rich flavors and a delicious combination.” Service at Hot Cakes Ballard is another highlight, with staff known for their warmth and efficiency, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For those planning a visit, it's advisable to arrive early or allow some flexibility with parking, as the bustling area can make finding a spot a challenge. However, the moment you step inside, the delightful treats and the inviting atmosphere are bound to make any inconvenience worth it.
In conclusion, Hot Cakes Ballard is not merely a bakery; it’s a haven for dessert lovers seeking a blissful escape into the world of rich, chocolatey indulgences. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with friends, prepare to embark on a culinary tour that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Very well made molten lava cakes and drinks located in a fun area. You just go up to the register and order where they will give you a number and food is brought out to you. I loved the atmosphere of Hot Cakes, however I do think it was a bit overpriced for what you get.

Hot cakes is always been my go to dessert spot in Seattle. This place has huge seating and the ambiance is cute. The service is spot on.

Visited for a pre-dinner treat and was NOT disappointed! Super rich chocolate (also opted for the non-smoked version)- love a hot/cold mixed treat and was in awe of how everything felt perfectly balanced for this one. Space was giving "late night coffee shop" vibes, some people studying, some people stopping in during their night out. Nice patio outdoor seating that was too cold outside to take advantage of this time. The staff were very friendly and appeared calm and cool despite being seemingly constantly busy. We also ordered a butter beer cocktail, which was a bit unexpected to taste a lot like an apple cider (still tasty though)

Really yummy desserts but quite expensive! I expected a bit cheaper so was kind of shocked to pay $17 for a little cake and ice cream scoop. We got the dark decadence cake and really enjoyed it, very rich flavors and the combination with the ice cream was delicious. Service was good and they brought it out pretty quickly, and the vibes inside are nice and lively. I would want to again and try more flavors but I really wish it were cheaper!

Amazing service to the rescue, thank you Roxie! We came to hot cakes after date night for some dessert perfect spot for your sweet tooth. We ordered.gooey cake and sat down. But our order got lost and after 15 minutes I asked where was our cake! Roxie recognized that they messed up and got us a delicious cookie to make up for it! It's amazing to see empowered servers who are charged with making an awesome experience not just doing the minimum! We'll be back soon!

Recently went here for a catch up with my friend, it was the perfect location! I love the cozy atmosphere especially on a chilly fall evening. We ordered hot chocolates and a slice of pumpkin bread to share. The drinks and bread were delicious. For Seattle, the prices were reasonable. I decided to take home a bunch of stuff to try at home, so after viewing the display case of amazing fresh cookies, I took home a s'mores cookie which was delicious, their take and bake hot cakes, which are also delicious even when baked at home, a jar of their decadent dark chocolate sauce... also amazing!! I would say all these items were great value as the food is high quality. Parking was a bit hard to find as the area is busy but after a drive around I got a space. The staff were fast and efficient as well as friendly.

There's a bunch of street parking that's hard to find during a Saturday night, which is when my friend and I went to this place. There's indoor seating (which is bustling and very noisy with seating for parties of various numbers of people) and heated outdoor seating (with a similar arrangement of seating). You can see a ton of cookies near the counter and you can also smell a ton of chocolate inside. Our food came out relatively fast despite people constantly coming in and filling up every seat both inside and outside. I got the strawberry molten cake and the Bart Simpson smoothie, and there's a lot of heavy sweet going on here. The molten cake was piping hot inside and had soooo much fudge that it was actually more overwhelming. The vanilla ice cream with the strawberry jam rim around it became my palette cleanser essentially. The Bart Simpson smoothie tasted exactly as advertised; butter fingers, dark chocolate and whipped cream all in one. This drink was also quite tasty but heavy in flavor too. I wouldn't mind coming back for some more stuff here actually since it's bustling and the desserts are a really great choice for anyone wanting some heavy sweets.

Hot Cakes in Ballard is the perfect spot for a serious chocolate fix, and their molten chocolate cake is a must-try. It's rich and super gooey in the middle--exactly what you want from a molten cake. When you dig in, the warm chocolate oozes out, mixing with the soft, slightly crispy cake. Pair it with some of their ice cream, and you've got an incredible dessert. The place has a cozy vibe, making it great for a chill night out or a solo treat. If you love chocolate, you'll love this. The price is a bit up there for the quantity but you pay for the quality!