As hvhappenings, we're always on the hunt for the hidden gems of New York, and boy, did we hit the jackpot this time! Nestled in the heart of the Bronx, we found ourselves at Lloyd's Carrot Cake, a family-owned bakery that's been serving up slices of heaven since 1986. This isn't just a bakery, folks. It's a cake mecca, a sweet-tooth sanctuary, a frosting-filled wonderland!
Now, let's talk about the main event: the Carrot Cake. This isn't your grandma's carrot cake (unless your grandma is Lloyd, in which case, can we come over for dinner?). This cake is denser than a neutron star and packed with more flavor than a spice market. It's got twice-grated carrots, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cream cheese frosting that's so luscious, it should probably have its own Instagram account.
But the magic doesn't stop there. We also tried the Pineapple Coconut Cake, and let me tell you, it was like a tropical vacation for our taste buds. We half expected a tiny umbrella to pop out of each slice! As one customer put it, "I know it’s called Lloyd's carrot cake but don’t sleep on that pineapple coconut cake. It was so good I ordered one to bring back home to Texas."
The staff at Lloyd's are as sweet as their cakes, always serving up smiles with their slices. The place has a cozy, neighborhood vibe that makes you feel like you've stepped into a sitcom bakery where everyone knows your name (and your cake preference).
Sure, the place can get busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest, and finding parking can feel like a game of musical chairs. But trust us, one bite of that carrot cake, and you'll forget you had to park in the next zip code.
And for those of you living outside the Bronx, don't fret! Lloyd's ships nationwide, so you can have your cake and eat it too, no matter where you are. As they say on their website, they offer "Uber Eats / Nationwide Shipping," so you're just a click away from a slice of Lloyd's Carrot Cake.
Now, let's dive into the history of this cake paradise. Lloyd's Carrot Cake was started by Lloyd Adams, a hospital social worker whose favorite cake was carrot. His grandmother came up with the family recipe in St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. The recipe was handed down to his mother, and then to Mr. Adams, who tweaked it (adding more cinnamon and extra eggs to make it fluffier).
Lloyd used to bake the carrot cake for his friends after they played basketball. They would request it. He decided he had something good, and told his then-girlfriend, Betty Campbell-Adams, that he wanted to bake for a living. Her response: “You bake?” Despite her initial surprise, they opened a small storefront in the Bronx in 1986, and the rest is history.
Today, the business is thriving. Ms. Campbell-Adams opened a second, smaller bakery in Harlem in 2011 that now sells about 400 cakes a week. She also added a separate juice bar next door to the Harlem location, called Joosed by Lloyd’s, where the drinks include a carrot and red velvet shake.
In conclusion, Lloyd's Carrot Cake is a must-visit for any self-respecting cake connoisseur. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and try their world-class carrot cake. It's a slice of heaven, right here in the Bronx!
So, grab your car keys, or your mouse if you're ordering online, and get ready for a flavor ride that you won't forget. As we always say at hvhappenings, "Life's too short for bad cake," and at Lloyd's, bad cake is one thing you definitely won't find.
Here are some tips for your visit to Lloyd's:
• Try the Carrot Cake: This is a given. It's their signature cake and it's absolutely delicious.
• Don't Skip the Other Cakes: While the carrot cake is the star, the other cakes are equally delightful. The Pineapple Coconut Cake is a must-try.
• Be Patient: The place can get busy, especially during holidays. But trust us, the wait is worth it.
• Order Online: If you can't make it to the Bronx, you can order their cakes online. They ship nationwide.
• Try the Juice Bar: If you're visiting the Harlem location, don't miss out on their juice bar. The carrot and red velvet shake is a unique treat.
So, whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and try their world-class carrot cake. You won't be disappointed!
