The Original Cake Man Raven: Harlem’s Legendary Home of the Best Red Velvet Cake

The Original Cake Man Raven Introduce

In the soul-stirring streets of Harlem, where culinary legends are born and heritage is baked into every brick, one name stands above all others in the realm of dessert: The Original Cake Man Raven. Located at 201 West 135th Street, this cake shop is more than just a bakery; it is a pilgrimage site for those in search of the definitive Red Velvet experience. Owned and operated by Raven Patrick De’Sean Dennis III—the man widely credited with turning the Southern Red Velvet cake into a New York City obsession—this establishment carries a legacy that spans decades and boroughs. From his early days in Brooklyn to his triumphant return to his Harlem roots, "Cake Man" Raven has remained the undisputed "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) of his craft.

The Original Cake Man Raven is defined by a commitment to Southern baking traditions viewed through a sophisticated, urban lens. While many modern bakeries attempt to overcomplicate their menus with endless variations, Raven focuses on the mastery of a specific repertoire. His cakes are famous not for their complexity, but for their incredible texture, balanced sweetness, and a certain "succulence" that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate. For local New Yorkers, a slice of Raven’s cake is a rite of passage—a generous, towering portion of history that pays homage to both his Trinidadian roots and his South Carolina upbringing. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, walking into this shop means stepping into a space where talent speaks for itself.

Location and Accessibility

The Original Cake Man Raven is conveniently situated at 201 W 135th St, New York, NY 10030, USA. This prime Harlem location puts the shop at the crossroads of some of the neighborhood's most significant cultural landmarks. It is located just a few blocks away from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the historic St. Nicholas Park, making it a perfect destination for a weekend stroll through Upper Manhattan. The shop serves as a vital community hub for the 10030 zip code and the wider Harlem area.

For those utilizing public transportation, the shop is exceptionally accessible. It is just a short walk from the 135 St subway station, which is served by the B and C trains, as well as the 2 and 3 express lines. This makes it a quick trip for residents of the Upper West Side, Midtown, or even those coming from Brooklyn seeking a taste of the original recipe. Additionally, the M2, M7, and M102 bus lines run frequently along the nearby avenues. For those driving, street parking can be found on 135th Street and the surrounding blocks, though as with any Manhattan location, timing is key. The shop’s proximity to major thoroughfares like the Harlem River Drive also makes it a convenient pickup point for those traveling by car from other parts of the city or the Bronx.

Services Offered

Individual Cake Slices: Providing massive, oversized slices of their signature cakes for walk-in customers looking for a high-value treat.
Whole Cake Custom Orders: Creating full-sized versions of their legendary recipes for birthdays, weddings, and holidays (advanced notice is highly recommended).
Acapulco and Specialty Flavors: Offering a curated list of flavors beyond red velvet, including coconut and citrus-infused varieties that reflect the owner’s heritage.
Pop-Up Shop Appearances: Regularly hosting events and pop-up locations across Brooklyn and other boroughs; follow their social media for scheduled dates outside Harlem.
Direct Consultation: The owner, Raven Dennis III, is often present to discuss specific cake needs and provide professional recommendations for special events.
Professional Packaging: Ensuring that even the largest slices are securely packaged for transit across the city.

Features / Highlights

World-Renowned Reputation: Raven Dennis III has been featured on the Food Network and has baked for high-profile figures including Spike Lee, Maya Angelou, and Michael Bloomberg.
Guinness World Record Heritage: The "Cake Man" formerly held the record for the world’s largest sculpted cake, a testament to his immense technical skill.
Moist and Succulent Texture: His cakes are specifically praised for a moisture level that remains consistent across all flavors, particularly the iconic Red Velvet.
Signature Cream Cheese Frosting: A "to die for" frosting that is creamy, rich, and perfectly proportioned to the cake layers.
Generous Portion Sizes: Slices are known for being exceptionally large, ensuring customers get significant value for their money.
Trinidadian Culinary Influence: Unique flavor profiles, like the Acapulco cake, incorporate Caribbean elements like coconut and citrus.

Contact Information

Address: 201 W 135th St, New York, NY 10030, USA

Phone: (917) 202-7273

Mobile Phone: +1 917-202-7273

What is worth choosing

If it is your first time visiting, the Red Velvet slice is the non-negotiable choice. It is the flavor that built the "Cake Man" empire and remains the benchmark for all red velvet cakes in New York City. At approximately $10 a slice, the portion is massive—often enough for two people—and delivers a 10/10 experience in terms of moistness and the perfect ratio of cake to cream cheese frosting. It is a "succulent" dessert that manages to be rich without being cloyingly sweet, a delicate balance that Raven has perfected over his long career.

For those looking to explore beyond the red velvet, the Acapulco slice is highly recommended. This flavor is a sophisticated homage to Raven’s Trinidadian roots, blending the creamy sweetness of coconut with a bright, refreshing citrus finish. It is an excellent choice for those who might be hesitant about coconut cakes, as the citrus notes provide a beautifully balanced profile. Regardless of your flavor choice, the consensus among long-time fans is to "go early" to ensure you catch the flavors you want before they sell out for the day. While the shop occasionally faces comparisons to other local institutions, the sheer talent and history found at The Original Cake Man Raven make it a singular destination in the Harlem dessert scene. Would you like me to help you find their current pop-up schedule in Brooklyn?

The Original Cake Man Raven Photos

The Original Cake Man Raven Location

The Original Cake Man Raven

201 W 135th St, New York, NY 10030, USA

The Original Cake Man Raven

201 W 135th St

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The Original Cake Man Raven Reviews

I want to keep this review short. Cakeman Raven is the GOAT of all red velvet flavored cakes in NYC. He is often compared to Doc’s Bakery in Brooklyn but his desserts are better and his repertoire speaks for himself and his talent. Let me say this, his menu lists all of the flavors available. It’s simple; he doesn’t need to overcompensate for his talent by making all of these different types of cakes. I had his cake before years ago and I’ve always tried to make it to his pop up shops but I never had the time. I went the Sunday prior to thanksgiving and I made it before closing. I ordered a Red Velvet slice and an Acapulco slice. His slices are $10 each and they are huge, so you get your money’s worth. Red Velvet : 10/10. Moist, succulent, not too sweet and the frosting is to die for. This is and has always been the best red velvet cake I’ve ever had. Acapulco : 10/10. I tend to get nervous with coconut flavored cakes but this one has a mix of citrus along with the coconut. It’s a nice representation that pays homage to CMR’s Trinidadian roots. This slice is delicious. I absolutely loved it and would repurchase this again. Go early to catch the flavors that you want. Cakeman Raven himself is very polite and professional. I asked for the Red Velvet slice because there were none left on the shelf and he said he would absolutely cut me a slice from a recently prepared cake that he just brought out. The other gentleman working the counter was very polite as well. He helped me out with the checkout process. Don’t walk, run. Also, he frequently has pop up shops in Brooklyn, so follow his IG page to catch him during those times he’s available outside of his bakery. I took a picture of his flyer that lists all of his contact info. I’ll be back 😉
Dec 04, 2025 · Lara Nini
Go To MAKE MY CAKE instead.!!! Extremely unprofessional, overrated, overpriced, so called bakery. The owner and his team are so rude on top of everything. I came in on 12/26/25 with my family to order a cake for my daughter's birthday, no one greeted us, even though there were 5 people behind the counter. All of them, head down buried on their phones screens, including the owner raven who's no leader based on what we witnessed. It felt like they were doing us a favor, rather than treating us like customers. Well, you lost our business. At MAKE MY CAKE, you are always greeted and appreciated, they are also a pillar of the community, something that Cakeman raven will never become. We were only there because it was closer. Never again will we return. We will take our business to MAKE MY CAKE, true professionals and have business acumen.
Dec 27, 2025 · D S
10/10 customer service! They texted me telling me when to return after the flavor I wanted wasn’t in stock 🙏🏾!!! They made a fresh cake, allowed me try what they had available, and were super patient! The Acapulco (citrus) cake is 🔥, the pineapple-coconut cake was actually my favorite despite it being a fruit cake, and the red velvet had amazing frosting! Definitely coming back!
Jan 06, 2026 · Alex Diaz
Hello I’m writing regarding my recent order. While the order was ultimately completed, the pickup was delayed and I had to wait an additional hour and half while the cupcakes were made. There was no acknowledgment or apology for the inconvenience, which was disappointing. The booking lady calls me and starts talking I had to interrupt her and ask who I was speaking to because she never gave her name or where she was calling from (Sis your name and number is not stored in my phone) I understand that delays and miscommunication can happen, but customer care is important, especially when customers plan around confirmed pickup dates and times. I traveled almost 1hr and 30min to patronize the business, this is not the first time this has happened, it’s all the time! Just to add the owner is not welcoming at all he (Mr cake man Raven) seems to always be yelling at the poor workers and spinning his cakes …The young lady that was there didn’t even look up and when I ask her if they can call me when the cupcakes are done she looked up with her nasty attitude and said ‘no we will not call you’ ….. this is so sad because you want to support your own but things like this make you support the other ppl….I’m sure he will continue to be this way….Cupcakes are good but the customer service is very very poor! I work very hard for my money and want to spend it on businesses that have some type of respect for the customer……Thank you for listening and I pray things get better!
Dec 23, 2025 · Michelle
First there was a mixup with date of order.Showed them conformation text and this place made it right. Did an amazing job on short notice and my granddaughter SPONGEBOB SWEET 16 PARTY CAKE WAS UNEXPECTED BUT A GREAT SURPRISE..THE JUMPING UP & DOWN WHEN SHE SEEN HER CAKE. THANK YOU CAKEMAN RAVEN FOR AN AWESOME LOOKING CAKE AND THE GUESTS TOOK FIRST BITE WITH WOW AND CLOSING EYES HUMM AHHH. LOL SORRY FOR LATE POSTi want to put a pic but I don't see how to do it
Jan 04, 2026 · carolyn clark