Walt Disney World is a dessert lover's paradise, and few places embody this more than Gideon's Bakehouse and The Cake Bake Shop. Gideon's, a fan favorite at Disney Springs, has consistently set the standard for over-the-top desserts, drawing guests eager to experience its legendary near-half-pound cookies and decadent cakes. Demand is so high that a virtual queue is often needed, with guests lining up an hour before opening to snag a taste.
On Disney's BoardWalk, The Cake Bake Shop has finally opened after years of anticipation, offering delicately crafted desserts and a promise of sophistication—but at a steep price that has caught the attention of many. With cake slices reaching as high as $25, the question is: does The Cake Bake Shop deliver a truly premium experience worthy of the price tag, or does Gideon's Bakehouse continue to reign supreme?
In this comparison, we'll dive into the specifics of each bakery's signature items: chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake slices. We'll cover everything from portion size and flavor profile to value and overall experience, helping you decide which bakery deserves a place on your Disney must-try list.
Gideon's Bakehouse
Background: Originally founded by Steve Lewis in Orlando, Florida, Gideon's Bakehouse began as a small operation with a passionate following, quickly gaining a reputation for indulgent, over-the-top treats. The wildly popular Disney Springs location now draws dessert lovers from all over the world who line up for the bakery's signature creations.
Ambiance and Vibe: Gideon's Bakehouse draws guests into an atmosphere unlike any other, with a highly themed, Haunted Mansion-like interior. Dimly lit with gothic details, Gideon's creates a mysterious and immersive experience that enhances the decadence of its treats. Adding to the ambiance is Gideon's unique backstory, which weaves together elements of magic and lore. Each guest is individually escorted through the main doors, providing a personalized experience that heightens the anticipation and enhances the special, almost theatrical nature of the visit. This theming and storytelling offer a level of intrigue that sets Gideon's apart from other dessert spots.
Specialties: Known for its signature half-pound cookies packed with chocolate chips or other toppings, Gideon's also offers towering cake slices with intense flavors. A rotating menu of monthly specials keeps fans returning for limited-edition creations.
The Cake Bake Shop
Background: Founded by Gwendolyn Rogers, The Cake Bake Shop originally opened in Indiana before expanding to Disney's BoardWalk. Rogers' focus on refined flavors and elegant presentation offers a distinctly upscale, Parisian-style dessert experience, setting it apart from Gideon's indulgent, gothic appeal.
Ambiance and Vibe: The Cake Bake Shop embraces a whimsical, elegant look, transporting guests to an enchanting, storybook setting. With chandeliers, white marble, and floral accents, the shop is charmingly designed to evoke the feel of a fairy-tale patisserie. The sophisticated décor is ideal for those looking to indulge in an upscale, photo-ready environment that balances beauty with a delicate, refined atmosphere. While undeniably pretty, The Cake Bake Shop's ambiance leans more into visual appeal, lacking the narrative depth of Gideon's but providing an elegant backdrop for its desserts.
Specialties: Known for beautifully crafted cakes, pastries, and treats, The Cake Bake Shop delivers a refined balance of flavor and elegance. Its cakes are lighter than Gideon's, with a greater focus on aesthetics and delicate flavor profiles.
The Walt Disney World Cookie Showdown
Gideon's Bakehouse Cookie
- Price: $6
- Weight: 201g (7.1 oz)
- Chocolate Chip Count: 100+ chips on the exterior, 25+ inside
Gideon's Description: "The Gideon's Original Chocolate Chip is the foundation of who we are, the first child. This recipe took 15 years to perfect and is filled with history. It is packed inside and out with a variety of Chocolates, infused with differing vanillas, and has a texture that might almost trick you into thinking you're eating Cookie Dough. This Cookie has been named everything from Best in Orlando to Best on Planet Earth, and we couldn't be prouder to hand make it from scratch for you daily."
Our Take: Gideon's Original Chocolate Chip Cookie offers an indulgent experience in every bite. Known for its chunky texture, this cookie is practically a meal, densely packed with chocolate chips and infused with a rich, cookie-dough-like flavor. It's easy to see why Gideon's cookies have gained a reputation as some of the best in the country.
The Cake Bake Shop - Chocolate Chip Cookie with Fleur De Sel
- Price: $6.99
- Weight: 62g (2.25 oz)
- Chocolate Chip Count: 5 chips total
Cake Bake Shop Description: "Voted Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in all 50 States. Both Callebaut Belgian semi-sweet and bitter-sweet chocolates are baked in our buttery cookie dough. Topped with Fleur de Sel from Île de Ré in the South of France."
Our Take: The Cake Bake Shop's Chocolate Chip Cookie offers a different approach with a smaller, delicate, buttery texture. It has a slight crunch on the first bite with a softer, more refined inside. The addition of Fleur de Sel balances out the sweetness, offering a more subtle experience for those who appreciate a classic, less intense chocolate chip cookie. Unfortunately, The Cake Bake Shop's cookie doesn't measure up in comparison. The limited chip count and subtle flavor make it hard to recommend, especially when Gideon's offers so much more wow for a lower price.
Side-by-Side Cookie Comparison
Flavor Profile: The richness and cookie-dough-like texture of Gideon's contrasts sharply with the more delicate, buttery quality of The Cake Bake Shop's cookie. Where Gideon's packs a heavy chocolate punch, The Cake Bake Shop cookie seems rather basic and uninspired.
Pros and Cons: For lovers of intense, gooey chocolate, Gideon's is unmatched. The Cake Bake Shop, however, delivers a more traditional and restrained flavor, catering to fans of classic cookies. Gideon's dominates with its gooey, chocolate-heavy cookie.
The Cake Bake Shop's cookie feels overpriced, with its smaller size and minimal chocolate presence. In stark contrast, Gideon's cookie—packed with over three times the weight and far more chocolate—costs $1 less, delivering far greater value for a richer, more satisfying treat.
The Chocolate Cake Comparison
Gideon's Bakehouse - Everything Chocolate Cake
- Price: $9
- Weight: 471g (1 lb)
Gideon's Description: "Chocolate cake with deep chocolate frosting layered with pieces of our Triple Chocolate Cookie then covered in our, you guessed it, rich chocolate ganache."
Our Take: The Everything Chocolate Cake lives up to its name as a towering, nearly-imposing dessert experience. Each forkful is dense, fudgey, and packed with layers of chocolate flavor, making it a standout for any chocolate lover. While a single slice can certainly satisfy more than one person, the cake is moist and rich enough to tempt anyone to keep going. It even features a piece of Gideon's Triple Chocolate Chip cookie on the top! This cake is memorable, making it a nearly perfect Walt Disney World dessert.
The Cake Bake Shop - Gwendolyn's Famous Earl's Court Chocolate Cake
- Price: $24.99
- Weight: 381g (13.5 oz)
Cake Bake Shop Description: "Named after the Earl's Court Convention Center in London where Gwendolyn received awards for 'Best Chocolate Cake' at the London Cake & Bake Show in 2012. Three layers of Valrhona French chocolate cake filled with Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and malted chocolate cream. Topped with Callebaut Belgian chocolate fudge and Fleur de Sel from Île de Ré in the South of France."
Our Take: This cake offers a lighter texture with a refined, airy flavor profile, but the $25 price tag makes it difficult to justify. The presentation is excellent; it is picture-perfect and cleaner and tidier than Gideon's. Despite its three layers, it avoids the density of Gideon's, making it an easier, perhaps more refined dessert to enjoy in one sitting or following a meal.
Side-by-Side Cake Slice Comparison
Flavor Profile: Gideon's cake is intense, fudgey, and rich. While balanced, the Cake Bake Shop cake simply doesn't provide the same flavor impact, especially at such a high price.
Pros and Cons: Gideon's offers decadence in every bite, while The Cake Bake Shop presents a refined, classic experience. The choice depends on whether you prefer dense richness or a lighter, layered texture.
Pricing and Value
Gideon's cookie ($6) and The Cake Bake Shop's ($6.99) are close in price, but the portion size and quality diverge significantly. The Gideon's cookie is more than three times the weight, costs less, tastes better, and delivers a more satisfying experience.
The Gideon's cake slice ($9) is a monster of a cake that impresses by every measure, while The Cake Bake Shop's $24.99 slice doesn't deliver on flavor or size to justify its premium price.
The Cake Bake Shop's desserts, while pretty to look at, feel almost outrageously overpriced. Can any cake slice really be worth $25? We don't think so.
To highlight the price difference, you can head to Gideon’s original East End Market location in Orlando and pick up a whole Chocolate Everything Cake, serving 20 people, for just $68!
The Final Verdict: Which Bakery Wins?
Gideon's Bakehouse brings bold, decadent flavors and an intense dessert experience with hefty portions. The Cake Bake Shop offers a refined, sophisticated experience that's lighter yet indulgent.
Dessert lovers who favor richness will prefer Gideon's, while those looking for an upscale, balanced treat will find The Cake Bake Shop appealing but may very well be scared off by the price point.
Ultimately, in our opinion Gideon's Bakehouse remains the undisputed leader among Walt Disney World's bakeries, offering exceptional value, flavor, and ambiance that's hard to beat.
We want to hear from you! Which bakery gets your vote, and what makes it your favorite?
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