There's a reason why there are so many cake decorating shows on television these days. For some reason, watching a cake getting decorated in fast forward is wildly entertaining. 

It's mind blowing to think that a mere piece of yellow cake, with the help of buttercream icing, can be manipulated into a perfect overalled Minion holding a banana. 

Cake decorators must be chefs and artists at the same time all while knowing that their final piece of art will be cut into and devoured in less than a few minutes.

There is pretty much no limit to the creativity of cake decorators who sometimes seem to defy gravity. 

When you take into consideration that your last cake looked like a crumbling pile of mush topped with sticky, Betty Crocker icing, it puts the skills of these mastermind bakers into a painfully delicious perspective. 

We've put together some of the most flavorful, beautiful cake bakeries in the city (in no particular order).  

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1. Baked (various locations)

We've been obsessed with Baked's Instagram page since we discovered it a couple months ago. Their cakes are beautiful. They're professional with a hint of quirk, and we're down with that. 

Not only are these cakes pretty to look at, they're delicious and embrace seasonal flavors. We're really loving the "Bananas!" cake and the "Lil' Devil." 

Also, if you brought their "Stump de Noel" cake to Christmas dinner, you're guaranteed to be the cuisine MVP of the night. 

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2. Ladybird Bakery (1112 8th Avenue - Brooklyn)

For people who are absolutely in love with Blackout cakes, you need to try Ladybird Bakery's "Brooklyn Blackout." You will be astounded at the decadence of this rich, moist, chocolatey cake filled with a chocolate pudding-like center. It's truly a treat. 

When you add in the fact that their cakes are beautiful, especially when decorated with a plethora of colorful flowers, you'll be quite upset to have to cut into it. It's okay. It's too tempting not to. 

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3. Two Little Red Hens (1652 2nd Avenue)

This spot is one of our favorite bakeries in the city. They never disappoint. While most people go nuts for their "Red Velvet" cake (and rightly so), we're loving their seasonal flavors like their "Pumpkin Harvest" cake. 

It's made with pumpkin spice cake, an apricot pumpkin cream cheese frosting, and buttercream leaf decorations. It's only available in the fall, so get yours soon. 

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4. Conti's Pastry Shoppe (786 Morris Park Avenue - the Bronx)

Sometimes it's incredibly difficult to believe that the works of art that come out of Conti's Pastry Shoppe are actually edible. Their custom cakes are creative and unique, as well as deliciously yummy. 

If you're not looking for a celebration cake, you can stop in for a layered cake. We're seriously digging their "Oreo Mousse" cake. 

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5. Empire Cakes (112 8th Avenue)

Looking for a delicious cake in a pinch? Empire Cakes  keeps a variety of eight-inch cakes in their display cases that you can buy when you stop in (while checking out some of their other incredible goodies). They'll even add an inscription to your cake for free.

We love, love, love their "Mott Street Cannoli" cake. It's one of their deluxe cakes made with vanilla layered cake that has been frosted with a cannoli cream filling and sprinkled with chocolate chips. Cannoli + cake = bliss. 

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6. Nine Cakes (155 Columbia Street - Brooklyn)

These cakes are artwort, plain and simple. They're some of the most meticulously detailed edible cakes that we've ever seen. If you're looking for a wedding cake that'll be as tasty as it is beautiful, look no further than Nine Cakes.

Not getting married any time soon? No sweat, you can still have a Nine Cakes cake. They do signature or custom cakes to order. 

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7. Silk Cakes (various locations)

Just like Nine Cakes, these cakes are incredible, edible works of art. Their celebration cakes are clean, and stunningly beautiful. You will not be disappointed if you choose Silk Cakes for a major celebration. 

But if you're just looking for a quick slice of cake, stop on by to Silk Cakes for their "pandan chiffon cake with coconut whip cream." Never heard of pandan? That's okay. It's a plant that is typically used in Asian cooking. It tastes quite a bit similar to vanilla.

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8. Heavenly Crumbs (355 Franklin Avenue - Brooklyn)

This little cake boutique does some pretty fun cakes. They definitely don't shy away from colors, flavors, or unusual requests (want a cake of a designer bag? NBD, Heavenly Crumbs has your back). 

They'll even do a cheetah print or zebra stripe on your cake. What more could you ask for?

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9. Buttah (377 Onderdonk Avenue - Queens)

This cute little spot in Queens is relatively new, but well worth it's spot on our list. Buttah's baked goods are incredibly tasty. 

If you're in the Ridgewood area, you have to stop by for one of their cupcakes or scones. But if you're looking for a cake, this is the place for you. 

Buttah's cakes are as cute as the storefront, though, they are currently surrounded by construction. If you're looking for an old fashioned option that's sure to please those of all generations, check out their "Carrot Cake." You won't be disappointed. 

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10. Cake Alchemy (336 East 39th Street)

If you want the most beautiful cakes in the city, you need to get a celebration cake from Cake Alchemy. Their decorated cakes are more stunning than any cake we've ever seen.

Plus, if you're looking to learn some cake decorating skills yourself, Cake Alchemy offers classes that will teach you and your group the confectionary techniques of cake decorating. Their classes will vary depending on the skill and age of your guests, so they're even a great option for kids birthdays! 

Check out 10 Most Delectably Sweet Macarons in NYC. 

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]