The Prolific Oven

Worst service I have ever received in my life was at this place. I would never go back here unless I received a proper apology from the management. They are bigots in my opinion. Mind you this was five years ago, but I have never

Some of their cakes are pretty good, but when they sit around all day in the case cut open, they get dry. Display vs. Quality!

Anyhow, only a 2 star rating because they used the top of a wet towel that was sitting on the counter to wipe the knife before cutting my slice. What disgusting tasks was that towel used for? Even the top of a towel gets nasty because that's the side everyone touches!

I have ordered coffee at the Prolific Oven and I was impressed with the variety and freshness of the coffees sitting in thermal pots. The baked goods are noteworthy as well.

I had been a big fan of The Prolific Oven for the many years we lived in Palo Alto, and our office was just two doors down from their bakery. I always ordered my favorites Orange-Almond and Chocolate Mocha for office get-togethers and big parties. Hands down far more delicious than any of their competitors in Palo Alto or elsewhere. I used to freeze the leftovers, then savor a small piece every night for days afterwards (small piece of heaven!)

I have really missed the place since we moved to Oregon in 2002. Recently, I gave a small wedding reception for my daughter in North Lake Tahoe. The only dessert (cakes) that would do for such an event were -- you guessed it -- Prolific Oven's Orange-Almond and Chocolate Mocha. This time they were extra wonderful -- the employees Robert and Adrian, helping to get the cakes made right on time and shipped Fedex to my location overnight. The cakes arrived in perfect condition, were as delicious as I remembered, and I really appreciated their willingness to do the extra work to ship them to me. Prolific Oven sets an example that other bakeries may only dream about equalling. Bravo!!

I came to this bakery expecting some delicious cakes and came away less then impressed! My first cake slice was stale (orange and almond) could'nt taste even a hint of orange! the cake was overpowered by the cream cheese frosting,(I returned it) I then choose a slice of the chocolate cake which was much better but still not fabulous and not worth a trip to the bakery for, I left a little disappointed as I had heard good things about this place.

PROS: good chocolate cake
CONS:

French, fruit, chocolate mousse, German, just delicious!! We ordered the princess cake as well as a couple of European cakes. They are very well made, just right amount of sugar and softness. Truly delicious.

PROS: Delicious & Unique !! Large variety
CONS: Pricey

Their chocolate cakes are to die for but a little peice goes a long way. This is a great place to get desserts for fancy dinner parties (so you don't eat too much). I always get a smaller size than they recommend because they are SO rich.

This is close to a 5-star rating. Prolific Oven has great cakes and croissants. Many of the other baked items are also very good, but those categories really stand out. Their sandwiches at lunch are also good.

Is there a better place for adult birthday cakes? We don't think so (the Chocolate Mocha is extraordinary). In fact, our kids demand their cakes from Prolific Oven, too. And then we all fight over the leftovers!

This is generally a very good bakery, too. Yeah, they have other cake flavors, pastries, cookies, etc. It is a wonderful place to stop for a snack, an espresso drink, a quiet moment.

Cash only, and it is certainly best to pre-order that birthday cake. Parking can be a challenge in downtown PA.

The Prolific Oven makes the best chocolate cake on the planet. They also have some variations like orange-chocolate & almond. Whatever you choose you will not be disappointed.

My huband first found about this bakery when he received a free coupon while waiting for me to finish up at the Waverly Surgical Center. It is conveniently located in Palo Alto and has marvelous baked goods as do so many of the bakeries do here in the valley.

The Prolific Oven has been baking and serving exceptional cakes for many years. Everything they make is delicious, with fresh and pure ingredients. They are the number one pick for cakes for my corporate clients (birthday celebrations) as well as for my friends and family. They will never go out of style.

The cakes at Prolific Oven are always a sure thing - they are the best you'll find anywhere. The quality is top rate and you will never be disappointed. The Prolific Oven not only offers a variety of cakes to please just about anyone, but they also have delicious pastries, coffee, and sandwiches, in a relaxing downtown Palo Alto atmosphere.
Leah F.

PROS: Easy to park nearby
CONS:

I first ventured into the Prolific Oven for a cup of coffee and because it is across the street from where I work. I discovered a well known and loved jewel. After a few visits for personal satisfaction I found myself ordering birthday cakes. These cakes are so delicious. They make a wonderful surprise for any event.
The service is fair as they are very busy, especially during the lunch hour. Please try the Prolific Oven. You won't be disapointed.

We have been buying cakes and other baked delectables from the Prolific Oven for nearly 25 years. We have never been disappointed in any of the baked goods: the cakes are always moist, the frostings are rich and creamy. The baked goods from the Pro O are among the world's best.

I have been in a group meeting at the Prolific Oven weekly for about 9 mos. now. They are very receptive to having groups there. I have had many of the baked goods there but even though they are rated "best bakery" by some local paper, I found their baked goods to be rather tasteless. The coffee drinks are good, however, and the hours are great so it is a nice place to go after dinner or for meetings.

PROS: good hours and location
CONS: no food other than baked goods

This place does awesome cakes. Whenever need a birthday cake at my work or if we eat lunch in the area, someone mentions that we should go to Prolific Oven. The only down side is the the cakes are very rich.

PROS: very rich cakes
CONS: cakes are so rich they are nearly fudge

I've never been here in person, but I've had many cakes from here that others have bought. The cakes have all been great. They are usually very large and very rich, so I recommend eating them with ice cream.

This is the place to go for very rich cakes. Prolific Oven is located in the downtown area of Palo Alto. It's easy to find and there is parking nearby. They offer various pasteries and coffee drinks, but I always come here for the cakes. My favorite is the liqueur one. Wow! They also have a marvelous carrot cake. A family favorite!