One Pound is Toronto’s newest cake cafe, specializing in pleasantly sweet confections inspired by Korean baking culture.
Think cakes with soft, cloud-like textures and thoughtful flavour pairings like matcha and chocolate.
The name is a nod to the measurement most often used in baking and the belief that the simplest ingredients can yield something special.
Originally an at-home pandemic project launched during the early days of lockdown, One Pound has built a loyal following over the years. From Instagram orders to a small cake studio in Toronto’s Midtown and now a full-scale cafe, owner and head baker Jun Bae has always operated with one goal in mind: creating cakes that spark connection.
With more than a decade of industry experience and formal pastry training from George Brown, Bae says the transition felt natural as demand for dine-in grew following the closure of her first studio.
“I travelled to Korea to visit my family after we closed, and during that time, I felt a strong desire to return with a new vision, to create a cafe where I could serve joy daily, not just for special occasions,” Bae tells blogTO.
Bae’s baking style is soft, minimalist, and rooted in experimentation.
“We focus on soft, creamy textures with contrasts, like a little crumble, and flavours that feel light and comforting,” says Bae.
Leaning into these texture-driven recipes, much of the menu centres on custardy cheesecakes. And don’t expect the Cheesecake Factory slices you might be used to; these are far lighter, far fluffier, and deserve to be in a league of their own.
The Basque Cheesecake ($9.00) is a signature offering. Silky smooth and gently tangy with notes of vanilla, it manages to feel indulgent without being too heavy. It has a caramelized exterior and is finished with a toasted house-made crumble on top.
More seasonal is the Chestnut Cheesecake ($10.00). Warm and deeply nutty, it’s one of Bae’s personal favourites in the winter months. The crustless slice is finished with slivered almonds, cream cheese, and more of that buttery crumble.
The Matcha Brownie ($10.00) marries the earthy bitterness of matcha with rich, fudgy chocolate. A consistent best seller, it tends to disappear early in the day.
Beyond cakes, there’s also a selection of cookies.
The Chocolate Walnut ($4.25) folds in chopped walnuts and chunks of dark chocolate for a cookie that leans nutty and not overly sweet. Thick and chewy, it’s made for dunking into a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Things get a little more playful with the Tiramisu ($4.50). Inspired by a tiramisu sponge cake Bae previously created, this cookie features a cream cheese and espresso filling and is finished with an extra dusting of espresso powder for good measure.
The drink menu covers the usual contenders of Americanos and flat whites, along with options like an Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.95).
The space echoes Bae’s cake design, with a warm, airy interior defined by limestone-washed walls and accents of butter yellow.
“I love vintage aesthetics, so I was very hands-on with every detail from furniture and lighting to finishes and textures. We did all the walls, painted parts of the space to create a softer, more lived-in feeling.”
With cake and coffee in hand, it’s the kind of spot made for slowing down — whether you’re flying solo or in good company.
The best part, though, is that a portion of every purchase supports a meaningful cause.
“From the beginning, I wanted One Pound to support people who need help the most,” says Bae. “One [organization] is Love Toronto, which focuses on supporting the Korean immigrant community by providing free food and assistance.”
One Pound is located at 889 Dundas Street West.