The earlier, the better! Wedding dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and peak season weekends (May–June and September–October) fill up quickly.

For custom cakes, I recommend reaching out as soon as your event details are finalized and you're ready to move forward. (Planning ahead is key — especially during busy seasons when response times may be a little longer.)

If you need something last-minute, the Online Bakeshop offers a selection of ready-to-go cakes and treats — but availability is limited and updated in real-time as I reach capacity.

I offer gluten-free cakes and desserts for those with gluten sensitivities.
At this time, I do not offer vegan or dairy-free desserts.

Allergen Notice:
While I take great care with each order, my kitchen is not a dedicated allergen-free facility. Equipment may come into contact with gluten, nuts, dairy, and other common allergens.

If you or your guests have severe food allergies, I strongly recommend working with a bakery that specializes in allergen-free baking to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and worry-free treat.

Once we’ve finalized your design and order details, you can secure your booking with either a full payment (for custom cakes and smaller orders) or a 50% deposit (for weddings and large events).

I’m not able to accept general deposits or "hold" a date without a finalized order. Your order size and design must be confirmed before booking.

Please note: Dates are not reserved until both your order and payment are received.

Cakes start at $7.75 per serving, which includes the cake, buttercream, and a simple finish — like a smooth, textured, or semi-naked buttercream design.

More complex designs — such as hand-painted textures, palette knife florals, pearl coatings, or custom toppers — may include a design fee based on the level of detail and time required. Extra tiers, premium flavors, and specialty fillings will also increase the final price.

I'm always happy to talk through options that fit both your vision and your event needs!

Absolutely! I'd love to hear your ideas.

Flavors:
If it's a flavor I already have a trusted recipe for, you're in luck! If it's something brand new, I have plenty of delicious options already on my menu to choose from — and I'm always happy to guide you toward a great fit.

Designs:
I'm happy to customize within my style and skill set. If a design idea falls outside of what I specialize in, I’ll be upfront about it — and we can either adjust the design together or, if needed, I can recommend another talented baker who might be a better fit.

I specialize in modern, elegant buttercream cakes with artistic textures and florals. I'm happy to customize within that style! If your design vision is outside of my specialty, I’ll be honest and either suggest tweaks or recommend another baker who can better bring it to life.

Yes, I offer both!

Tastings:

• Tasting Flights: Available to everyone through the Online Bakeshop for $50. This is a great option if you’d like to sample a variety of flavors before placing an order.

• Mini Cake Tastings: Reserved for clients with confirmed inquiries. Mini cakes are $15 each and available through a private link after we've connected.

Consultations:
I offer phone consultations for weddings, dessert bars, and custom cakes. In-person consultations are available for larger events based on my schedule and availability.

Yes! I offer delivery based on time, distance, and availability.

Local deliveries within 20 minutes of Salem City are $50.
For longer distances, delivery fees vary based on location.

During peak wedding season (May–June and Sept–Oct), a $500 minimum is required for delivery.
For cakes with three or more tiers, delivery is required to ensure safe transport.

Takes the Cake is a licensed home-based bakery, so pickups are by appointment only.

Once your order is paid, you’ll receive the address and a link to my online scheduler to select your pickup time.

Prefer a contactless pickup? Just let me know — I’m happy to arrange a porch pickup for smaller items using my trusty cooler!

Your cake will be fully chilled and ready for pickup. This helps keep the buttercream looking its best and ensures a safe trip home.

Once you arrive, place the cake in the refrigerator until about 2 hours before you're ready to serve.

Cakes are happiest (and tastiest!) at room temperature.

Just a heads-up: cheesecakes and cakes with curd or fruit fillings should be kept refrigerated when not being served.

For more tips on transporting and caring for your cake, check out the Cake Transport Tips