Orders must be placed by Monday at 7 PM for pickup later that week.

Pickup dates and available items may sell out earlier, especially during busy seasons (May–June and September–October), so ordering early is always recommended!

If your desired pickup date isn't listed, it means I’m either at capacity for that week or unavailable.

As a one-woman bakery, availability is limited and often fills quickly — especially during peak wedding months (May–June and September–October).

Most Online Bakeshop pickups are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays.

For holidays (like Thanksgiving and Christmas) or special events (like graduations), I sometimes offer expanded pickup dates — you’ll see all available options listed in the drop down menu when you order.

In some cases, I may be able to accommodate a weekday afternoon pickup.

If you need a weekday, feel free to contact me to check availability.

Please note: Takes the Cake is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Some Online Bakeshop cakes offer limited customization, like choosing your own color palette.

If you'd like a fully custom design made exactly to your specifications, please fill out the Custom Cake Inquiry Form instead.

Please note:

• Pre-designed cakes are not customizable.

• You're welcome to add your own topper if you’d like!

• I do not offer character, logo, or copyrighted designs.

Yes!

If you love a design from the Online Bakeshop but want to tweak it, or if you're dreaming up a fully custom design, please fill out the Custom Cake Inquiry Form.

If your request fits my style and schedule, I’d love to create something special for you!

At this time, I don’t offer piped messages or custom writing directly on cakes.

If you’d like to personalize your cake, I recommend adding your own topper or cake charm!
Simple cake charms may also be available as an add-on option for select designs in the Online Bakeshop.

Online Bakeshop orders are generally pickup only.

In some cases, local delivery may be available by pre-approval. Delivery availability is limited and based on my schedule.

Not at this time.
All cakes and desserts are available for local pickup only.

Takes the Cake is a licensed home-based bakery located in Salem City, Virginia — about a mile from Sheetz on West Main Street.

The pickup address and a link to schedule your pickup time will be provided in your confirmation email after purchase.

If you placed an order but didn’t receive a confirmation, please check your spam folder. If you still don't see it, contact me to make sure your order was fully processed.

To keep your cake safe:

• Place it on a flat surface in your vehicle — the floorboard or the back of an SUV works best.

• Never place your cake on a seat, as it can tilt and slide.

• Keep the air conditioning running to maintain a cool environment.

• Drive carefully! Watch for sudden stops, sharp turns, bumps, and railroad tracks.

Pro Tip:
Drive like grandma’s in the backseat holding a pot of chili — slow and steady wins the race!

Your cake will be fully chilled and ready for pickup to help keep it sturdy and fresh.

When you get home, place the cake in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

• Remove the cake from the fridge about 1–3 hours before serving (depending on the size) to allow it to come to room temperature.

• Cakes are at their best in both taste and texture when enjoyed at room temp!

Special Note:
If your cake contains cheesecake, curd, or fresh fruit fillings, keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve — those fillings need to stay chilled.

Don’t worry — it’s easier than it looks!

When you pick up your cake, I’ll send you home with a step-by-step cutting guide and a serving chart.

For best results, store leftover cake slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
You can keep them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.

A quick tip for cupcakes:
Cupcakes naturally dry out faster than full cakes because the sponge is exposed to air. Refrigeration speeds up this process even more.
For best results, store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy them within a day or two.

I offer some gluten-free cake flavors and desserts for those with gluten sensitivities, but they are available by custom order only — not through the Online Bakeshop.

At this time, I’m not able to accommodate vegan or dairy-free requests.

Allergen Notice:
While I take care in handling ingredients, 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 allergies, I recommend working with a bakery that specializes in allergen-free baking to ensure everyone can safely enjoy a treat.

Because each order is made to order and reserved in my schedule, cancellation policies vary slightly depending on what you ordered:

Two-Tier Cakes:

• Refunds, store credit, or rescheduling are available if canceled 7 or more days before pickup.

• Refunds are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover processing costs.

• Orders canceled within 6 days of pickup are not eligible for refunds, reschedules, or store credit.

One-Tier Cakes, Toppers, and Other Desserts:

• Refunds or reschedules are available if canceled 7 or more days before pickup.

• Refunds are subject to a 5% cancellation fee.

• If canceled 4–6 days before pickup, rescheduling is available (no refunds).

• Orders canceled within 72 hours of pickup are not eligible for refunds or reschedules.