Pickups dates are generally made available 2-3 months ahead of time.

Online Bakeshop orders close at 7pm on Monday for Friday/Saturday pickup.
Pickup slots may fill early, so I recommend ordering as soon as you know what you need.

If a date isn’t showing, it means I’m fully booked for that week or the date is unavailable.
Please choose another Friday, or submit a Semi-Custom Inquiry if you need something more detailed on a different date.

Most Online Bakeshop pickups are scheduled for Friday and Saturday only.

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

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

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

Bakeshop cakes use preset designs and color palettes so they can be made efficiently.

If you’d like a custom color palette or detailed design, please submit a Semi-Custom Cake Inquiry Form .

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.

Bakeshop cakes are offered in select flavors and designs only.
For anything custom, please use the Semi-Custom Cake Inquiry Form

At this time, I don’t offer 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 cakes are pickup only.
If you need delivery or setup, please inquire through the Wedding or Semi-Custom forms.

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

Takes the Cake is located in Salem, VA.

You’ll receive the pickup address after checkout. Pickup reminder emails go out on Thursdays.

If you placed an order but didn’t receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder. If you still don't see it, send a message via the Contact Form to make sure it was 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 1–2 hours before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.

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.

Because every order is made fresh and reserved in my production schedule, cancellation policies vary slightly by item.

Two-Tier Cakes

• 7+ days before pickup: Eligible for a refund, store credit, or reschedule.
  Refunds include a 5% cancellation fee to cover processing costs.

• 6 days or fewer before pickup:
  Not eligible for refunds, store credit, or rescheduling.

One-Tier Cakes, Toppers & Other Desserts

• 7+ days before pickup: Eligible for a refund or reschedule.
  Refunds include a 5% cancellation fee.

• 4–6 days before pickup:
  Eligible for rescheduling only (no refunds).

• Within 72 hours of pickup:
  Not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.