![Sweet Bones, Braddon](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tiered-cake-810x456.jpg)
The tiered lemon raspberry cake at Sweet Bones in Braddon, one of Canberra’s most recommended birthday cake makers. Photo: Sweet Bones.
Special occasions deserve special sweets. Want a stunning designed cake or other treat that will dazzle guests? If so, you’ll understand the importance of ordering a unique creation from a custom cake business.
A custom cake business is dedicated to designing and baking perfect creations. They guarantee that each is memorable. Cake artists and chefs make delicious cakes, cupcakes and other sweets. They do so in an exciting range of flavours and in sensational designs. Many are so beautiful you won’t want to eat them—or will you?
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a custom cake designer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great custom birthday cake designer?
Choosing the right custom cake business will ensure a creation that tastes amazing, looks amazing and is perfect for the occasion at hand.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a custom cake business.
- Style and eye for detail. Designing and baking an irresistible custom treat takes creativity. It also takes style and an eye for detail. You’ll want to explore online for images of previous creations.
- Flavours. You’ll want a custom cake designer who offers a delectable range of flavours. That’s whether you want classic vanilla or indulgent chocolate, or exotic native flavours.
- Dietary requirements. If dietary requirements, including food allergies, are important, be sure to talk to the custom cake business about this. While some cater for dietary requirements, not all do.
- Reliability. You’ll want a custom cake business that’s reliable. That’s one that will get your sweet to you on time, especially for a special occasion.
- Delivery and lead time. Check the lead time required to place an order so you will meet your deadline. Some cake businesses require longer lead times than others. Also check for delivery options if that’s important.
The best custom cake businesses in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Sweet Bones
Whoever said vegans couldn’t have a delicious birthday cake are wrong – and Sweet Bones is out to prove it. If dietary restrictions are a concern at your upcoming celebration, Sweet Bones is a fantastic choice. They offer incredible, inventive dairy-free custom cakes that will be gobbled up by vegans and non-vegans alike. What’s more, most of their cakes can be made gluten-free too.
Cathy Dearnley wrote a glowing review on Google saying, "Bought a large vegan cake for a birthday. Everyone enjoyed it, even those who weren't aware that it was vegan."
Sugar Plum Fairy Cakes
Sugar Plum Fairy Cakes makes exquisite-looking cakes, cupcakes and cookies, including custom designs. Flavours include dreamy chocolate, Earl Grey, salted caramel and Chai. Sugar Plum Fairy Cakes encourages clients to send thoughts on design inspiration. Fresh and/or sugar flowers are used. Sugar Plum Fairy Cakes creates cakes in a range of sizes. Cake toppers and delivery available.
On Facebook, Leigh Childs wrote, “Is this a cake? It’s a work of art. Wonderful.”
Ciao Café and Cakes
Whatever flavour of birthday cake you are looking for, the locally-owned Ciao Café and Cakes can deliver. Offering an extensive range of speciality cakes, this fantastic little bakery is yet another excellent choice. You can even pick up a delicious coffee while you are there!
Becky Donnelly wrote on Facebook, "Ciao Cafe and Cakes made a custom Mario Cart cake for my 90s themed 30th birthday. It was a hit. So yummy and so many compliments on the cake at the party. Highly recommend."
The Cake Lady Canberra
The Cake Lady Canberra uses quality ingredients and bakes fresh to order. Designer cakes are made in a wide range of flavours, including marble mud, lime and coconut, red velvet and citrus twist. The Cake Lady Canberra creates for all occasions, including weddings, christenings and birthdays. Allergies may be accommodated for on request.
Jussie Minchin wrote on Google, “Linda’s cakes are always fresh and delicious, and her decorating talents are out of this world.”
La Ombre Creations
La Ombre Luxe Cakes are handcrafted with love and care. Designer cakes and desserts can be ordered for any occasion or celebration, in flavours for all tastes. Exquisite designs are guaranteed to impress. La Ombre Creations makes cakes, cupcakes and cookies and will customise colours. Sugar or fresh flowers adorn cakes. Delivery is available and pick-up can be arranged.
On Facebook, Sunzia Saleheen Zilani wrote, “Each and every one of your creations blows my mind away.”
If you’re looking for more information on sweet treats for special occasions, you might like our articles on the best wedding cake bakeries, the best cake shops, and best bakeries Canberra has to offer.
If you’re after more help for your birthday party, our articles on the best kids birthday party venues and best party supplies in Canberra may be useful.
Your experience with custom cake businesses in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I have to order a custom cake?
As a general rule, it’s best to order as far in advance as possible. This is because custom cakes take time to design and create. It’s best to check a custom cake business’s website for details or call them. Some can accommodate last-minute orders. Others, however, require at least two weeks’ notice. Some require a month or more.
How much does it cost to have a custom cake created?
Pricing varies depending on many factors like design elements, size and flavour. The safest way to determine cost is to email or call custom cake businesses to discuss what type of cake you want.
How do I get a quote on my order?
Every custom cake business is different, but some have an order form on their website to guide you on the type of information needed for accurate quoting. You might be asked, for example, about flavour. You might also be asked if you want flowers and, if so, sugar or fresh. In addition, you can be asked if you’d like to keep the top tier of the cake. If you can’t find a form online, call or email and what information you need to provide to get a detailed quote.
Do all custom cake businesses deliver?
Most custom cake businesses do deliver, but to be safe it’s best to check options online or call. Additional charges likely apply. Some businesses also allow you to pick up.
What if I don’t know what style of custom cake I want?
You can get inspired by heading to the websites of custom cake businesses. The best ones showcase gorgeous images of their work. They also do so on social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram.