Let’s be honest here, I want to be able to eat my wedding cake and with my egg allergy, I was turned away by multiple bakers!
Ali, owner of Clake by ali, has been a friend of mine since I was really young so I knew immediately that I wanted her to make my wedding cake! She has a million ideas and I trust her creative opinion and baking intelligence so much. I knew the she would understand my vision so we decided to schedule a time to meet and discuss all of the cake fun!
Since I have an egg allergy, Ali made me an eggless chocolate and vanilla cake to try and I’ll just tell you they were AMAZING!! I also want to add that I talked to so many cake bakers who said they wouldn’t make me an eggless cake because they were unhappy with the end results. Ali being the genius that she is, had the perfect recipe in mind for me and was more than willing the help me out.
What do you want for your cake?
Since my wedding will be earthy and whimsical, we decided that the best cake would be a naked cake. When Ali arrived, she had a mini chocolate cake and vanilla cake ready to decorate. She added her delicious buttercream icing the the inside and surrounded it with a thin layer of icing. She then added some fresh flowers and eucalyptus to perfect it. It was the cutest mini cake I’ve ever seen!!
We did an interview with Ali, owner of Clakes by Ali to discuss some things that may be important to you when deciding on your baker and cake. This is a great guide to follow especially if you are on a budget!
First off! Follow her on Instagram to see some of her amazing works!!
Her handle is @cattyshack80
Interview with my amazing baker Ali Cleis.
How old were you when you decided to become a professional pastry chef?
17! I had a joke for my senior project that I was just going to bake a cake and I ended up baking multiple cakes. I brought in piping bags and taught the judges how to make designs. I also made mascot toppers for them to put on their cake.
Do you taste the cakes that you make?
Yes of course! I have to come up with new flavors so I taste a lot of cakes.
Do you do cake tastings?
I do cake tastings upon request and ask that you select 3 flavors from my list and 2-3 fillings to sample. I charge $10 a person for a tasting.
Here are some of my most popular cake flavors:
Chocolate
Vanilla
Banana
Red Velvet
Carrot Cake
How do you come up with flavors?
I like to do flavors that match the season or local flavors like apples. Those are my favorite!
What is your favorite kind of cake to make?
That’s an easy answer. Wedding cakes!
What is your favorite type of cake to make?
Depending on the occasion, I like very intricate and detailed cakes!
What are some things your baker needs to know?
- Come with flavors and combinations in mind.
2. Also come with designs in mind! Colors generally don’t matter. Most people want to use white to resemble a wedding, but you can choose any color you like.
3. Come with your guest list so I know what size you will you need.
4. Budget is very important!
5. If you have food allergies.
What are the price ranges of the wedding cakes?
I charge $3 a slice. If you want fondant it is an extra $1 a slice. For example, for 100 guests a fondant cake would cost $400 and a basic buttercream cake would cost $300.
Add-ons:
Basic designs included in price. (eg. Textured buttercream)
Intricate designs with scroll piper- extra depending on design.
Additional extras to consider: fruit, sugar florals etc.
Do you require a deposit?
50% deposit at the time at booking to hold your place and then paid in full one month before the wedding!
Do you send invoices/receipts out before or after the wedding day?
You will receive your invoice before and your receipt after the wedding.
What are some important things to consider when on a budget?
Buttercream over fondant
Simplicity! If you provide the topper, florals etc. I do not charge extra for those.
Fillings can add up depending on the kind.
How early in advance should I book my baker?
6 months or more in advance because its easier to plan when there are multiple events to bake for.
How many Wedding Cakes do you do in a weekend?
1-2 per weekend!
Who cuts the cake?
The bride and groom cut the first piece and do their tasting. Depending on the venue, the caterers cut the cake and bring it out for everyone.
What are some obstacles that bakers have with wedding cakes?
We need to consider heat at outside weddings because you don’t want the cake to be in heat. I also consider the distance of travel for the cake and if the destination has a fridge.
What’s the most unique cake you’ve ever made?
My favorite was the multi-tiered naked cake with different flavors and fruit. It was beautiful!
What is your dream wedding cake?
Red velvet with cream cheese icing and white cake with grand Marriner mousse.
Do you have any crazy horror stories?
Theres nothing crazy that Ive done thats been that scary but we prepare for the worst.
What stresses you out most as a baker?
When other people handle my cakes without me!
Whats the largest cake you’ve ever made?
5 tiers 4 spacers. That is a pretty large cake.
Now let’s talk about what you offer after the wedding!
What is are some other unique things you do?
I make clay replica wedding cake ornaments. I take a picture of your wedding cake and remake it for your Christmas tree!
How long do these ornaments take you to make?
They generally take me about 2 weeks to make and ship depending on the size and intricacy.
How much do they ornaments range in price?
They range from $80-120 depending on the cake!
Where can I buy these ornaments?
My Etsy store! My Etsy store is called clakebyali.etsy.com
Interested in a Cake or Clake?
Contact Ali through her Etsy shop or her Instagram profile!
Why is choosing your wedding cake baker just as important as choosing the groom?
Well I guess its not as dramatic as I made it sound but it is really important to have someone who you trust to make your cake. Personally, I have gone to weddings where the cake tiers were separating from the cake. By choosing a good baker, they understand the in’s and out’s of a wedding and what they need to do.
Josh and I are so thankful to have Ali making our wedding cake and we strongly recommend her t0 anyone who wants the perfect cake for any event.
Don’t forget to check her out!!
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