I have always been an avid supporter of the television show “Cake Boss” (pronounced Cake Baws) on TLC. My friends and family have called me crazy, but there is nothing I enjoy more than spending an afternoon watching the most amazing and inspirational cakes been whipped up out of thin air – even if it does mean I have to surrender to the most irritatingly long and repetitive adverts on TLC. I’m not embarrassed to say that when Buddy Velastro came to the CTICC in May, I tried desperately to see him, but alas – it just didn’t work out. So now, I’m happy to settle for South Africa’s version of “Cake Boss” – the much less Americanised version. So if you’re just as much a fan as I am of delicious, crazy cake creations then have a look at the following specialty cake shops and bakeries available in South Africa:
Charly’s Bakery, Cape Town
Within the heart of the Cape Town city centre, you will find Charly’s Bakery – the crème-de-la-crème of Capetonian bakeries. This family-owned business is primarily a bakery that focuses on wedding cakes, but if you have something else in mind, rest assured they will happily cater to your every need. Within the colourful interior of Charly’s Bakery, you can order “Mucking Afazing” birthday cakes, baby shower cakes, children’s novelty cakes, bachelorette cakes, photo cakes, or even delicious quiches for your corporate event. Choose between favourites such as the Double Chocolate Cheesecake, Hummingbird Cake, or the delectable Bailey’s Ultimate Gold Chocolate Cake. The hardest decision will be picking which one to go for. The secret to their delicious recipe may lie in their preparation routine – there is constantly music playing in the kitchen while the bakers bake and the staff are able to eat whatever they want while they are at work. What more motivation could one possibly need? They have a show called “Charly’s Cake Angels” on the Food Network channel on DSTV for those who wish to catch them in action.If you can’t resist, the bakery is situated on 38 Canterbury Street in Cape Town. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30am to 2pm.
Cakes for Africa, Pretoria
The divine concept of Cakes for Africa was initially formed in 1997 by a nurse who started baking muffins for her friends to earn some extra money. This small side business has since bloomed into one of the finest bakeries in Pretoria. Cakes for Africa owes its success greatly to word of mouth – people who loved the goods they tasted within the bakery’s walls so much that they couldn’t help but to share. Now, the bakery caters for just about any occasion. Whether you need a birthday cake, baby shower or christening cake, kitchen tea cake, wedding cake, or specialty cake, Cakes for Africa will whip it up for you. They also provide mouth-watering cupcakes and foods for private and corporate events. The reason their cakes are so their delicious and instil a “come back for more” attitude in every customer, must be the finest ingredients that go into making the cakes. Their products are so popular that they cater for a variety of coffee shops in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Make sure you place your order at the bakery which is situated at the corner of Havelock Avenue and Vivian Road in Willow Park. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, from 7am to 4pm, Friday from 7am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 7am to 12:30pm.
Picture Perfect Cakes, Johannesburg
Picture Perfect Cakes was founded in May 2010 by Genevieve Duffield, a woman who had a dream and passion for cooking and baking all her life. She appointed an assistant called Blessing who bakes all the cakes, and prepares the icing, really and truly living up to her name. This spectacular bakery caters cakes and cupcakes for any occasion – whether you’re after birthday cakes, wedding cakes, or edible print cakes, Picture Perfect Cakes can do it for you. You can choose from a range of cake types such as chocolate sponge, vanilla sponge, carrot cake, red velvet, lemon sponge chocolate mud cake, or marble sponge cake. No cake is complete without the most delicious and rich filling and frosting, and here you can choose between buttercream, lemon, coffee cream, chocolate fudge, peppermint cream, strawberry cream, cream cheese, marshmallow frosting, bubble-gum frosting, chocolate ganache, or fruit fillings in season. The bakery is unique because it doubles as a party venue where children can come to bake and decorate their very own cakes and cupcakes with the help of the staff. Come and taste for yourself in Thrush Avenue, Boskruin, Randburg. Business hours are Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, and 8am to 11am on Saturdays.
Let us know your favourite place to order special and creative cakes in South Africa.
Main Image by Charly’s Bakery
