Yellow Cake? Hit or Miss?

Yellow cake tends to receive mixed reviews, often due to a common misconception. Have you ever sampled a homemade yellow cake that didn’t originate from a cake mix? The reason I bring this up is that yellow cake is essentially a variation of white cake, distinctively enriched by the use of egg yolks in its batter, resulting in a slightly richer texture and a lovely golden color. However, it’s important to note that yellow cake doesn’t mimic the flavor of a cake mix.

The unique characteristics of a yellow cake made from cake mix are a consequence of its formulation, which includes elevated levels of emulsifiers, added “special flavors”, and an engineering process designed to minimize errors for home bakers. Many individuals I’ve spoken to admit that their only experience with yellow cake has been through cake mixes, which possess their own distinct taste.

If you’re open to trying something different, we encourage you to enjoy our yellow cake to truly appreciate its nuanced flavors. However, I must warn you if you want that distinct cake mix taste, you might be disappointed.

52Cakes is supporting Pathways this week!

Ladies and gentlemen of our Sweet Town,

It’s a beautiful morning, and today we come together as a community to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. As the saying goes, “but by the grace of God, there go I.” Today, we are proud to announce that 52Cakes is wholeheartedly supporting Pathways this week.

Pathways, as many of you know, is the shining light in our community, providing emergency shelter for men, women, and families facing homelessness right here in Haywood County. Their mission is simple but profound: to offer individualized supportive services to those who need it most, guiding them on their journey from homelessness to a stable, secure home.

But Pathways doesn’t stop there. They go above and beyond, extending a warm, helping hand to anyone in our community by serving a hot, nourishing dinner every single day. And if that weren’t enough, their Holy Cow Food Truck takes their compassion on the road, delivering meals throughout Haywood County, touching the lives of countless individuals and families.

Let’s put some numbers to their incredible impact: on average, Pathways serves seven families and fifty men and women each month with their vital shelter services. They provide approximately 9,000 meals, filling not just bellies but hearts with hope. All of this is made possible by the unwavering support of our community, which funds Pathways entirely.

Pathways is more than just a shelter; they are a lifeline for those in need. They offer essential services like hygiene supplies, food, shelter, laundry, clothing, and so much more, all thanks to your generous gifts and your willingness to stand beside them as partners in this incredible journey.

And guess what? You can do even more! In addition to indulging your sweet tooth with one of our delectable cakes, you can make a direct impact by donating to Pathways via their website. Whether it’s a monetary donation or purchasing items from their needs list, every contribution counts and brings us one step closer to ensuring that no one in our community is left without a roof over their head or a warm meal.

So, let’s come together, Sweet Town, in the spirit of unity and compassion. Let’s support Pathways and their incredible work. Because when we join hands, there’s no challenge too great, no obstacle too high, and no one left behind.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of this wonderful community. Together, we can make a lasting impact, ensuring that the grace of God shines upon us all.

Frozen Desserts! Ready anytime!

Frozen Desserts: A Delicious Solution When You Can’t Order Ahead

In a world where convenience often reigns supreme, there’s something truly satisfying about indulging in a delectable dessert at a moment’s notice. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, it’s not always possible to plan ahead. So, what’s the solution when your sweet tooth strikes unexpectedly? Enter frozen desserts, your new best friend when you want quality in a moments notice.

1. Always Ready to Satisfy Your Cravings

The beauty of frozen desserts lies in their ability to be on standby whenever you need them. Unlike our freshly prepared treats, which often require a week’s, frozen desserts are there for you, patiently waiting in our freezer. Whether it’s a sudden craving for creamy pies, cheesecakes or, a decadent frozen cake, you can have your sweet fix without delay.

2. No Compromise on Flavor or Quality

Contrary to the misconception that frozen desserts are a compromise in terms of taste and quality, they often rival their fresh counterparts. We take great pride in crafting frozen treats using high-quality ingredients and our time-honored recipes. As a result, you can enjoy the same amazing flavors and textures without worrying about them losing their magic in the freezer.

3. Less Food Waste

One of the advantages of frozen desserts is that they have a longer shelf life compared to their fresh counterparts. This means we can keep them on hand for your unpredictable moments when you need a quick dessert fix. Plus, it helps reduce our food waste since we won’t have to toss out desserts that have gone stale or spoiled before anyone could enjoy them.

4. Convenience without Sacrificing Quality

While fresh desserts certainly have their place and time, there’s no denying that frozen desserts offer unparalleled convenience without sacrificing quality. They are your reliable backup plan for satisfying cravings, surprising guests, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet indulgence.

52Cakes for September 7, 2023

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth and Make a Difference with 52Cakes! 🍰

Are you ready for an entire year of delectable delights? We’re thrilled to be in our second week of 52Cakes, and we’ve got a treat that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

This Week’s Temptation: Chocolate Heaven! 🍫

Our featured cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Picture this: layers of moist chocolate cake generously slathered with velvety chocolate buttercream and filled with rich dark chocolate goodness. But we don’t stop there! The cake is then crowned with a luscious dark chocolate ganache, nestled beneath a bed of crunchy chocolate chip cookies, our delightful honey cinnamon marshmallow, and irresistible chocolate pieces. If you’re passionate about chocolate, this cake is your slice of heaven!

Chocolate cake for 52Cakes Bradons Birthday

Sweets with a Cause: Braden’s Birthday Celebration 🎉

This week, our cake honors Braden’s Birthday.  From his mom Patty. “Braden was born still on Nov. 2, 2001. Each year, on his birthday, we do good for our community. https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

So, there’s more to this week’s cake than just its heavenly taste. We’re adorning it with two charming sugar socks in honor of our cause.

🧦 First Goal: Whimsical Socks for Foster Children 🧦

Braden’s Birthday is on mission to collect funds to provide whimsical socks to every foster child in Haywood County. These socks represent more than just cozy footwear; they’re a symbol of hope, comfort, and care for those who need it most. Imagine the smiles on their faces as they receive these beautiful socks, making their days a little brighter.

📚 Secondary Goal: Scholarship for a Deserving High School Graduate 📚

In addition to spreading happiness through socks, Braden’s Birthday aspires to raise money for a scholarship that will empower a deserving high school graduate to pursue their dreams. This scholarship can change a young person’s life and help them achieve their educational aspirations.

https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

Let’s Make a Difference One Slice at a Time and One Sock at a Time! 🍰🧦

By indulging in our delicious chocolate cake and supporting Bradon’s Birthday fundraiser, you’re not just satisfying your sweet tooth; you’re also making a positive impact on the lives of foster children and aspiring students in Haywood County. Join us in this journey of sweetness and compassion, and let’s change lives, one slice at a time and one sock at a time. Together, we can create a sweeter, brighter future for our community!

52Cakes is off to a fabulous start! Donations to the Haywood County Arts Council and the Haywood County Sherrif’s Office.

52 Cakes’ Farm to Cake Fundraiser is not only offering delicious treats but also making a positive impact on the Haywood County community by supporting various non-profit organizations and causes.

This week we were able to donate to the Haywood County Arts Council. And to add icing to the cake, the winning bid decided to donate the cake to the Haywood County Sherrif’s Department.

The next cake will be in honor of Braden’s Birthday Fundraiser. It’s heartwarming to see how individuals and businesses in Haywood County are coming together to support important causes. Braden’s Birthday fundraiser, in memory of Braden, is particularly touching, as it honors his memory by giving back to the community through collecting socks for Haywood County Foster Care kids and providing a scholarship to a Tuscola High School student. More can be found on their Facebook Page here. https://www.facebook.com/BradensBirthday

This kind of community-driven initiative showcases the power of small acts of kindness and the impact they can have when multiplied. It’s great to see people coming together to make a difference in their community, one cakeslice and one sock at a time. If anyone is interested in learning more or getting involved, they can visit the provided link for more information about Braden’s Birthday fundraiser on Facebook.

Introducing 52 Cakes!

We are overjoyed to be part of a community that thrives on helping one another, where lending a hand is a way of life. We receive numerous requests each week to contribute to various causes, and while we’d love to assist every time, it’s not always possible. That’s why we’ve embarked on our very own fundraising initiative: ’52 Cakes.’

Each week, we’ll craft a unique and delightful cake, focusing on either its style or flavor, or both. Then, we’ll auction off that delectable creation. Our commitment is to donate one cake per week, supporting 52 different non-profit organizations, initiatives, and projects right here in Haywood County. Every cent raised will be directed to the cause of the week, and the following week, we’ll select another deserving cause to support.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the platform that manages the bids and collects the funds on our behalf. All the winning bidder needs to do is pick up the cake on Friday morning and savor every bite, knowing they’ve made a difference.

The cakes will be finished and posted in social media and here on our website every Thursday morning. You have until 5:00 PM to bid on the cake. The winning bidder will be notified and all they need to do is pickup the cake Friday!

We will list each week’s donation and the cake that earned it here every week.
If you want to be included as a recipient, please click here for the application!

Thank you immensely for your support of ’52 Cakes.’ Have a fantastic day!”

🌾 My Thoughts on the New Direction for Farm to Cake

When I first opened Farm to Cake, I had one mission: to create …just simply delicious Cakes, Desserts, and Confections — all made with real, farm-fresh ingredients. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible honor of being part of your weddings, birthdays, and celebrations. For every memory made and every moment shared, I am deeply grateful.

Since those early days, we’ve expanded into a retail storefront and added a cold display case filled with cake, pie, and cheesecake slices, plus eclairs, cream puffs, and more. We even grew into offering sandwiches and flatbreads, all served on our own scratch-made breads.

But now, it’s time for something new — and honestly, it feels a lot like coming home. When I graduated from pastry school, I wanted to bake bread.  But life had something else in mind for me.  And it was wedding cake. For years I designed some of the most beautiful and delicious cakes imaginable.  But now as I enter the next chapter of my bakery life, I am coming home.  Home to bread. But not just your everyday bakery bread.  Bread made the way it is supposed to be.  

I’m shifting Farm to Cake’s focus even closer to the farm: toward freshly milled grains and artisan breads and pastries. Milling our own flour on-site allows us to preserve the full nutrition, natural flavor, and integrity of the grains — offering you healthier, more vibrant baked goods made without preservatives or shortcuts.

I’ve been milling, testing, and developing recipes for a while now. We’re not only creating beautiful breads made from whole wheat berries — but I also started wondering if we could take it even further. Could we mill our own gluten-free grains too? The answer is yes. And not just gluten-free in name, but gluten-free with real nutrition, not processed starches and fillers.

After all, it’s not only white flour that’s heavily processed. I’m learning more every day, and I know with certainty this is the direction I want to take Farm to Cake.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. Cakes — and the celebrations they represent — will always hold a special place in my heart. But after a lot of reflection and a real desire to reconnect with the roots of real food, I believe this is the right path forward.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • I will absolutely honor all existing cake and wedding bookings.
  • Starting today, I will no longer be accepting new custom cake orders or cupcake orders.
  • You’ll start seeing more breads, pastries, and baked goods made with fresh-milled grains — and I think you’re going to love them.

I know this shift may come as a surprise. For some, it might even be disappointing — and I completely understand. Cake has been such a big part of Farm to Cake’s identity. And don’t worry — we’ll still have a selection of cakes and cupcakes in our daily display case.

But underneath it all, the heart of this bakery hasn’t changed. I’m still here to bake good things, for good people, with good ingredients.

We’re simply growing into something deeper, healthier, and even more connected to the land — and to you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to bake this next chapter with you.

With love and gratitude,
Debi

Pies – We bake them like they used to! A great pie is always in season.

We are gearing up for our holiday pies! All of our whole pies are 9.5 inches and serve eight to ten guests.  The photos are just a few of the offerings we have. But we are adding all the time.   And the whole pies are available for special orders. 

Now we offer a selection of pies by the slice as well as a couple of cheesecakes and cakes on a daily basis.

Our Lemon Cloud pie is made covered with a tart lemon curd!

The Sublime!  Our key lime pie – a majestic treat to finish off your next picnic or family gathering 29~

There are two schools of thought when it comes to baking a key lime pie… the kind you bake and the kind you don’t.  And there are equal numbers of people that line up for both.  So, we combined them into our own version.  First we take our traditional key lime pie recipe and bake it in a graham cracker lined pan.  When that is cool, we add another layer of key lime pie that is the “other side”…. We then finish it off with a lime whipped cream, garnish it will slices of lime and lime zest.   This recipe makes an utterly divine dessert, and is my personal favorite!*

The Old Fashioned!   Chocolate Cream Pie – makes your grandmother smile 26~

No French Silk Pie or Chocolate Chiffon or Chocolate Chess Pie variations with this one!

Our chocolate pie recipe goes back to those your grandmothers used to make.  A luscious pure chocolate pie filling poured into a scratch made savory pie crust.   We start with real bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate, whole milk and heavy cream, sweet butter, eggs, a little sugar… cooked to a creamy pudding.  Garnished with a few dollops of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate ganache…  Consider these variations:  We can always add a caramel sauce, chopped roasted walnuts, chopped pecans…  or change the pie crust to an Oreo or graham cracker crust…  Just old fashioned chocolate goodness!*

Traditional Peanut Butter Pie – a dessert for all ages 29~

Peanut Butter takes the lead in this melt in your mouth treat.  Made with a chocolate cookie crust this pie is filled to the rim with a sensational creamy peanut butter mousse filling made with ingredients that include peanut butter, cream cheese and cream.   Glazed with a dark chocolate ganache and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.   A must for every special event menu.  Consider these variations:  We can always add a sugar cookie cr

These are our peanut butter and roasted apple cheesecake pies!

Our hand pies (pocket pies) are available for $4.00 each in fruit flavors only for room stability. Apple, Blueberry, Apple Cranberry, Mixed Berry, Strawberry…. We also provide lemon and chocolate for pies to hold cold. Turnovers are available in , guava and cream cheese, strawberry and cream cheese, mango (seasonal), pineapple (seasonal), cherry and coconut cream. They are also $4.00 each.

The Chase!  Cut right to it… Let’s not waste any time getting to the best pie on earth!  29~

Our traditional old fashioned chocolate pie is on the bottom, our melt in your mouth peanut butter pie on the top, covered with a chocolate ganache… oh my!   You have to close your eyes when you take your first bite so you will remember to breathe.  It’s that good.

Banana Cream  – a dreamy, creamy dessert that always delights – It’s got fresh bananas… so it’s healthy right?  It’s worth the calories! 29~

We start with a buttery crust.  Add to that our scratch made vanilla pudding.  And I assure you, this is a pudding that will satisfy your heart and soul.   Starting from our favorite ingredients:  sugar, whole milk, cream, and egg yolks.   This pie is loaded with sliced bananas… the pudding just holds them together so you can slice the pie!  Consider these variations:  We can always add a few bananas on the top, or make the pie with a chocolate or sugar cookie crust… add a little whipped cream with a few crushed peanuts…*

Roasted Apple and Cranberry Pie –  baked to sweet flaky perfection! 29~  Perfect for the fall and winter holiday season!

We start with a buttery flakey pie crust… add to that granny smith and other apples….  A little spice, butter, sugar…  Cranberries are then added and the entire mixture is baked until a little caramelized. Our traditional apple pie is all about the apples, with that flakey buttery crust.  These pies are topped with a crumble.

Apple Pie –  baked to sweet flaky perfection! 29~  For your holiday season try our apple and cranberry pies!

We start with a buttery flakey pie crust… add to that granny smith apples….  A little spice, butter, sugar…  Our traditional apple pie is all about the apples, with that flakey buttery crust.  Consider these variations:  Adding something special…  bring in the spring with some blueberry?  Welcome fall with a little cranberry?  A little lemon?  A little cheddar cheese….  We are always wanting to dress it up!  Just ask!*

Peanut butter pie with a chocolate cookie crust, our addictive peanut butter pie filling covered in a bittersweet chocolate ganache.
Our most popular peanut butter pie!

Lemon Cloud – you’ll die and go to heaven with every bite 29~

Made with a graham cracker crust…. Add a base layer of our cream cheese lemon pie then add our amazing lemon curd pie filling made with a little lemon juice, sugar, some zest and some of our favorite ingredients to create a sweet symphony of lemony goodness.  Topped with a toasted meringue of course!  Go ahead, give into temptation! Pictured above.

The Sweet Tea! – our honey bourbon pecan pie…   32~

Grab a glass of sweet tea with this one, it doesn’t get any more southern than this!  Made with local Waynesville honey, a good dose of Bourbon, and of course pecans.   We won’t serve it right away… we let it sit just enough for that Bourbon to kick it up a notch.  You will stay home for dinner with this one!

The Toast! – our pumpkin pie…   ~29

A little toast on the pumpkin gives this pie a true pumpkin flavor.  Holiday spices take it the rest of the way.  Made with our flaky savory crust and served with a cinnamon whipped cream topping.  A must for your Thanksgiving table!

Coconut Dream! – All coconut… ~ 29

This pie is inspired by our Key Lime!  Baked in a savory pie crust, with a traditional coconut cream filling.  The same incredible coconut cream that you find in our hand pies!  Garnished with a whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Coconut and Chocolate! Yep, you guessed it!  ~29
Yes indeed! Our Old Fashioned chocolate pie topped with our coconut cream and toasted coconut.  

*Variations may increase the price slightly