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At Farm to Cake, we’re all about using the best ingredients to create desserts that taste incredible. When it comes to fruit, we choose IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) instead of fresh from a supplier — and for good reasons! It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about making sure every bite is packed with real flavor.

People often ask us why we don’t use local fresh fruit, and the truth is, we love local and we do, when in season. But fresh fruit isn’t always in season. When berries, peaches, or apples aren’t at their peak, fresh options can fall short on flavor or quality. IQF fruit gives us the ability to bake with real, perfectly ripe fruit no matter the season. And here’s the big thing: we don’t use artificial flavoring agents or bulk produced canned pie fillings. Every dessert is made from scratch with natural ingredients. That’s what being a real scratch bakery is all about.

1. Peak Ripeness, Always

IQF fruit is picked at the perfect moment—when it’s ripe and full of flavor. It’s frozen right away to lock in all that goodness. Fresh fruit that’s out of season is often picked early and ripens during shipping, which means it’s never as sweet or flavorful as it should be.

2. Year-Round Flavor

Seasons don’t stop us from making your favorite desserts. With IQF fruit, we can bake blueberry muffins in the winter, peach pies in the spring, and berry cheesecakes whenever the craving strikes. We don’t have to settle for less-than-stellar fresh fruit just because it’s the wrong time of year.

3. Consistency You Can Taste

Fresh fruit can be unpredictable—some days it’s perfect, and other days it’s bruised, underripe, or overripe. IQF fruit gives us consistent quality every time, so you can count on desserts that taste just as amazing as they look.

4. No Waste, Just Flavor

Fresh fruit spoils fast, and we hate wasting good food. IQF fruit stays frozen until we’re ready to use it, which means less waste and more time to focus on baking. It’s better for us, better for you, and better for the planet.

5. Ideal for Baking

Unlike fresh fruit, IQF fruit holds its shape during baking. That means every bite of pie, cake, or muffin is filled with juicy, flavorful fruit—not mush. It’s perfect for making treats that taste as good as they look.

6. Real Ingredients, Every Time

Here’s what really sets us apart: we bake with real fruit, not shortcuts. No artificial flavoring agents. No canned, pre-made pie fillings. Just natural, high-quality ingredients that we turn into something truly special.

Why It Matters

Using IQF fruit helps us deliver on our promise to be a true scratch bakery. Our customers deserve desserts that are made with care, attention, and only the best ingredients. Whether it’s a slice of apple pie, a handful of fresh-tasting blueberry muffins, or a luscious berry-topped cheesecake, you can trust that every bite is made with real, natural fruit.

Next time you enjoy one of our fruity creations, know that we’ve thought through every step to bring you the best. It’s all about keeping it sweet, simple, and as real as it gets.

This is more than dinner, this is a farm adventure! 

Enjoy a family night listening to some of your favorite bands, take a stroll around the self-pick gardens, or treat yourself in their farm store, where you can find our signature hand pies as the perfect final course for your meal.

Every Saturday during the season, from 12 PM to 6 PM.  Fresh ingredients, locally sourced, and made with love. Bring your friends, family, and appetite! Let’s make it a day to remember with good food, good company, and great vibes.

See you there!

Good morning, Sweet Town!

We’re thrilled to introduce Shady Brook Farms at the Bakery today! Let me share the heartwarming story of this incredible farming family.

Years ago, I met Jada, one of the inspiring forces behind Shady Brook Farms, at the Haywood Historic Farmers Market. Our booths were side by side, and a memorable moment happened when my assistant’s little boy, craving some extra attention, found himself engrossed in one of Jada’s children’s books about cupcakes!

Now, we’re proud to serve farm-fresh eggs from Shady Brook Farm at our bakery. These eggs make a noticeable difference in our egg sandwiches and breakfast flatbreads—you can see it, taste it, and feel it. Just when we thought our egg sandwiches couldn’t get any better, Shady Brook Farms’ eggs proved us wrong.

Nestled in Henson Cove, Haywood County, NC, Shady Brook Farm is dedicated to producing high-quality protein products. They raise grass-fed beef and pastured poultry, ensuring the animals lead quality lives.

Since 2011, commercial poultry has been integral to the farm, enhancing soil fertility and providing other valuable products. The egg flock and meat chickens roam the pastures, following the cattle, with 24/7 access to fresh grass.

Scroll down to meet these hardworking chickens living their best lives. They truly enjoy free-range living, with natural soy-free diets.   Each of our sandwiches and flatbreads includes two of these eggs, scrambled to perfection. Enjoy!

Meet Jada and her family at the Haywood Historic Farmers’ Market every Saturday at the HART Theatre.

It’s a full summer wedding season and we are absolutely loving it! We are now opening the books and scheduling consultations for 2025 weddings.

We proudly serve Whittier, Sylva, Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Toxaway, Andrews, Waynesville, and Asheville. If you’re planning to get married in Western North Carolina in 2025, we’d love to set up a tasting and consultation with you.

We offer wedding and groom’s cakes to dessert bars and dessert grazing tables, as well as whole cakes, pies and cheesecakes.  And we will give you a project price to make your special day perfect.   

Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding dessert table today!  
Wedding Cake Tastings and Consultations –

Understanding the Creams: Pastry Cream, Whipped Cream, Diplomat Cream, and Bavarian Cream

In the world of desserts and pastries, creams are essential components that add texture, flavor, and richness to various pastries. Among the many types of creams used in pastry kitchens, pastry cream, whipped cream, diplomat cream, and Bavarian cream are some of the most fundamental and widely used. Though they may seem similar, each has unique characteristics, preparation methods, and applications.

Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière)

What it really is: Pastry cream, or crème pâtissière, is a thick, rich custard made from milk, eggs, sugar, flour, or cornstarch and often flavored with vanilla.

How we use it: Pastry cream is versatile and is used as a filling for éclairs, various pastries, and as a base in other desserts. You will find this in all of our éclairs.

Whipped Cream (Crème Chantilly)

Definition: Whipped cream, known as crème Chantilly, is simply heavy cream that has been whipped with sugar and vanilla until it holds soft peaks.

How we use it: Whipped cream is light and airy, perfect for topping desserts like pies, cakes, and hot chocolate. It is also the base for our cream puffs. Additionally, it can be folded into other mixtures to lighten them, such as diplomat cream. We use this as the filling for cream horns.

Diplomat Cream (Crème Diplomate)

Definition: Diplomat cream is a combination of pastry cream and whipped cream, sometimes stabilized with gelatin, creating a light, creamy texture with the richness of custard.

How we use it: Diplomat cream is used in layered desserts, fruit tarts, and as a filling for various pastries. It combines the stability of pastry cream with the lightness of whipped cream. We would use this for the filling for donuts.

Bavarian Cream (Crème Bavaroise)

Definition: Bavarian cream is a custard-based dessert that is lightened with whipped cream, flavored with ingredients such as Grand Marnier, and set with gelatin, resulting in a smooth, firm texture. This is a spoonable dessert, firm and molded. Many people and bakeries confuse Bavarian cream with diplomat cream.

How we use it: Bavarian cream is often molded and served as a standalone dessert or used as a filling in cakes and pastries. Its firm texture makes it suitable for slicing and serving in elegant shapes.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between pastry cream, whipped cream, diplomat cream, and Bavarian cream is crucial for anyone involved in pastry making or who loves pastries. Each cream has unique properties and specific applications, allowing us to choose the right type for our desserts.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the lush green hills of Appalachia come alive with a unique blend of Irish heritage and Appalachian culture. While this holiday is traditionally associated with Ireland, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day resonates deeply in the mountains and valleys of Appalachia, where communities come together to celebrate their own rich traditions alongside the global festivities.

In Appalachia, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a day to wear green and enjoy a pint of Guinness (although those are certainly cherished traditions!). It’s a time to honor the enduring spirit of resilience, community, and cultural heritage that defines the Appalachian experience.

One of the most vibrant aspects of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia is the music. Fiddles, banjos, and mandolins fill the air as local musicians gather for lively jam sessions, blending traditional Irish tunes with the distinctive sounds of bluegrass and old-time music. Whether it’s a rollicking reel or a soulful ballad, the music of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia captures the essence of shared storytelling and camaraderie.

Food also plays a central role in the celebration, with Appalachian kitchens bustling with the aromas of hearty fare inspired by both Irish and Appalachian culinary traditions. From savory stews and colcannon to corned beef and cabbage, Appalachian cooks put their own twist on classic Irish dishes, infusing them with local flavors and ingredients sourced from the region’s fertile farmland.

But perhaps the most cherished aspect of St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia is the sense of community that permeates every celebration. Families gather for potluck dinners, neighbors exchange warm greetings on bustling main streets, and local businesses deck their storefronts in shades of green, welcoming visitors to join in the festivities.

In towns and cities across the region, St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals bring communities together in a kaleidoscope of color, music, and merriment. From the rolling hills of West Virginia to the hollers of Kentucky, Appalachians young and old don their finest green attire and take to the streets to revel in the joyous spirit of the day.

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia, let us not only honor the legacy of Ireland but also embrace the unique cultural tapestry of our own region. In the heart of Appalachia, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate the bonds of kinship, the beauty of tradition, and the enduring spirit of a proud and resilient people.

So whether you’re Irish by blood or Appalachian by birth, come join us as we raise a glass to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in the mountains we call home.

Sláinte agus saol agat! (Cheers and good health to you!)

In a world filled with challenges, there are organizations dedicated to shaping the future of our youth, fostering self-respect, productivity, and positive contributions to society. One such organization, the Piked Antler Project (PAP), is making a profound difference, and 52Cakes is proud to stand by their side. This week, we explore the remarkable efforts of the Piked Antler Project and how we can play a small role in supporting their mission.

52Cake believes in supporting initiatives that drive positive change in the community. The Piked Antler Project, a for-profit organization, is dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of both children and adults. Our goal at 52Cakes is to contribute to this work by sponsoring more children to their life-changing camps or assisting PAP in their expansion efforts through increased awareness. 

In an era where remarkable individuals strive to make a difference, The Piked Antler Project stands as a shining testament to empowerment. Founded by William White, this initiative has a captivating story of its beginning, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. Discover more about the visionary behind this transformative project by visiting their website: https://pikedantlerproject.com/about.

PAP offers survival classes that provide children with invaluable skills and experiences. These classes cover a wide range of essential skills, from building fires, creating shelters, and making compasses, to water filtration, trapping, knife safety, and more. Kids also learn about edible and medicinal plants, crafting medicines, hunting, trapping, fishing, as well as processing and cooking wild game. Currently these classes run from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, and there are two-day camps that extend from Saturday at 8 am to the following day at 4:00 pm.

The Piked Antler Project’s “Big Goal” is to acquire a sizable piece of land to offer longer-term courses for children. This vision includes cabins, obstacle courses, rafting, climbing, and an array of outdoor activities. Every child who benefits from this experience brings PAP one step closer to achieving this “Next level” for kids.

The dedicated instructors at the Piked Antler Project go beyond teaching survival skills. They instill essential life skills such as self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the environment. Students also learn self-ownership, discipline, focus, fortitude, appreciation, teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. These skills empower children to become well-rounded and responsible individuals.

52Cakes proudly supports the PAP because we’ve seen the impact of their work firsthand. (Our Pastry Chef), Melinda’s son, Gavin, attended a week-long survival camp last summer. This “video game focused child” bloomed, as he learned to step out of his comfort zone and accomplish tasks he once would be impossible.

We invite you to join us in supporting the Piked Antler Project. With every child they empower, every fire they ignite, and every slice of cake we sell, we get closer to a brighter future.

The Piked Antler Project is actively seeking support in building an epic Survival Camp location for kids and adults. Most of their efforts are dedicated to working with children, which is where the initial spark for their mission began.

Here is how you can help:

• Spread the Word: Share the Piked Antler Project’s mission with your friends, family, and social networks. Raising awareness is a powerful way to make a difference.
• Send Students: Encourage children and young adults to participate in their survival classes and camps, helping them gain valuable skills for life.
• And of course, bid on the cake of the week!

With your support, the Piked Antler Project can continue to impact lives, one child at a time, one fire at a time, and for us, one slice of cake at a time. Together, we can help shape a better world for the next generation.

Join us in making a difference through this week’s 52Cakes fundraiser for The Share Project!

Good morning, Sweet Town! We are coming together to support a cause that hits close to home, a cause that aims to change lives, shatter stereotypes, and bring hope to those in need. The Share Project is on a mission to make a significant impact on families and loved ones affected by the drug crisis. When you hear their stories, you’ll understand the urgency and importance of this cause.

SHARE stands for Spreading Hope and Awareness & Removing the Epidemic Stigma, and that’s precisely what this incredible project is all about.

 Their Vision: To Be a Source of Awareness and Support for Families and Loved Ones Affected by the Drug Crisis.

Their Mission: We envision a world where addiction is de-stigmatized and better understood as a disorder, and where family members and loved ones of those afflicted by addiction never feel like they have to suffer alone or in silence.

The founders, Michele Rogers and Lisa Falbo, know firsthand the pain of losing a child to addiction. They’ve turned that pain into a passionate mission to remove the stigma surrounding addiction. They’ve walked the difficult path and understand that addiction does not discriminate. It can touch any family, including ours.

We can’t stress enough that awareness is the first step in fighting this epidemic.

We must do better as a society, as a community, as humans. Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” As a society, we know better now, and it’s time to do better.

🌼 Help bring HOPE to those who have none. 🌼 Stop playing judge with people’s lives. 🌼 Remember that “for the Grace of God, there go I.” 🌼 Destigmatize addiction and substance use, recognizing it as a disorder.

The Share Project offers vital support to friends and family members struggling with addiction. They provide resources, host support groups, community workshops, and awareness events to break down the barriers that keep people from seeking help. They also provide Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal medication, to families and community members.

So, let’s come together, Sweet Town! Let’s support The Share Project in their mission to make a real difference. Your contribution can help save lives and end the suffering caused by addiction. Donate today, and let’s stand up against the stigma and offer hope where it’s needed most. More information can be found at https://www.theshareproject.org/

Together, we can create a world where help and support surround you. Help us make a difference one slice at a time.   

#52CakesForChange #TheShareProject #EndTheStigma #SpreadHope

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.