7 Things I Want Cake Customers To Know

I frequently get asked the same questions or hear the same comments from cake customers. And in this video, I want to review the 7 most common topics I talk about with people who are ordering cakes from me! I understand that when you order a cake, you can ask for whatever you want. I just want to share some personal advice from my experience!
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Karolyn’s Kakes provides cake decorating tutorials and tips to help you make amazing cakes.
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• 7 Things I Want Cake C...
0:00 Intro
0:59 Ordering
2:06 Filling
3:57 Fondant
5:34 Tiers
7:15 Dummies
8:49 Writing
10:02 Pickup
11:52 Final Thoughts

[@KarolynsKakes]

If you enjoy my tutorials, I'd be so grateful if you could Buy Me A Coffee! ☕🙏 www.buymeacoffee.com/KarolynsKakes

[@angelakimble6580]

I would like for them to know the difference between layers and tiers. They would ask for a 2 layer cake and they want a 2 tiered cake.🥰❤️

[@tonya3656]

Thanks Carolyn! Great vid! Listen, I think people are getting “filling” and “icing/frosting” confused because I think typically the word “filling” is assumed that you might be adding a Curd or custard filling. I usually say frosting or icing versus using the word filling. Does that make sense?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yeah I’m gonna start doing that, thank you!

[@christianthompson3926]

Regarding fondant covering cakes and taking it off to eat the cake...I never realized that there was a sufficient amount of buttercream underneath that was comparable to an "iced" cake. I always assumed there was a thin, crumb-coat layer of buttercream to anchor the fondant and that peeling off the fondant left a basically "dry" cake. I actually like eating a little fondant decoration separately by itself, not with a bite of cake though! So...it's worthwhile to make sure your customers know they will have a traditional layer of buttercream under the fondant. Clarify that the buttercream is not just "glue" for a fondant covered cake! Maybe a photo of a cake slice showing the thickness/proportion of buttercream and fondant.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! I feel like the really thin layer of icing under fondant was an old way of doing things. If you use sturdy buttercream, it can withstand the weight of the fondant!

[@VictoriaTakesonSweets]

I’m dying laughing 😂 right now! “ don’t we know we love Amy… Does the cake have to say it?” LOL 😂 I totally agree!! It’s just funny hearing it out loud!! I honestly can’t stand writing in cakes 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@KarolynsKakes]

😂😂😂 Seriously! Why does the cake have to tell people these long winded messages?!

[@eagleeye3512]

Regarding long messages on cakes - I definitely advise my customers against this. Only VERY short messages/names/numbers etc IF they request it. My #1 reason I discourage this is that too much "verbiage" ruins the integrity of the design let alone dealing with spacial issues on the cake or cake board. Long messages can cheapen the look so I gently say "sorry that will not work and these are the reasons why..."

[@bethanycrace1681]

On the filling I find that ppl don't think of vanilla buttercream as a filling option, so when they say no filling they don't want strawberry or anything other than vanilla buttercream. 😊

[@KarolynsKakes]

I agree!

[@andrealynncakes5506]

I agree with you about the dummy cakes, 100%

[@casadulce6340]

“Don’t we know that we love Amy?” 😂 …… I laughed out loud! 🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

Seriously!! Can the cake NOT have stupid messages on it? 😂

[@Sweetlady292]

Thanks for sharing. Could not agree with you more!

[@laurazeller2014]

Thank you, Karolyn! My customers will say they don't want a filling but they are talking about fruit fillings usually. I also agree about the message. I usually have a happy birthday banner and that's it.

[@thecupcakelady2014]

Good info. My clients usually mean no fruit filling or anything extra, just buttercream

[@SweetWilliesCakes]

Great video Karolyn! As far as no filling, I am Puerto Rican and it is pretty normal for my culture to not ask for filling. In Puerto Rico they soak their cakes in flavored simple syrup instead of putting filling like we do here in the states. Personally, the more filling the better! Whether its buttercream, fruit, custard, pile it on! As for fondant, I am in the smaller population that actually enjoy it. I always tell my family and friends they can just peel it off. My 6 year old nephew LOVES fondant so much he doesn't even eat the cake😂Every time I bring a cake to my family's house, he starts yelling "I love fondant" 🤣🤣🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

This is good to know! That totally makes sense to me. And I never heard of someone only eating the fondant 🤣🤣🤣

[@SweetWilliesCakes]

@@KarolynsKakes He's the best! 😂

[@lauraalbaladejo3780]

Is not a simple syrop , is syrop with liquors to give that special flavor, Brandy liquor, anisette liquor ,or rum liquior "mojadito". The cake usually is a pound cake ...

[@SweetWilliesCakes]

It is a simple syrup (sugar and water) with added flavor whether its almond extract, brandy, rum, etc. That why they call it mojadito (soaked).

[@lauraalbaladejo3780]

@@SweetWilliesCakes Sorry, you are completely right...

[@andrealynncakes5506]

My husband loves to eat fondant!! I don't care for it and if a customer says they don't like fondant, I tell them that they can easily take the fondant off before eating it, no problem. Some people still don't want it, others are like, "oh, ok!"

[@carolinaraphael7794]

I’m Very agree!!!!!!!! Why don’t like filling inside😅

[@juliematon7461]

Karolyn you are soooo awesome my favourite cake guru EVER THANKYOU

[@KarolynsKakes]

Awwww Julie! Thank you love! 😊💜

[@maestephens1985]

I’m hollering when you pulled out the wide short dummy cake 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

Seriouslyyyyyyyy! It's so stupid! 😂😂😂

[@maestephens1985]

I agree love your work

[@catherinemckenna6117]

100% agree with all of these!!!

[@littlelady3895]

Filling in a cake is like "Cement between the bricks on a Wall" "Tile and Grout" "Tar and Gravel" It holds everything together

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! That one lady didn't want ANY icing in the cake. Maybe she just hated icing LOL

[@littlelady3895]

@@KarolynsKakes maybe. I personally, only eat the cake, my husband prefers just the frosting. So I eat the cake and leave him some cake but mostly just frosting lol

[@TamaraLeaMusic]

I am a “ once the cake has left my house,it’s under your supervision now” kind of gal. I give them all the info they need and then it’s their call what they do.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I tell people the same. However I seem to always get phone calls when they mess it up!

[@TamaraLeaMusic]

@@KarolynsKakes 🤣🤣🤣 great channel!! Hello from Nanoose Bay ,British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦 🍁

[@deshannsears5392]

Thanks for sharing

[@radhadasi3423]

Another great video. I have a 7 day cut off minimum now, otherwise I’d forever be doing last minute cakes, as I did for a few years. Sometimes I felt like the cakes that had been ordered in advance, suffered or didn’t get the time they deserved because I’d squeeze in last minute cakes. Now I feel if people can’t organise ahead, they miss out. They learn their lesson and next time they do book ahead. As for the layers I just say buttercream in between the layers.

[@KarolynsKakes]

You're so right, we don't want the others to suffer because of the last minute orders! Plus, it's just too stressful. Once I'm done baking for the week, I don't want to have to get out all of my supplies again and start over!

[@andreacombs322]

Your videos are awesome and thank you for sharing your experiences! Fillings is the big thing that I experience. People are use to super market cakes and our cake terminology confuses them. I do have to explain. Fillings in my area (WV) are more like custards, puddings and jams so I'm explaining to them the options! I do send pics to help explain.

[@jobowman369]

I also live in WV and agree. If anyone asked me I would say I have never had a cake with filling. I have had cakes with icing between layers but not filling.

[@Itsjusstlexx]

Filling is the best part. I get excited to hear peoples choice of flavor lol I always recommend filling

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yesssss!! Team filling! My boyfriend likes cake with barely any icing / filling. So I eat the filling and he eats the cake! 😂

[@thirteenthursday5156]

You are so cute I love your videos, I just started my cake journey and I give it to you, this is not easy lol thank u!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Awww thank you! And good luck with it, I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@CarmenMartinez-jr3hu]

Hi Karolyn, I just started my cake business in the summer and am loving it. Thank you for all your videos. They have been very helpful. For your question on the fondant, I don't cover my cakes in fondant and all of my customers to this point are good with that. To me, fondant is a waste. Nobody ever eats it and honestly I'd rather make my buttercream smooth to get a similar look. I do use it for hand made decorations. Again, thank you for sharing all your knowledge with your audience. May God bless you.

[@jcothers1]

I feel the same way about fondant. I don’t like to waste food so to me it is just too much waste to handle. I did almost always cover my kiddos birthday cake in marshmallow fondant though because she and her friends loved it. So no waste there! ✨🌟✨✨

[@KarolynsKakes]

You’re welcome honey! I totally understand about covering them in fondant.

[@joannethomas3116]

Great video

[@velmamorales5568]

I get people asking for a personal cake. I don't know what they mean by that and the smallest I make is a 6in. I agree writing doesn't need to be there. I had someone pick up a cake, they picked up before so I didn't feel like i needed to walk him out. He sat it on the seat. Needless to say it did t make it home. Thanks for the info. Love your videos.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I would think a personal cake is a cupcake! 😂😂 I do the same. The smallest is 6". Any smaller than that, it's to small to make into a cohesive design!

[@meemawsmoonpies]

I agree with you regarding the message on a cake, buy a card! Thanks so much for your videos, they are awesome, have a great day. :)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Seriously! The cake doesn’t have to have a stinkin message on it 🤣

[@margarettest-german3978]

Karolin you are talented and very humble that’s what I like about you dear. Blessings

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@debbiepenalber1369]

I am with you! I hate writing too!

[@KarolynsKakes]

It ruins the cake!! 🤣🤣

[@angelamcguinness636]

Great video. One thing I find funny is when a customer asks, “is the cake going to be in a box or something?”😂. Believe it or not I’ve had about three customers ask me that since I started my business two years ago. I also don’t cover cakes with fondant but I do use it for shapes, letters, names etc… it’s just time consuming for me and I think I just don’t have the patience. Just a personal preference. For delivery, I always deliver all my three tier cakes bc I know the customer won’t be as careful or understand how careful you have to be with these cakes. We they come to pick up cakes I tell them the same as you. Putting it flat with the air on. I’ve even had a couple of customers wanting to put it in trunk! I’m like nooooo 😳 lol 😂. But some people really don’t no a lot about cakes. And lastly if someone wants something written like you were saying happy birthday so and so we love you, I will just put it on the edible icing sheet, cut it out and make it look like a ribbon or something and just stand it up on the cake board in front of the cake . Anyway, thanks for sharing with us 😊

[@KarolynsKakes]

I've gotten the box thing too! Maybe they picked one up before and didn't have a box? LOL And if people want weird messages on a cake, I will usually take the picture that I want of the cake before I add it on there!

[@eneal2056]

I think you are much too accommodating. I am very direct about what I do and do not provide when it comes to my baking otherwise people have the most impractical, outrageous requests. I also charge a lot for everything I do. That alone separates serious buyers from those who are only "curious about what you do". I don't apologize or feel any guilt about my prices or anything else I charge for. If they don't like it they can go somewhere else (good luck with that!). I am run a business and I'm good at what I do and I always have more work than I can handle..

[@thing2644]

Thanks for another great video! I recently made my Grandmothers 90th birthday cake. A 3 tier fondant covered cake with 52 gumpaste roses. And it was her old friends that ate the roses first!!! Then the kids started begging and by the end of the event I think most of the roses had been eaten! There is no accounting for what some people call edible!! ;-)

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG they were eating gumpaste?! They must have really strong teeth!😂😂

[@ruthnodecker7759]

One someone says I don't want fondant I say I only use fondant for accents, I don't cover my cakes with fondant. In your case you cover some cakes with fondant however you have an ample amount of buttercream underneath so the fondant can just be pushed aside.

[@wine-not-whine8391]

I’m sure you have responded to this question before, but I don’t remember, when you have a 3 or 4 layer cake do you torte each layer? I don’t like too because it seems to weaken the layers even with using a cake board between the main layers! But I know a lot of people do! I don’t mind the taste of fondant because it reminds me of the orange colored “circus peanuts” we ate as a kid! I loved them but can’t eat them now! Well I could, but don’t! But I think that with a fondant decorated cake you can get so much more detail than with just decorating with buttercream plus it covers up all my icing mistakes-( because I still can’t get my icing smooth!) I love love love your channel!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! And I don’t torte anything over 2 layers. So if I made 3 or 4 layers I wouldn’t torte it. And also, I don’t like to torte cakes over 10”. It’s extremely difficult to do so!

[@narutokun9127]

I wanted to ask you would 5/16×48 inch dowel work for a three-tier cake? I'm trying to get everything together this is the only thing that I don't have and I watched your video in the size you had on your video they don't have it Amazon. So I wanted to know if this size would work. Thank you so much for all the information you're sharing with everybody in hopes that can make a beautiful cake like you. I got everything else in the video to make my teir cake just need the correct size Dowel that goes down the middle of the cake❤😊 thank you so much karolyn

[@KarolynsKakes]

When buying the dowels, the most important number is the thickness (5/16"). They will come in varying lengths and you can cut the dowel to the right height. So a 48" dowel will be long enough for a 3 tier cake!

[@MelaninQueen93]

For me as a cake decorator and a person who loves cake I think of filling as “fresh fruit , jams or something” I don’t find ppl that say that often

[@tracybrown6014]

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm an aspiring baker also. I'm just really starting and most customers are just fam and friends. As for the styrofoam cake I think it's not only about money. I think people want a dream cake but they know their will only be 20 guests....That's a lot of waste!

[@KarolynsKakes]

That totally makes sense!

[@CP-zv5hw]

I have seen your videos and noticed you put 2 layer of butter cream icing before putting a fondant. What I need to know can I just put one coat ie. Crumb coat and then fondant. Also regarding filling, here people don't like very much butter cream and hence don't want it, and for fondant covering they prefer a plum cake traditional type hence it's just one cake not 2 or 3 stacked. Hence what steps would you suggest for a fondant plum wedding cake order?

[@KarolynsKakes]

You can do 1 coat of icing under the fondant. I prefer to do 2 layers so no bulges show through! And I'm not sure what you mean by the plum cake, are you saying it's just a 1 layer cake with no filling and barely any icing on the outside completely covered in fondant? If so, then there is barely any icing under the fondant and the fondant could get heavy on the cake. I've never done it before so I'm not 100% sure. But I prefer having icing and filling in my cakes so they can withstand the weight of the fondant.

[@mirinewcome3000]

What other services do you offer besides delivery? E.g. Boxes, gift boxes, plates & napkins, cake cutters, cutting & serving... Your thoughts about cake dummies made me wonder. I agree with you on that btw. I seem to get a lot of confusion & questions from people not understanding the difference between a layer and a tier.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I really only do delivery. The cakes are packaged in a box. But I don’t offer things like cutlery, plates or candles. And most people usually say layer when they mean tier!

[@garybeshears5632]

Hello I just subscribed great ideas I do have a question on the sweet shortening What other brand would you say compares close to it I don’t need to order that much shortening? Thank you Barbara in Az

[@KarolynsKakes]

Here ya go! It’s explained in this video! Shortening Comparison - Which One Tastes Best In Buttercream? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKLXgXyDpN6Wa6M

[@BeeRavie]

In the past when a cake had fondant there wasn’t very much buttercream on the cake. So it’s almost like you were expected to consume the fondant in its place. You of course put a good amount of buttercream under your fondant but a lot of people do not. So by saying no fondant you know that you will have enough frosting with your cake.

[@sharittanorris4187]

In my experience when it comes to "filling" they are usually used to grocery store cakes so they think it's a given to just fill with buttercream and the only time they ask about filling is if it's fruit or cream. They aren't used to possibly having a different flavor buttercream inside I'm sure they don't order from a bakery lol .

[@dinahakim7114]

I love fondant love fondant if I can afford fondant and have it on each tear my cake every single tier will have it even the decorations like flowers I also like white modeling chocolate.

[@manelson4338]

What I did for one customer that wanted to write so much was to use a wide sheet of white paper so everyone to give them a message. It was also a Piano Keyboard Cake. They loved it!

[@KarolynsKakes]

That is a great idea!! 🙌🏼

[@minervat9739]

Hey u r right I made a cake for my sister in law .I love ur cake put I don't like the filling inside. I told her what u just said.

[@arladeleon3806]

I agree with those that have said that people are thinking of strawberry jam... or lemon curd... or whatever... as filling, but not frosting.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I think I’m going to start saying inside frosting it may eliminate the confusion!

[@arladeleon3806]

@@KarolynsKakes I hope it does.

[@michellenitschke5485]

Filling ,try saying ' a layer of frosting in between the cake layers'

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yeah, I'm gonna have to start doing that!

[@Wendy-re1im]

I don’t like a fondant covered cake, they look incredible but every time I’ve ordered one there’s barely any buttercream under it and it’s like eating a dry chunk of cake. When I asked the person I order my cakes from if I can have some thicker buttercream on the cake so there’s something there she said no buttercream has to be very thin it’s the glue that holds the fondant on. Is that accurate ? I’d be happy with a quarter inch of buttercream.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Not for me, I do a full coating of buttercream underneath my fondant. I guess it depends on the type of buttercream they were using.

[@rutgenesis]

If there is a good amount of buttercream as a filling then i would say that was accurate. If there was not enough buttercream as filling then that is another story

[@kristywallace7778]

Hello Karolyn, I'm glad I came across this video.. I didnt realize when ordering my cakes and they say "filling" they mean frosting... unless I want strawberry or something inside, I normally say no filling but I assume the frosting is already gonna be there since I dont want the strawberry. Does that make sense? As a customer of cake ordering, what would I reply, I dont want a fruit filling but a vanilla or whatever is on the outside filling? Thanks for the video

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! I tell people now that it is just icing in between the layers. That doesn't scare them! 😂

[@kennethwinks2199]

English : Australia and many other countries have for years used fondant on their cakes as a covering over rich fruitcake : USA and Canada have always used buttercream on other cakes Eg :: sponge chocolate : most people like fondant in the above countries listed : Janice australia

[@MelaninQueen93]

Hey I would love to know how you handle pick ups ? Do you have people come to your home to pick up or do you meet them ? How do you feel about having so many different people knowing where you live ? I do at home pick up even for bake sales but really which I had a different location

[@KarolynsKakes]

I just have them come to my house. But never inside. I tell people to text me when they arrive and I will come out to them. If you feel uneasy about having people know where you live, then I would recommend meeting them somewhere. The only thing with that is, people aren't always on time and then you may end up sitting somewhere waiting. And ain't nobody got time for that! LOL! But seriously, I just don't have the time to drive and wait for people, I'd rather be working while people are on their way.

[@kiarajett9270]

Ditto to the other comments! I equate filling with custard, fruit, etc. So I usually just ask customers what flavor of frosting they want for the cake. Then if they want lemon curd or cookies or whatever in the middle, they just tell me 😄

[@yveliseperalta3024]

Hello Karolyn,love the video i totally agree with you on all that you said but it’s difficult with us Humans😂ask me for a cake with no filling ,go to the supermarket sorry!! Thank you sending Blessings🙏🏽💕

[@KarolynsKakes]

Exactly!!😂

[@marijacwhatley702]

Don’t we know we love Amy?? 😂 That was great!! Totally agree!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Seriously!! 😂😂😂

[@carmenpaez678]

I don't make my cakes in advance, because I work with fresh fruits and chantilly. I specially hate when they order a cake to be picked up at 1 o'clock(for example), and I plan the rest of my day, (to eat outside with my family or to attend a party....) and no matter how many times I call them they come after 6 or 7, when they are going to cut the cake!!! One time, a good friend of mine, sent her boyfriend at 11PM! Everybody was sleeping in my house, except me, of course. When I was called, they always said: "in 10 minutes , he's on the way...."

[@KarolynsKakes]

That’s annoying! To avoid this, I give a time frame for pickup and say I won’t be home after (certain time) so if you don’t come by then you won’t be able to get your cake! That usually works.

[@Brandi_the_Baker]

My son loves fondant. Lol. He chomps right into it.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Perfect he can eat all the decorations! 🤣

[@SugarSugarCreek]

Lol....I get the "how much are your cakes" question. I want to say (BUT I DON'T) That's like calling a car dealership and asking how much are your cars or a realtor and asking how much are your houses lol. I have a polite cut and paste where I ask for a little more information. My husband just shakes his head at me and says "They're just starting a dialog with you silly" . The other one that strikes me odd is..."how much are your 3 tier cakes" well, depending on tier size, a 3 tier could serve between 40 and 200 etc. So, I have a little chart showing the variety and how many it serves. (Another weirdo thing about me, I dislike the word "feed" when it comes to cake servings. For some inexplicable reason, I imagine "feed" is something I did for my kids as babies, literally spooning it in their mouth, but cake is placed on a dish and "served" to a guest.... ridiculous I know. One other thing I think confuses clients is the difference between cake layers and tiers. Some bakers do 2 layers some 3 and some 4 but for some reason, I've noticed layers and tiers can sometimes confuse clients so....again, I have a little diagram lol

[@KarolynsKakes]

I get those all the time too! When someone asks how much is a cake I just wanna say…$2000 🤣🤣

[@barbaracline9504]

I'm assuming the same... When they say no filling they mean no strawberry, ganache, oreo etc. Then I just use whatever buttercream to fill it. I live in GA and customers constantly pick up with windows down or messy cars where stuff can fall on the cake. With the fondant... People say they want this exact cake EXCEPT no fondant 🤦‍♀️ Thanks again for all your helpful videos!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! Okay, if I try to make that cake with no fondant, it will take 3 times as long and won’t look as good and will cost triple 🤣

[@kellyk6538]

Icing between the layers isn’t filling, it’s just the normal way cakes are made. Maybe you could ask people if icing between lays is fine or if they wanted other fillings like whipped cream, strawberry etc.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yeah, I think my wording has to change because it's confusing!

[@levigunner8002]

yes i hate when a customer ask can i get a cheap cake, No cake is Cheap, My time and talent is not cheap

[@KarolynsKakes]

Let's go to their job and ask them to work for free!

[@alexiskwon1013]

You are awesome 👍 💕

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you honey! 🥰

[@victoriasmith2965]

Lol. About the fondant. I've literally had a couple people take a topper and bite into it... my stepdaughter friend ate part of a crown topper. My mom ate a snowman topper. And my husband's nephew ate a lego guy topper. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ so people really our here eating fondant toppers 🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

OMG even grown people!! 😂😂😂

[@yvettequinones7231]

The request that I get the most is… What if I buy you all of your ingredients and you just charge me for the labor. Like what… No. But, if you find a bakery that you can do that with you’re more than welcome to do business with them. Then I just send them on their way.

[@KarolynsKakes]

So basically they think the labor is the cheap part?! 🤣🤣

[@karinale-talbot4415]

My opinion after watching shows like Extreme Cake Makers it is absolutely the decorating part and 'bringing the cake to life' is what takes the time like you said. I don't think people consider the time of bakers at all when they get a quote. I think a lot of it is just lack of knowledge.

[@SugarSugarCreek]

"We love you Amy " lol....just by virtue of someone buying a CUSTOM CAKE, Amy should really know how much they love her! 🤣🤣🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! 🤣🤣

[@marinaliaguedes2481]

Hi Karolyn, you mentioned about cake to fee 100 people, on your experience do you think a 6inches, 8inches and 10inches with 4inches hight can feed how may people. I have a wedding cake for October and supposed to feed 150 people, i hope you can help me. Thank you so much for your videos. Xx

[@arladeleon3806]

There are cake cutting charts that you can find online, and even in Pinterest, that also might help.

[@marinaliaguedes2481]

Thank you Arla for you help and kindness. 👍👌👌💋

[@KarolynsKakes]

If I have to make a cake to feed 150, I would do 6/8/10/12/14

[@marinaliaguedes2481]

Hi Karolyn, thank you so much for your help 👌👌👌xx

[@ruthnodecker7759]

Karolyn, you can also say to your customers.... would you like to know my filling options other than my Standard Buttercream icing that is included and necessary in all of my layered cakes.

[@KarolynsKakes]

This is a good one!!

[@stephaniefowler877]

Ok so I have a question for you. I follow your box recipes to the T and now they are not making wiltons clear vanilla anymore. I know that's all you ever used on your cakes. So my question is what would you recommend to use with your cakes now? 😢😢😢

[@KarolynsKakes]

I actually posted about this on IG and TikTok! This flavoring is a great substitute, Wilton said their vanilla will be in stock again soon. amzn.to/3K6REDs

[@fu-onchung7155]

Re: Fondant - so I’m confused. I’m confused to hear that you don’t like the taste of fondant when it seems that your cake business is built on fondant? I personally don’t see kale on a dinner plate with a steak as a decoration and view it as part of the meal. I feel that if the fondant is on the cake the taste of the fondant should be considered in relation to the cake / filling / buttercream. Just my two cents.

[@KarolynsKakes]

The fondant tastes good, that's why I make it myself rather than purchase it in the store. I just don't like the chewy texture of fondant when eaten with a slice of cake. Just a personal preference though. Most of my cakes are iced in buttercream and decorated with fondant. A lot of people just eat the cake and icing and leave the fondant on the plate (which is what I do). But I do have customers that love the fondant and enjoy eating it as well!

[@skc6974]

Karolyn, have you heard of CakeSafe and if so what do you think?

[@KarolynsKakes]

My cake friend who lives near me has one and she swears by it. I haven't tried it though. I would think it's great for long deliveries!

[@marthamurray7470]

I had a customer pick up a 3 tier cake and she came in a very small car with no AC. When I mentioned I do deliver she said only if it's free. Lol..well once the cake has left my hands I am nor responsible for anything 🙃. Was I wrong to mention that?

[@KarolynsKakes]

No, it’s good to let people know that you can’t assume responsibility!

[@danandalihilton6076]

I always assume no one is going to eat the decorations especially hard toppers but then I’ll hear “I ate the umbrella” and I’m like 🥴

[@KarolynsKakes]

Omg yes!! Okayyyyyy, that’s been sitting out to dry for a week but whatever! 🤣🤣

[@dianasoto7302]

Some customers are latin such as Puerto Ricans. Most Puerto Rican cakes are not filled and its just that a spongy cake soaked in simple syrup no layers just cake. Maybe you are also getting that type of customer too.

[@KarolynsKakes]

That makes sense!

[@katiuszaYT]

I used to say the same thing about hating fondant... Until I made my own. It is also not the same as sugar paste.

[@littlelady3895]

I like using the dummy cakes for practice, but haven't done one for a customer yet. I do have a request for one in Feb. Which I need to practice doing, as she wants GF, SF, and I said nope. I will do GF, for an Extra $20 per tier, and use a less sweetened Cream Cheese filling, with a Simi Naked Cake look, but then she added the Fake Dummy Cakes for a Dramatic Look, and I am grabbing at straws trying to figure out how to make a Dummy Cake look like the rest the cake. And then wants a bunch of stuff on the groom's cake, and non of it goes together. I also don't like writing on a cake. And I now have a Ice Chest, with ice packs, (I live in TX where it's summer 9 months out of the year) that I offer to let ppl use if they pic up the cake. So far it has just been friends,and I get them back. I also help them find the best place in their car to keep the cake and travel with no issues.

[@KarolynsKakes]

If you're feeling all of this about that cake, it's best to just be honest and tell them! Being stressed about it will make it more difficult to do.

[@levigunner8002]

exactly that message is crazy, No its not crazy to charge $10-$15 less for dummy cakes, we still have to fight with hiding the styrofoam imperfections, and it takes more icing on a dummy cake...

[@zipppyzipppy4795]

people are used to costco style cakes. sheet cake low and wide.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I guess so! Still looks weird though 😂

[@tyava2]

In my country pple don't like filling. They just want a thin layer of cream. They don't like cream and want more cake instead so my cake layers are usually more . Basically they is almost no cream.

[@KarolynsKakes]

That's how my boyfriend's family is! They just want the cake!

[@krbk26]

I feel like filling is the in addition to icing/frosting it's like ooey gooey crap in the cake the actual cake lol

[@KarolynsKakes]

"Ooey gooey crap!" That's what I'm gonna tell people from now on! 😂😂

[@bhouston5998]

Fondant issue, they don't want to pay for something they're not going to eat, or pay for something that's knowingly going to go in the trash.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Ahhh, okay!

[@taurawilliams]

How many miles will you travel for the $25 flat rate?

[@merimebardhi5129]

I’m also curious with this too. She said 2 dollars one way which is a dollar each way basically and tolls if any. I’m wondering if she meant 2 dollars for every mile and a 25 flare rate?

[@andreacombs322]

I was wondering the same thing. I believe it is a $25 delivery fee plus $2 a mile one way since it is the same mileage to and from. And of course toll fees.

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

Zero. 😉

[@KarolynsKakes]

Usually anywhere in my town will be just $25. So that wouldn’t be more than a 5-10 minute ride. But everywhere else, it is $25, PLUS $2.25 (one way), PLUS tolls. It is a little pricey. However, there is traffic and construction everywhere around here. A 15 mile delivery could take over 2 hours. So it has to be worth it!

[@bhouston5998]

My thinking about the filling, I think they maybe referring to strawberry, lemon curd, etc, not the buttercream... I could be wrong.

[@KarolynsKakes]

That sounds about right!

[@mapulahaidymashaba217]

your right dummy cake it's very expensive I use it to practice only.People who don't like fondant they're used to store fondant and it's totally different from marshmallow .taste is not the same . marshmallow it's very delicious.

[@rutgenesis]

Although this is true MMF still deter my potencial customers. When I started to use modeling chocolate to cover my cakes with the paneling method wow what a game change!

[@muhugcy]

I don't consider buttercream/frosting to be filling, personally. If I'm referring to filling, I mean other things like raspberry filling or coconut custard or something like that. So if a customer said that they didn't want filling, I would clarify that they do want the same buttercream inside the cake that the cake is frosted in, just nothing special or different besides that. Maybe specifying that anything other than buttercream is a "special" filling? If they actually mean that they don't want anything at all between cake layers, then I have no idea what they're wanting. 😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

Good point! I’m going to figure out how to reword it so they don’t get confused!

[@megandickerson886]

Yes yes yes…all of the above🙄😩 I’ve tried all types of messaging and they still do all of it😏😂

[@sherrytruitt1028]

Making sure when ya say filling, you're saying (for example, 8in. cake, filling 8in. cake.) If ya don't want filling, why not just get a sheet cake?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Great point!🙌

[@sherrytruitt1028]

@@KarolynsKakes just lettin' ya know, I found ya yesterday. I really like your videos.😊

[@ruthnodecker7759]

For me, when someone says no filling they are not thinking the icing that goes on the outside they are thinking pudding, fruit, et cetera..... that's what they are talking about, not the buttercream. When people say no fondant, they mean to not cover the cake with fondant. This is what I've realized with my customers.

[@KarolynsKakes]

That makes sense!

[@freshcanopy8588]

Fondant - I'm not a fan, I don't care for the taste and I don't eat it. My aversion for it is - I don't like the idea of having to deconstruct my cake to eat it....and, that's how I feel about fondant. P.S.: It's not going to prevent me from eating the cake, but it's not my preference.

[@nativeSDgirl]

When I hear "filling" for a cake, nI think of strawberries or custard, etc, not icing. Maybe that's why people say no filling....???

[@KarolynsKakes]

That must be it!

[@fredericklegrande4564]

Call it mortar

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

Mmmortar. 😉

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes! 🧱🤣

[@manelson4338]

How about saying layer adhesion flavor?

[@mirinewcome3000]

That's a keeper!

[@katrinawilson7271]

And when you let him know to put it on a flat surface and then explain to them why don't put that on the seat put it on the flat surface tell him that before they even get there and I'll be doggone if they don't go in the car and put it on the seat like you didn't say anything just don't call me back talking about I need you to fix it I've been doing this long enough to know what would happen.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! It’s like we are talking to a wall sometimes 🤣🤣

[@dinahakim7114]

I agree I think buying a dummy cake just for model seek is a dumb idea

[@louiselemon9717]

🤣🤣😂 the huge cake dummies😂😂😂

[@KarolynsKakes]

I mean, come on…it looks ridiculous right?! 🤣🤣

[@dorisbutler6640]

I hate sheet cakes! I also don't write on cakes. I typically write on a fondant ribbon

[@KarolynsKakes]

I’m with ya on the sheet cakes! And I agree, writing on ribbon is the way to go so you don’t ruin the cake.

[@amitchell9820]

What don’t you like about a sheet cake? As a customer I prefer sheet cakes, a lot of my family members don’t want a lot of icing on their piece of cake. They always say no corners or sides please too much icing for me.

[@KC-rr8ff]

I hate them too!! Too expensive for me to use my homemade cake recipe to fill a sheet cake pan. It is hard to get it level without cutting so much off the top. I hate making square corners smooth.

[@derail6969]

About the filling, I'm guessing they can't be referring to the icing ,I'm guessing they are actually referring to curds or maybe jams ..otherwise you have to not have a brain to even think that layers have NOTHING in-between them right? Lol as far as the cramming the portions into less tier it has to be about $.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I agree. Making 2 huge tiers is actually more of a pain in the butt for me than 4 smaller tiers! I guess it all depends on the baker though.

[@derail6969]

@@KarolynsKakes I agree with you ,it would look awkward

[@redhotsweetpotatoe]

I'm guessing they're thinking filling is referring to things like berries, llemon curd, caramel, etc.. and not frosting.

[@KarolynsKakes]

It must be that!

[@manofatani]

just say cake glue instead of cake filling 🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! 😂😂

[@marywhite9872]

People think filling is some sort of jelly or some concoction. I don’t think they understand it’s just icing. We’ve all made a round cake before and put icing in the middle. I think if they knew it was icing they’d get it, but who knows. People tend to be a little extra these days. Lol

[@KarolynsKakes]

Right?! Is there something better to call it instead?

[@unveeilgifts3306]

I would charge same price for real and dummy cake. Period