Should i be wary of this baker?

Is she cooking the cake outside? What does that even mean? For sure find someone else. Our wedding was in Colorado in July, so it was literally 100 degrees during the day. We got a cake.

If your daughter's birthday is outside or somewhere during hot temps, then the baker is correct...the cake won't hold up, despite how good of a baker she is. She was probably telling you all of that to save you from wasting your money & being disappointing. Sounds like she is still willing to work with you on the cupcakes though, so she may be trying. However, if you don't get a good feeling from her then you are well within right to look elsewhere. To flat out say "It's too hot to make cakes" is weird, unless she was saying where you plan to store/display it will be too hot.

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RIGHT?? Like what does that mean? I found it very odd that she would say such a thing. It just appears that she is uninterested in making a cake for my daughter's birthday. So how can I trust her with a wedding cake? UGH thank you Mrs D!!!

That's super weird. Unless you said the party was outside, I don't really understand.

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Hey Danielle,

My daughter's birthday party is going to be in a community center, so definitely not hot by any means. A little too cold with their AC system, LOL! But what she specifically said is that she doesn't want to make the cake because it's too hot for her. I'm not sure if she's saying her home is too hot or what that means? It's very odd to flat out say that. That's true, she's willing to allow me to try the cupcakes. But the encounter left a sour taste in my mouth. No pun intended. LMAO

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Our cake was outside and held up fine with buttercream, we just put it in the fridge until serving time.

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Hey Caytlyn,

Tell me about it. Yeah I told her exactly where the party is to be held, but she flat out refuses. But she's willing to bring cupcakes... makes no sense!

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Well then yeah, I'd probably keep looking for a different baker.

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Yeah!! And that's what we were intending on doing with our daughter's cake as well. The community center has a kitchen we'll have access to, to keep food warm and to refrigerate as needed. I honestly don't get this baker!

That is kind of strange to be honest. But it does kind of sound like she is trying to work with you.

I've definitely experienced some cakes where the heat really took a toll on the frosting and it just wasn't good at all. Maybe she's worried that the cake will be great but the temperature melts the frosting and the overall experience is sub par and that will lead you to not hiring her for the wedding and leaving bad reviews, i guess i can understand that. However, its your biggest day and baking is her profession(passion?) so she should be up to the challenge. If she isn't willing or capable of producing a cake(that you're paying for) for you to taste, i'd pass. There's somebody out there just as talented who will gladly take your money while catering to your needs/desires. Just my 2 cents.

Is she a professional, or she does this for a hobby? I know you said she graduated from pastry arts, but that doesn't mean she does this for a living.

What I don't understand is how she'll bake cupcakes when it's "too hot" but not a cake. They are essentially the same thing. Cupcakes are smaller versions of cake. The process of making them is exactly the same. The only difference, as we all know, is the size of the baking vessel.

This is too weird to even contemplate. I'd go with someone else. Or, at least call around to other bakers and get their take. Specifically ask if the hot weather would keep you from getting the cake you want. I seriously doubt it will, as people get married all summer long, heat or no, and they all get cakes.

Okay... I entered cake decorating competitions (for several years all different times of the year including summer... and summer in TN in the humid and hot) and worked in a bakery.... and I have NO idea what she’s talking about. I’m utterly confused.
Yes things can melt. (Whipped topping is normally what we say we can’t do if it’s going to be outside. It’s quickest to melt) buttercream though normally holds up better and can take some time out side... I have no idea what she means by it’s too hot out for a cake. As long as you keep the cake in a temp controlled room there is NO reason to say that... I would be very weary of her saying that.
The only reason I’d think she would say that is so that come wedding time she could say “oh it’s too hot I’ll just make you more cupcakes”. Cupcakes are the easy route and when bakers get lazy that’s what theyd rather do. It requires minimal decorations and everything... I want you to get what you want for your wedding. I would really watch out if she’s saying stuff like that.

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Yeah, it's really strange. It does seem like she's trying to work with me but it's so odd though.

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Hey Katie,

It's definitely possible she's worried about the cake in hot temps. I don't mind her making the cupcakes but I can't see any of her artistic side when it comes to the cupcakes. I need to see her designs and what she can produce so that I can trust her! Thank you so much for your feedback

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Hey Cristy,

As far as I know, she has a full time job unrelated to baking. I am not sure what she does full time for a living. And it's so conflicting because her cakes that she has made in the past look great. My mom got a chocolate cake from her a few months back and my sis and mom said it was delicious. However, I don't understand, just like you how she intends to make the cupcakes if it's too hot. It's super bizarre. Like you said, the process is the same thing!! I am totally stumped! Thank you kindly for your advice

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Hey Abby,

Firstly, wow! Cake competitions! Totally impressed. And yeah I get that whipped topping def would melt faster. Buttercream undoubtedly can take more. Trust me, I'm get more wary by the minute of her. I want a special wedding cake/cupcake tower but I need to see her artistic side. I can't see any art with just cupcakes. She just expects me to eat the cupcakes and sign the contract? It doesn't make sense. I'm no baker, but I've made cupcakes and iced them successfully, and they've tasted great! I imagine that her cupcakes are probably good but good isn't enough. I want her to bake me a full cake? What does she want me to do, contact her in November or December (since it'll be colder) and say can you bake me an 8 inch round for tasting? LMAO it's soo crazy. Thank you Abby

I'll admit that sounds weird to me but if I were in your shoes, I'd accept the 12 samples and if you like them, sign the contract. Therefore you should have no worries about whether she'll fulfill and if she isn't trying to honor the contract, then sue

It’s sketchy for sure... I would find someone else. Reach out to your venue. I got a list of vendors that they trust and like from mine and they have all been wonderful.

I would ask her exactly what she means by it being "too hot to bake a cake". Explain that the cake will be inside and in a fridge! Maybe she's thinking the cake is going to be outdoors?

Is your wedding reception going to be outdoors? I would also feel weird about this...