Cakes and sweets

date posted: April 13, 2015

What could be sweeter than dreaming up the perfect wedding dessert?

You want a Hudson Valley bakers pride themselves on creations as delicious as they are visually stunning. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or thinking outside the cake box, you can find a baker who will make your dream a reality. Start by browsing photos on Pinterest and other wedding and baking-related sites for pictures that come close to what you are after. Save your favorites, so you can share them with bakers you’re considering. If you’re not a fan of the traditional, many-tiered white cake found at so many weddings, you can relax. There are lots of options. Some people choose a tiered-cupcake tree; if you love vanilla and your intended (or your entire family) is

When choosing devoted to chocolate, a cupcake tree can mean no one has to compromise. You might also consider a French croquembouche, a tower of profiteroles (otherwise known as creampuffs) drenched in toffee or shrouded in spun sugar that can then be decorated to taste. Theme cakes that reflect a shared interest add a memorable note. Still other folks go with a lush array of beautifully laid out cookie or pie choices. Whatever you decide, take a visual aid with you when interviewing bakers—either a photo you’ve found or a sketch you made yourself. Know how many people you’ll be feeding. If it’s a small wedding and you’ve always dreamed of a lavish, towering cake, you can add a couple of faux layers to get the visual. Take a look through the baker’s portfolio, and ask to sample a recent creation. Some bakers will provide a small sample cake.

Be honest with your baker about your budget. Different methods can sometimes be used to get similar effects, and a good baker will find a way to execute your concept at a price you can afford and/or let you know what can be achieved within your spending limits.
You may be able to save some money by applying some finishing touches yourself. Real flowers are a lovely alternative to fancy frosting flowers; just make sure to pick non-toxic ones. Figurines and charms can be purchased elsewhere and added.
Be sure to find out whether the baker delivers and, if so, whether delivery is included or carries an extra charge. If the baker doesn’t deliver, delegate someone with steady hands to do the pickup. You don’t want a last-minute cake-tastrophe.

“You’ve got this life and while you’ve got it, you’d better kiss like you only have one moment, try to hold someone’s hand like you will never get another chance to, watch someone sleeping like there’s no time left, jump if you feel like jumping, run if you feel like running, and eat cake like it’s the only one left in the world!”
C. JoyBell C.

BAKERSALTERNATIVE BAKER
Rosendale, 845-658-3355,
lemoncakes.comThe Alternative Baker is widely renowned for their handmade traditional and alternative baked goods. They offer 100% all-butter, scratch-baked goods, plus many allergy-friendly options—everything being made only with the most natural of ingredients. Their flours are not bleached or bromated (some are organic). They use fresh shell eggs, whole fresh milk, unsalted butter without additives, pure olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil, and canola oil. They also make spelt and vegan cakes.

BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO-TO-GO
Kingston, 845-340-9800,
bluemountainbistro.comBlue Mountain Bistro is an award-winning catering company. The bakery features all house-made treats that include custom wedding cakes, fresh fruit pies and tarts, panna cotta, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, and a host of great cookies, muffins, scones, and croissants. This is the dessert table of possibilities. They pride themselves on their impeccable, professional, and honest service and invite you to relax and be a guest at your own event!

JULIE’S PIES AND CHEESECAKES
Kerhonkson, 845-626-1173,
juliespies.tkJulie’s Pies and Cheesecakes are truly homemade from scratch using only local, fresh ingredients. Pies, cheesecakes, cakes, and other goodies are all made fresh to order. Specializes in wedding pie dessert bars. Let Julie share her love of baking with you on your special day.

LUCKY CHOCOLATES
Saugerties, 845-246-7337,
luckychocolates.comLucky Chocolates offers handmade, luxurious, small-batch chocolates made from organic and fair-trade chocolate. Using only the best freshest local ingredients, each piece is a true Hudson Valley delicacy. Perfect for your wedding bar or as favors your guests will love you for!

MAIN COURSE CATERING
New Paltz, 845-255-2600,
maincoursecatering.comNot only can Main Course take care of all the planning and catering, they can also create the perfect wedding cake and all the desserts to make your wedding super sweet!

MAXINE’S CATERING & BITTERSWEET BAKERS
maxinescatering.com

Located in the Hudson Valley, Maxine’s specializes in wedding cakes, specialty cakes, cupcakes, desserts, pastries, and cookies always made custom for your special event. For over 25 years, their team has worked closely with every client, offering a personal approach and meticulous attention to detail to create a unique, beautiful, and delicious cake or dessert for any celebration.

PEACE, LOVE AND CUPCAKES
Woodstock, 845-247-3687,
woodstockcupcakes.com
Peace, Love and Cupcakes is a multiple award-winning cupcake shop featuring a huge array of delicious cupcakes and cookies. They only use the highest quality ingredients, locally sourced and organic whenever possible. Not only do they offer all the traditional sugar and butter choices, but they also make vegan, glutenfree, and raw versions as well. Food Network has honored them with two wins for “The Best Cake in the Country!” and “Rewrapped.” MSNBC featured them, and they are also a “Best of the Hudson Valley” business.

THE VILLAGE TEAROOM
RESTAURANT & BAKE SHOP
New Paltz, 845-255-3434,
thevillagetearoom.comMade with Vermont sweet cream butter, Feather Ridge Farm eggs, Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, Ronny Brook oldfashioned cream, King Arthur unbleached flour, and non-aluminum baking powder, The Village TeaRoom’s cakes are as delicious as they are beautiful. Wedding cakes can be customized to suit your preferences. The Honey Bee Cake, a signature wedding cake, has been featured in Style Me Pretty.