When it comes to celebrations, nothing makes a statement quite like a custom cake. From elegant wedding tiers to whimsical birthday creations, cakes aren’t just desserts—they’re edible art. And in Tampa, one bakery is setting the gold standard for customized confections: The Cake Girl.
Founded by award-winning baker Kristina Lavallee, The Cake Girl has become the go-to destination for custom cakes in Tampa and surrounding areas like Clearwater, St. Pete, Sarasota, and Wesley Chapel. But what really sets this bakery apart is the artistry and heart that goes into every single creation.
So what exactly goes into making a show-stopping custom cake? Here’s your exclusive look behind the scenes—from sketch to slice.
Step 1: The Vision — Where Creativity Begins
It all starts with you—the client. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, bridal shower, wedding, or corporate event, your vision is the foundation of the cake design. At The Cake Girl, every consultation is a chance to dream big.
During the initial conversation, you’ll discuss:
- Theme or occasion (wedding, birthday, baby shower, etc.)
- Color palette
- Favorite flavors and fillings
- Guest count
- Personal touches like monograms, characters, flowers, hobbies, or logos
Clients often bring inspiration photos or Pinterest boards, but Kristina and her team love adding unique touches that reflect your story. That’s why they’re considered the top bakery for custom cakes in Tampa—each design is one of a kind.
Step 2: The Sketch — Where Imagination Meets Expertise
Once the vision is clear, the magic really begins. Kristina or one of her skilled decorators creates a detailed sketch of your cake. This is more than a blueprint—it’s a preview of how your dream will look in buttercream and fondant.
This stage includes:
- Number of tiers
- Structure (stacked, tiered, sculpted)
- Decoration layout (florals, figurines, piping, gold leaf, etc.)
- Color transitions and textures
- Placement of names, messages, or edible images
At The Cake Girl, this sketch isn’t just technical—it’s part of the art. Every cake begins as a concept and ends up a masterpiece.
Step 3: Baking Day — Only the Best Ingredients
With the design in place, the baking team gets to work using only the highest quality ingredients. At The Cake Girl, everything is made from scratch daily, and there are no shortcuts.
Some of the most popular cake flavors include:
- Classic Vanilla
- Rich Chocolate Fudge
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Lemon Raspberry
- Funfetti (a kid favorite!)
- Red Velvet with Cream Cheese
Each layer is baked with precision and cooled before the filling is added—whether it’s rich ganache, whipped cream, mousse, or fruit preserves. The result? Cakes that are as flavorful as they are beautiful.
Step 4: Stacking and Structure
This is the engineering phase of cake making. Each tier must be stable, especially if the cake will travel to a venue in Sarasota, Clearwater, or Wesley Chapel.
Dowels, cake boards, and precise stacking techniques ensure your cake holds its shape—whether it’s a 3-tier classic or a sculpted car or castle. At The Cake Girl, decorators are trained to treat cakes like architecture, combining artistry and structural integrity.
Step 5: Decorating — The Signature Style
Now comes the part where The Cake Girl’s decorators really shine. With tools in hand and the sketch in front of them, they bring the design to life.
Decorating can include:
- Fondant work for clean lines and 3D elements
- Piping and buttercream flowers
- Hand-painting or edible printing
- Gold leaf, glitter, or metallic airbrushing
- Hand sculpted fondant figures or toppers
Want a cake shaped like a Louis Vuitton purse or a dinosaur coming out of lava? Done. Dreaming of an elegant floral wedding cake with cascading roses? Easy. The Cake Girl’s team specializes in both fun and formal, making them a leader in custom cakes across Tampa Bay.
Bonus Treat: Add Cupcakes to the Mix
Don’t forget—The Cake Girl is also famous for their weekly rotating cupcake menu, offering 12 different flavors every single week from their collection of 80+ options.
Cupcakes are a popular addition to custom cake orders for:
- Dessert tables
- Kids’ parties
- Weddings with cupcake towers
- Corporate events and gifts
Some fan favorites include:
- Cookies and Cream
- Salted Caramel Pretzel
- Banana Cream Pie
- Lemon Meringue
- Half Baked AKA – Cookie Dough
And yes, custom cupcakes can be made to match your cake’s theme!
Step 6: Delivery and the Big Reveal
On event day, the team carefully packs and transports the cake to your venue—whether it’s a beach wedding in Clearwater, a birthday party in St. Pete, or a bridal shower in Tampa Heights.
Nothing beats the moment when guests see the cake for the first time. Cameras come out, eyes light up, and you can hear the “ooohs” from across the room.
And then? That first slice. Moist, rich, flavorful—and worth every bite.
Why Tampa Locals Love The Cake Girl
So what makes The Cake Girl the preferred choice for custom cakes in Tampa and beyond?
- Personalization: Every cake is built around your story.
- Taste + Aesthetics: It’s not just pretty—it’s delicious.
- Local Love: Tampa-owned and operated with deep community ties.
- Trusted by Brides & Planners: Top choice for weddings in Sarasota, Clearwater, Wesley Chapel, and St. Pete.
- Instagram-Ready: Every cake is a visual masterpiece.
Your Custom Cake Awaits…
Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, baby shower, graduation, or retirement party, The Cake Girl is ready to bring your dream cake to life.
From your very first sketch to the final slice, this Tampa-based bakery is more than a business—it’s a labor of love led by Kristina Lavallee, who turned her childhood dream into a brand that’s now baking history.
Ready to create your own masterpiece?
