Meet Me at The Lanai

Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake Not every birthday cake has to be layers of frosting and candles—and honestly, that’s what makes this one so special. For a recent celebration, I got to bake a Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake drizzled with lemon thyme glaze , and it turned out to be the perfect sweet surprise for a September birthday. 🌟 A Cake with a Little Glam This cake came with a fun request: the birthday star loves Art Deco. Instead of sharp angles and skyscraper designs, I translated that style into cake with shimmering gold balls in all different sizes; like a little slice of the Roaring ‘20s on the dessert table. Who says birthday cakes can’t sparkle with personality? Bundt for a Birthday? Yes, Please! Bundt cakes don’t usually get the spotlight for birthdays, but they should. Their shape has natural elegance, and when paired with the right flavor, they shine just as bright as a traditional layer cake. This Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake was zesty, fragrant, and refreshing—like sunshine baked right in. ...

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEKKI!!! FROM ST. DENIS MEDICAL  🎉 T his September, I had the joy (and challenge!) of baking a birthday cake for St. Denis Medical star Mekki Leeper . If you’ve watched the show, you know his character “ Matt ” has his fair share of quirky moments—but one of my favorites was when Matt broke out a full-on magic act for the talent show on Season 1 Ep13. It was unexpected, awkward, and completely hilarious… basically perfect birthday cake inspiration. Every cake I make is special, but this one was a chance to get extra creative—and I couldn’t resist leveling up with a buttercream transfer for the cake décor. Frosting + Funny Business = Buttercream Transfer To honor that magician moment, I found a still from the show, turned it into a cartoon rendering, and then recreated it on the cake using a buttercream transfer. Yes, you read that right—I basically painted with frosting. It involved mixing colors like I was back in art class, only this time the medium was sugar ...

Birthdays are like sprinkles—there’s no such thing as too many, and they make life sweeter. This summer wrapped up with three very different (but equally delicious) cakes leaving my kitchen: a Gluten Free Tres Leches , a Coconut Cream Cake , and a Hostess Cupcake Cake . Each one came with its own story, flavor adventure, and honestly, that’s why I adore baking custom cakes—every one comes with its own challenge, and its own little piece of happiness. Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake When a client told me the one cake he missed most after going gluten free was Tres Leches, I knew it was time to try something new. This was my very first attempt at making a gluten free version of this iconic dessert, and let me tell you—I had way too much fun. I followed this recipe as my guide, and what I loved most was watching the sponge cake do its magic. The moment it soaked up that glorious trio of milks (evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream), it felt like science and art in one pan. I may or may not...

When Amy’s husband reached out and asked me to bake her birthday cake, it was what I call a “say less” moment. You know—the kind where you’re already preheating the oven before the conversation ends. Amy runs the crafty department for the hit TV series St. Denis Medical and has been one of my biggest supporters—bringing my custom baked goods to set, featuring them for cast birthdays, and basically ensuring my treats have had their own behind-the-scenes career. She’s like the fairy godmother of snacks… but with a clipboard and production schedule. The request? A double chocolate cake with chocolate ganache icing and filling. In other words, the chocolate lover’s dream—rich, indulgent, and perfect for someone as thoughtful and hardworking as Amy. But the décor? That’s where the story takes a funny turn. The inspiration came from  an unforgettable chapter of St. Denis Medical lore: the squirrel saga.  Last season, the squirrels on the lot decided crafty was their personal all-yo...