Who are we?
Grace is the owner of SophistiCake and a self-taught baker originally from the DC area. She has been crafting special event cakes such as engagement and wedding cakes since 2001. Grace puts as much emphasis on creating unique and sophisticated designs, as she does on meticulously ensuring her baked goods are as moist and delicious as possible.
Can you decorate in sports or children's themes?
Yes, but we will make a standard cake or cupcakes and purchase figures or toppers to fit the theme. We no longer make fondant figures and non-round cakes. If you have other decorations in mind, it does not hurt to inquire and we will let you know if we can accommodate your request and what the additional charge will be.
What designs can you create?
The gallery tab will give you an idea of the designs that SophistiCake will create for you. We always welcome pictures for design inspiration but we rarely will create a cake exactly like another.
Do you have a store front?
No, we do not. SophistiCake is a home operated business. All of our products are made to order.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we do offer delivery. Please check the pricing tab for more details.
How can I order?
You can either send us a message in the contact tab of this website, or send us an email at grace@sophisticake.org. You may also text us at 703-362-8790 to place an order. Please do not call this number as it is used mostly for texting only.
Are all your ingredients organic/natural?
The main components of the cake, such as the flour, milk, eggs, butter and sugar are organic/natural. SophistiCake strives to use other high quality ingredients such as Madagascar vanilla. We never use mixes, preservatives, high-fructose corn syrups or trans-fats such as Crisco in the cake or frosting. Examples of ingredients that will unlikely be organic/natural include confectioner's sugar, baking soda, baking powder, nuts, chocolate, and extracts, sprinkles, fondant, color in the frosting.
Do you have any minimum order requirements?
Yes, we do. Please check pricing tab for more details.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Not at this time. We are not a large enough establishment to offer volume discounts. As a small business, we have limited capacity, and do not buy ingredients in large enough quantities for us to extend any savings on to customers with volume orders.
How far in advance should I order?
We take orders on a first come, first served basis, and prioritize orders that have a signed contract and paid deposit. We need sufficient time to buy ingredients and prepare for each order, so in general we need at least a few days notice, but prefer at least a week. All cakes and cupcakes are made to order.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes, we do, but only on an available basis. We will attempt to schedule a complimentary cupcake pickup that coincides with another one of our paid orders so that you may taste the quality of our baked goods. Because we make everything to order, we do not accept complimentary tasting requests for specific flavors. If you would prefer to taste specific flavors, you must make an order that follows the guidelines for all of our customers (dozen minimum per cupcake flavor, or 6" cake), but this will not be complimentary.
How do I store my cupcakes or cake?
Because we bake without preservatives, we suggest that you enjoy your product the day they are picked up. We recommend keeping your baked goods at room temperature in a cool, dark area away from sunlight.
If you need to keep it longer, it will stay fresh for an extra day or two in the refrigerator but make sure to wrap it well to keep the air out and bring it back to room temperature well before serving. If you need to keep it longer than an extra day or two, we recommend you freeze it and thaw thoroughly before serving.
Are any of your baked goods gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free, or vegan cakes?
At this time, we consistently bake two flavors in a gluten-free version: red velvet and chocolate cake or cupcakes. However we can make any item that we sell gluten-free. We do not offer dairy-free, sugar-free or vegan cakes at this time. Keep in mind that SophistiCake is not an allergy-free bakery. If you have wheat or other allergies, we recommend that you not consume SophistiCake cakes or cupcakes.
Do your products contain nuts?
SophistiCake is not a nut-free bakery. Although we have many products without nuts, we use ingredients that are manufactured around nut products, and machines that are exposed to nut products. If you have a nut allergy, we recommend that you seek a bakery that is certified as nut-free, and not consume SophistiCake cakes or cupcakes.
How many people do your cakes serve?
This depends on how large you plan to slice the cake. Some people like generous portions, others like smaller portions. Generally for a small family, a 6" regular height cake should suffice. If you want leftovers or have a few extra guests, I would suggest a taller 6" cake, or a regular height 8" cake. If you have a larger gathering of 20 or more, I would recommend a taller 8" cake. These are just general guidelines, and I always suggest ordering up if you're not sure. If you have an even larger party, we can make tiered cakes in any different size combination that you need. Please contact us so that we may assist you in choosing the proper cake size for your event!