food + drink / must-t y
Jason Kakabaker
MUST-TRY
A decade of decadence BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER
Ten years ago, Jason Kakabaker began decorating cakes full-time out of his Heritage Hill home, launching his business, The Cakabakery. Two years later, he and his partner Peter had the opportunity to move the business into a storefront in Eastown. Today, The Cakabakery is housed at 919 E. Fulton St. in the Midtown neighborhood and in Holland at 82 W. 8th St. The bakery does everything from cakes to cupcakes to cookies and more. For spring, Kakabaker said customers can expect lighter and brighter flavors to fill the store. Look for lemon raspberry, strawberry champagne and vanilla blackberry chai. “With the warmer temperatures and the sun actually shining, we love to make 42
Try The Cakabakery's spring flavors.
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020
our lemon cupcakes topped with either raspberry or blueberry buttercream,” Kakabaker said. “We also love making our iced lemon, lime and grapefruit cookies.” Spring also is the start of graduation and wedding season. Kakabaker said if you are planning a special event and looking to place an order, make sure to plan ahead. “Please order out two weeks or more — we can do anything for your big event, though!” he said. Cupcakes continue to be a popular item at spring and summer events, and Kakabaker said you can expect to find vegan and gluten-free options from Cakabakery. “We are seeing that vegan and gluten free is not just a fad and is so important to have as an everyday option,” he said. “Also,
we have always taken pride in not using artificial flavors or colors in our frostings and cake batters.” Other trendy takes on cupcakes right now: “Savory takes on cupcakes have been very popular and are fun to experiment with: maple bacon, lavender lemon, salted chocolate rosemary …” Kakabaker said. While cupcakes remain popular, Kakabaker said not to forget about the many varieties of cookies and cake pops available this spring. Whether you are placing an order for a party or just stopping in for a spring treat, Cakabakery has plenty to enjoy. “We are so thankful for the support from Grand Rapids and in our Holland neighborhoods,” Kakabaker said.