Cake Questions & Answers: Your Complete Guide to Custom Cakes

 

Welcome to our FAQ page! We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our customers ask about our handmade cakes. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to email info@cakeparties.co.uk

Ordering Information

How do I place an order for cakes?

Ordering from Cake Parties UK is simple! Browse our collection online, select your desired products, and add them to your basket. Proceed to checkout where you can enter your delivery details and payment information. For custom orders or special requests, please contact us directly via our contact form or email us at info@cakeparties.co.uk with your requirements and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

How far in advance should I place my order?

For our everyday cakes, we recommend ordering at least 3-5 working days in advance to ensure availability. For custom designs, wedding cakes, or large orders, please place your order 2-4 weeks in advance. During peak seasons (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day), we suggest ordering even earlier as our calendar fills up quickly. Last-minute orders may be accommodated based on our current schedule – please contact us directly to check availability.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and Apple Pay for online payments. For large custom orders or wedding cakes, we require a 50% deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 7 days before delivery. All payments are processed securely through our website.

Can I modify or cancel my order after it's been placed?

Order modifications can be made up to 72 hours before your scheduled delivery date, subject to availability. For cancellations, we offer a full refund if cancelled 7 or more days before the delivery date. Cancellations made 3-6 days before delivery receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made within 72 hours of delivery as production will have already begun. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your order.

Is there a minimum order value?

There is no minimum order value for collection or standard delivery. However, to qualify for free delivery, your order must reach a minimum of £50. Orders below this threshold will incur our standard delivery charge based on your location and chosen delivery date.

Product Information

What cake flavours do you offer?

We offer a delightful range of flavours for our cakes, including:

• Classic Vanilla Sponge with vanilla buttercream
• Rich Chocolate Fudge with chocolate ganache
• Zesty Lemon Drizzle with lemon curd filling
• Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting
• Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting
• Vibrant Rainbow Cake with vanilla buttercream
• Coffee and Walnut with coffee buttercream
• Fruity Strawberry with strawberry jam filling

Seasonal specials are also available throughout the year. For custom flavours not listed here, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

What sizes are your cakes available in?

Our everyday cakes are available in the following sizes:

• 6-inch round (serves 8-10 people)
• 8-inch round (serves 12-16 people)
• 10-inch round (serves 20-25 people)
• 12-inch round (serves 35-40 people)

We also offer square cakes, sheet cakes for larger gatherings, and tiered cakes for special occasions. Custom sizes can be accommodated upon request.

Can I request a custom design for my cake?

Absolutely! We love creating custom designs that perfectly match your vision. Please contact us with your ideas, theme, colour preferences, and any reference images you may have. Our talented cake artists will work with you to create a unique design. For complex custom designs, we recommend contacting us at least 2-3 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for planning and creation.

What ingredients do you use in your cakes?

We pride ourselves on using only premium quality ingredients in all our creations. Our cakes are made with free-range eggs, real butter, high-quality flour, Belgian chocolate, and natural flavourings. We never use artificial preservatives or additives. All our ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, with a preference for local British producers where possible. For a detailed list of ingredients for specific products, please contact us directly.

Dietary Requirements & Allergens

Do you offer vegan cakes?

Yes, we have a dedicated range of vegan cakes that are just as delicious as our traditional offerings. Our vegan options include vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and red velvet flavours. We use plant-based alternatives such as dairy-free butter, plant milks, and egg replacers to create these treats. All vegan products are clearly labelled on our website and are prepared with separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination.

Can you accommodate gluten-free dietary requirements?

We offer a selection of gluten-free cakes made with certified gluten-free flour and ingredients. While we take every precaution to prevent cross-contamination, please note that our kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. Our gluten-free options include chocolate fudge, vanilla, and carrot cake flavours. If you have severe gluten allergies or coeliac disease, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements before ordering.

What allergens are present in your kitchen?

Our kitchen handles the following allergens: gluten, eggs, milk, soya, nuts (various types including peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts), sesame seeds, and sulphites. While we follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any product is completely free from these allergens. All our products are clearly labelled with allergen information. If you have specific allergen concerns, please contact us before placing your order.

Do you offer sugar-free or reduced-sugar options?

We can create reduced-sugar cakes upon request, using alternatives like stevia or reducing the overall sugar content. However, please note that completely sugar-free options are limited as some sugar is necessary for the structure and texture of our cakes. We do not recommend sugar-free options for celebration cakes as this can affect taste and quality. Please contact us to discuss your specific dietary requirements.

Delivery & Collection

What areas do you deliver to?

We currently deliver throughout Greater London and surrounding areas within the M25. For specific postcodes or to check if we deliver to your area, please enter your postcode at checkout or contact us directly. For locations outside our standard delivery area, we may be able to arrange special delivery for an additional fee, particularly for wedding cakes or large orders. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to discuss options for delivery outside our standard area.

How much does delivery cost?

Our standard delivery charges are:

• £5.99 for standard delivery
• £11.99 for Special delivery
• Free delivery on all orders over £50

For timed deliveries within a specific 2-hour window, there is an additional charge of £5. Please note that delivery to certain postcodes or during peak times may incur additional charges. All delivery costs will be calculated and displayed at checkout before payment.

When will my order be delivered?

Standard deliveries are made between 9am and 5pm on your selected delivery date. If you require a more specific delivery time, you can select our timed delivery option at checkout for an additional fee. We'll always send you a confirmation email the day before delivery with an estimated time slot. On the day of delivery, our driver will contact you approximately 30 minutes before arrival. Please ensure someone is available to receive the order as cakes require careful handling.

Can I collect my order instead of having it delivered?

Yes, we offer a collection option from our bakery in North London. Collections are available Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. There is no additional charge for collection. When placing your order online, simply select the "Collection" option at checkout and choose your preferred collection date. We'll send you a confirmation email with the collection address and instructions once your order is ready.

What happens if I'm not home for delivery?

If you're not home when we attempt delivery, our driver will try to contact you using the phone number provided. If we cannot reach you, we may:

• Leave the order with a neighbour (if you've pre-authorised this)
• Return the order to our bakery for collection later that day or the following day
• Attempt redelivery for an additional fee

Please note that we cannot leave cakes unattended as they require proper handling and temperature control. If redelivery is required, additional charges will apply.

Storage & Freshness

How should I store my cake?

For optimal freshness, store our cakes at room temperature (18-22°C) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Most of our cakes do not require refrigeration and actually taste better at room temperature. Cakes with fresh cream fillings should be refrigerated. If you need to refrigerate your cake, bring it back to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving for the best flavour and texture.

How long will my cake stay fresh?

Our cakes are baked fresh to order and are at their best when consumed within 3-5 days of delivery. Specific freshness periods vary by product:

• Standard sponge cakes: 3-5 days at room temperature
• Cream-filled cakes: 2-3 days refrigerated
• Fruit cakes: 2-3 weeks at room temperature

For best results, we recommend consuming your cake as close to the delivery date as possible.

Can I freeze my cake for later?

Yes, most of our cakes freeze well for up to 3 months. To freeze, first chill the cake in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then wrap it tightly in three layers of cling film followed by a layer of aluminium foil. For best results, freeze unfilled and undecorated cake layers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Please note that some decorations, particularly fondant and sugar work, may not freeze well.

Special Occasions & Events

Do you create wedding cakes?

Yes, we specialise in creating beautiful, bespoke wedding cakes tailored to your specific requirements. Our wedding cake service includes a consultation and tasting session, design proposal, and delivery to your venue. Prices start from £350 for a simple two-tier cake, with final pricing dependent on size, design complexity, and flavours. We recommend booking your wedding cake at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season (May-September). Please contact us to arrange a consultation.

Can you cater for corporate events?

Absolutely! We offer a range of corporate catering options including branded cupcakes and celebration cakes featuring your company logo or colours. We can also create themed treats for product launches, office parties, or client gifts. For corporate orders, we offer invoicing options and can provide delivery to your office or event venue. Please contact our corporate team at corporate@cakeparties.co.uk with your requirements and we'll be happy to provide a tailored quote.

Do you offer party packages?

Yes, we offer complete party packages that include a celebration cake and matching cupcakes. Our themed packages are perfect for children's birthdays, baby showers, hen parties, and other special occasions. Packages start from £150 and can be customised to suit your specific theme and guest count. Visit our Party Packages section on the website or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

Returns & Refunds

What is your refund policy?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your order. If you're unhappy with your purchase for any reason, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery with photos of the issue. For quality issues or errors on our part, we offer a full refund or replacement. For taste preferences or design misunderstandings, we assess each case individually. Please note that custom-designed cakes cannot be refunded once approved unless there's a significant deviation from the agreed design.

What happens if my cake is damaged during delivery?

In the rare event that your cake is damaged during delivery, please:

1. Take clear photos of the damage before moving the cake
2. Contact us immediately (within 1 hour of delivery)
3. Provide your order number and delivery details

Depending on the extent of the damage and your preference, we'll arrange for a replacement, partial refund, or full refund. Our team will respond to your claim within 24 hours. Please note that minor transit marks that don't affect the overall appearance or enjoyment of the cake may not qualify for a full refund.

Do you offer exchanges?

Due to the perishable nature of our products, we generally don't offer exchanges. However, if you've received an incorrect order, please contact us immediately and we'll arrange for the correct items to be delivered as soon as possible. For non-perishable items like cake stands or baking kits, we offer exchanges within 14 days of purchase, provided they are unused and in their original packaging.

Contact Us

Still have questions? We’re here to help! Contact our friendly team through any of these methods:

• Email: info@cakeparties.co.uk

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours during business days.