The MUST EAT Cake in Carmel Indiana

I have a soft spot in my heart for cake. For the most part, I’m not a huge sweets person. But, I have many friends who are cake artists and really respect the work that goes into each and every creation.

As a classically trained chef, I can mix and match ingredients and come up with something fabulous. But, with baking, it’s a science. It’s precise amounts of ingredients in a particular method yielding excellent results – and then the artistry kicks in.

 

Preparing to Travel To Carmel

Whenever we travel, we do an exhaustive search of the internet for incredible restaurants and local treats near where we are staying.

Staying at the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel City Center and right off the Monon Trail, I was close to some fantastic local restaurants within walking distance. {Be sure to check out our blog post 3 Unique Carmel Indiana Eateries.}

If you’ve been to the Indianapolis / Carmel region of Indiana, you have no doubt heard about The Cake Bake Shop. The shop and Gwendolyn Rogers have a considerable following across the region.

 

It’s A Bit Chi-Chi For Me

I LOVE fantastic food! And, while I’ve worked at some amazing, upscale restaurants over the years, I’m really a fan of ‘approachable food.’ Street food, food trucks, and little hidden gems are more my style.

True confession. Back in the mid-80s, I was the guy who showed up at Le Bernardin in New York City in a shirt, tie, and sweater. And I was promptly given an UGLY hunter green polyester suit jacket to be seated. Just recently, they relaxed their dress code.

So, after reading dozens of Yelp reviews and looking over the website, I decided that the hype might be too much for me. Not being able to get reservations, super expensive slices of cake, and $70.00 Afternoon Tea with Champagne was a bit Chi-Chi for me.

 

The Cake Bake Shop Is An Experience

Fortunately, my dear local friend talked me into taking a walk over to the bakery, which was just steps away from my hotel.

Honestly, the place is ADORABLE! It’s Disney-esque, The Crystal Palace meets The Plaza Restaurant. It’s white, on white, on white with crystal chandeliers and staff in very Victorian-looking uniforms. The current décor theme outside includes giant pink mushrooms, and everything has a touch of glitter. It’s actually super cute.

The first visit, yes, we went back, was a simple walkthrough of the takeout area and checked out the shimmering interior. The cakes are beautiful, and the staff was super friendly and helpful.

 

It’s A Really Amazing Cookie

I was well behaved and had just one of their Chocolate Chip Cookies with Fleur de Sel ($5.00). It was a beautiful cookie, and the branding and packaging are on point! I took it back to my hotel room for a late-night treat and was actually blown away.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I make a pretty mean Chocolate Chip Cookie. The cookie was excellent and super buttery. It almost tasted like they used brown butter in the cookie, giving it a slightly nutty flavor. The Fleur de Sel was a great touch as salt brings out the sweetness in baked goods. And, of course, it had a touch of their signature glitter.

 

We Went Back For Seconds

I was pretty impressed, and despite hearing that cake slices went for a whopping $25.00 each. They don’t. They are $15-16 for a huge piece, with Cheese Cakes and Pies for slightly less. And, we’ve paid nearly that much at a local cakery here in Tampa Bay.

So, we went back before I flew home for a little more takeout. This time I went straight to the top. The Cake Bake Shop Gluten-Free Mint Chocolate Chip Cake ($16.00) made Oprah’s ‘O’ List and was featured in the April 2018 edition of ‘The Oprah Magazine.

The ‘O’ List Cake

The Cake Bake Shop describes the cake as – ‘Three layers of gluten-free Valrhona French chocolate cake filled with Callebaut miniature chocolate chips, mint buttercream, and Belgian chocolate ganache. Topped with mint buttercream and pink rosettes.’

It was ridiculously amazing!!!! I apologize for my impure thoughts about the over-the-top reputation and pricing. It was light, and moist and rich, and packed with delicate flavors.

My friend and her daughter got the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie ($14.00). It is a ‘Callebaut Belgian chocolate cookie crust filled with creamy peanut butter mousse, topped with Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and freshly roasted chopped peanuts.” It was every bit as good as it sounds.

You absolutely want to check out The Cake Bake Shop when you visit Carmel, Indiana!