Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you?

My shop is situated in the Te Ngae Shopping Centre, Owhata, Rotorua, NZ

Right by the Caltex Station on Te Ngae Road. There is plenty of free parking right outside, and if you need a coffee, a haircut, or to do your weekly shop of meat, fruit and veges there are some amazing shops right next door!

How do I order a custom cake?

Fill out an enquiry form here with as much detail as possible, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I have a limited number of spaces available each week, so the earlier you book in the better.

How much is a cake?

Cakes come in all different shapes, sizes and flavours, and the beauty in ordering a custom cake is exactly that… It’s custom to your design requirements! So, with that in mind, it’s not possible to have a set price menu. The best thing to do is fill out an enquiry form here and I will email you with some price and size options for you to choose from – once you’ve decided what works best for you, an invoice will then be sent via email. All payment and pick up details are on your invoice.

How do I pay?

A non-refundable 25% retainer is required to confirm your cake booking and reserve your date, unless previously discussed with management, the remaining balance is to be paid no later than 7 days prior to your cake pick up date. NO retainer deposit = NO booking.

Payment on invoice is either by bank transfer, cash or eftpos in store. Or if you’ve made an order online, there are payment options at the checkout.

What are my cake flavour options?

Have a look at our delicious selection of cake flavours here. If you are having a tiered cake – feel free to pick a different flavour for each tier!

Do you make Gluten Free, Dairy Free or other Allergy friendly cakes?

Most of my mud cakes can be made Gluten Free, and I do have a delicious Vegan Chocolate Cake that can cater to dairy, egg and nut free requests, however I do not operate an allergen free kitchen. Therefore, I cannot guarantee it will be wheat, gluten, dairy, egg and nut free. While every care is taken to reduce and minimise cross contamination, there is always the risk. If you have a severe allergy or coeliacs disease, I recommend purchasing from someone who specialises in this area.

If you have only a few guests at your celebration who have specific dietary requirements, it’s no problem to have suitable cupcakes separately packaged up just for them.

Feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs.

What size cake shall I order?

The size of your cake will come down to your serving requirements and your budget.

For weddings in particular, I have two servings size options that I recommend – ‘Tea & Coffee’ portions (approx. 1" x 1"x 4"). Just perfect as part of the final touches after your main meal. Or ‘Dessert’ portions (approx. 1"x 2" x 4").  Best enjoyed plated and eaten with a fork or spoon!

Celebration cake size options are quoted to you in the ‘dessert’ size unless specified.

Do I need to bring a box to pick up?

No not at all – your cake, cupcakes, brownies or cookies will be securely packaged up in
a box all ready for transport. On pick up you will be reminded on how to handle your order.

How do I transport and cut the cake?

• Always pick up your cake and cupcake box with 2 hands from the bottom.
• Travel is always best in the boot of the car or if it fits in the foot well on the floor – this keeps the box flat. DO NOT place your cake on the seat.
• Your cake may have boards, dowels, toothpicks, wires and non-edible accessories – please take care when dismantling for service.
• Buttercream cakes are best kept in the fridge until a few hours before service – cold cake tastes like old cake and no one wants that! Let it come to room temperature for best enjoyment.
• Fondant & ganache finished cakes are stable at room temperature and best kept in a cool place (the pantry) until needed.
• If your cake requires special instructions, this will be discussed during the order/pick up process.
• Cutting the cake all depends on your required portions – I can provide you with a guide if requested.

Do you deliver?

Yes! Wedding Cake delivery and set up is all part of my service, and is included in your invoice – however, if you would prefer it was picked up, let’s talk it through 😊

All other Celebration Cakes can be delivered and set up at your venue if required subject to availability. Just let me know in the comments section of your enquiry the venue details and I will quote a delivery fee. Otherwise, all pick up details (address and time allocation) are on your invoice.

How do I hire a cake tin?

Cake tin hire is $30 per tin - this includes a $20 refundable bond on return of tin as per our
hireage T & Cs issued at the time of pick up.  Hirage is for three days - and tins must be picked up and returned to The Baking Patch, Te Ngae Shopping Centre.  I am unable to courier or deliver hire tins.

If you would like to check availability of the tin you are after, feel free to email info@thebakingpatch.com or send an enquiry here with at least 24 hours’ notice Monday – Friday.

How do I order an edible image?

Email your document to info@thebakingpatch.com with your images all preset and in a PDF format – margins set to wide. (Edible paper is slightly smaller than a standard A4). It is $20 per sheet.

Custom Edible Image printing invoices must be paid in full before they will be printed.

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is appreciated, as the printing can be a little unpredictable at times – however, I can usually have your image ready for you the same day dependent on availability.

How do I buy cake decorating supplies?

My shop hours are 10:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday or Saturday mornings 9am – 10:30am.

As I am currently a ‘one-woman-band’, I also do the deliveries so cannot be in 2 places at once (I wish!), if you’d like to pop in around 10:30am, just message/email me first as I may have been held up and I would hate to miss you.

My decorating supply range is an area I will be expanding in, and will eventually be up on the website to make ordering much easier for you.

What are your expectations around social media?

Once your order is complete, my standard practice is to take a photo (or 10!) of the finished masterpiece. It is my expectation that I use my social media platforms and website to promote my work and skills to generate more orders.

However, I am very mindful that most of the time cakes are usually the centrepiece of celebrations, so I will not post the cake until at least 24 hours has passed from pick up – by doing this, I hope to avoid spoiling any surprises for the recipient, especially when the whole party is a surprise!

During classes, I will ask permission to take photos and if there are any objections to faces being put on the internet, I am more than happy to facilitate that. If you have any concerns at all, please feel free to discuss them with me.