The questions found here have all been asked quite often. If you do not see your question being answered here, feel free to contact us directly!

Our goal is to create a custom fit for your precious occasion without any surprises.

Q. Why choose Just Desserts as your cake decorator?

A. At Just Desserts, we believe the wedding cake is the showpiece of your reception, second only to the bride. It is a treasured tradition, that no matter how small or informal the reception might be, it is a must! We take pride in producing the best looking and tasting cake for your special day... We use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available. Each cake is designed specifically for you from your personal taste and vision, in combination with our creative and designs expertise.  

Q.  How do we go about choosing a design?

 

A. During our consultation, we discuss what type of design elements (colors, flowers, embellishments) you would like on your cake. We also discuss the colors of your wedding, theme, number of guests, location of reception etc.
If you have cake photos that you like, we can use that as inspiration to create your cake. Please browse our extensive portfolio of fantastic cakes and take note of the elements you fancy. We will then incorporate them into a masterpiece of delectable art!

Based on the information we discuss at our consultation, we then work on a sketch that is submitted via email. You can then request changes and new sketches will be submitted. Because all of our cakes are custom designed, we don't have a catalog for you to choose from.

Q.  Do you custom design celebration cakes, such as Retirements, Anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs?

A. Yes, All cakes are completely custom-designed. Please contact us for more information.

Q.  Can I have a different flavor for each tier?

A. Yes, we are glad to customize your cake in every way possible.

Q.  What kind of cake flavors do you offer?

A. We offer a wide range of cake flavors. We also welcome any recipes that you have. Here is a list of some of our popular flavors:

Just Desserts' Original Flavors (Included in Basic Price Quotes):
Vanilla, Chocolate Fudge, Marble, Lemon and Butter Pecan.

Just Desserts' Gourmet Flavors (Available for an Extra Fee):
Almond, Amaretto, Tart Apple, Apricot, Banana, Wild Berry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Boysenberry, Butterscotch, Carrot Cake, Cappuccino/Tiramisu, Caramel, Chai Tea, “Chambord” Black Raspberry, Black Cherry, Grand Orange, Coconut Cream, Cranberry, Crème de Menthe, Dulcé de Leché, Toffee, Gingerbread (Seasonal), Irish Cream, Kalua, Key Lime, Lychee, Macadamia, Mango, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear, Piña Colada, Pineapple, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Red Velvet, & Strawberry.

Q.  How do I choose my flavor or flavors when there is so many choices?

A. Since it is not possible to please every one of your guests, parents, members of the wedding party, etc. the easiest solution is to choose the bride and groom's favorite flavor. After all, this is your day!

Q.  What kind of cake fillings do you offer?

A. We offer a wide range of cake fillings. We also welcome any recipes that you have. Here is a list of some of our popular flavors:

Fresh fruit (Seasonal):
Strawberry, Banana, Kiwi, Pineapple, Guava, Mango, Coconut, Raspberry, Blueberry, Passion Fruit.

Custard:
Bavarian Cream, Macadamia Nut Custard, Coconut Custard, Chocolate Custard, Cappuccino Custard, and Banana Cream.

Fruit Fillings:
Raspberry, Lemonade, Strawberry, Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), Guava, Mango, Blueberry, Cherry, and Pineapple.

Other:
Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Haupia, German Coconut Pecan, Chantilly, Butter Cream, Chocolate Butter Cream, and Cream Cheese.

Q.  What kind of icings do you offer?

A. We offer a wide range of elegant and delicious icings. Here is a list of some of our selections:

White Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, Non-Diary Whipped Topping, Chocolate Non-Dairy Whipped Topping, Ganache, Rolled Fondant, and Marzipan.

Q.  What is fondant?

A. Fondant is a type of sugar dough that is rolled out like pie dough and draped over our buttercream-iced cake and creates a porcelain-smooth finish. Fondant cakes can be crimped on, painted on and piped on with icing and can also be tinted any color. Fondant also keeps the cake moist. Fondant has a sweet taste; some people describe it as tasting like marshmallows. Not all our cakes are covered with fondant, however it is available for an additional fee.

Q.  What are gum paste flowers and how are they made?

A. Gum paste is a type of sugar dough that is rolled very thinly and cut out with special cutters. Each flower petal is then shaped and formed by hand until the desired flower is completed. The flowers are then left to dry for a few days and finished with color dusting. We hand make all of our gumpaste flowers.

Q.   How long does it take to make gumpaste flowers?

A. Gum paste flowers can take as long as a few weeks to a few months to complete depending on the type and amount of sugar flowers needed.

Q.  Can we use fresh flowers on the cake?

A. A cautious yes. Provided that cut stems are not stuck into the cake or that greens that shed their foliage are not used at all, there are safe ways of using fresh flowers on cakes. Remember that the cake will be eaten so cake decorators need to be cautious of the risk of contamination possible from flowers. Consider that flowers are sprayed with pesticides and stored in water containing preservatives. Some flowers and foliage are also toxic and should never be used on food. That said, there are ways for flowers to be used safely so do ask. **IMPORTANT NOTE** Plumeria Flowers are Poisonous and can not be used with food

Q.  Do you provide fresh flowers?

A. If you prefer fresh flowers, we will be happy to work with our florist, to obtain the freshest blooms and greenery to accent your cake. We can add fresh flowers to the cake for an additional fee.

Q.  Can you make cakes using false tiers?

A. If you are not planning to serve your cake as the main dessert, we can use fake tiers made of Styrofoam that are decorated like real cake, with all the same detailed artistry.

Q.  Does the cake have to match any particular element or color scheme?

A. Not necessarily, but since the cake is often displayed as the centerpiece, it may be better to match the flowers or even nicer to take elements from the bride's dress such as lace, pearls, bows, etc. It really comes down to choosing a cake that reflects the overall look and feel of the wedding

Q.  How long can your cakes sit out at a reception site?

A. If your reception is in a hotel where the room is air-conditioned, or a shaded outdoor reception location, the cake can sit out from the time the reception starts until is it time for the cake cutting ceremony.

Although our cakes do keep well in hot weather, the cake should NEVER be left in direct sunlight. Please allow an additional hour for Fondant cakes to allow for evaporation of condensation on the fondant prior to serving.

Q.  Do you decorate cakes made by someone else?

A. This request is most often made in connection with cakes purchased elsewhere, and homemade cakes (such as fruitcakes). Homemade fruitcakes are a very popular European tradition, which we can decorate to fit the style and decor  of your event. We have also been called upon on many occasions to re-decorate a cake from another store, bakery, etc., in order to meet the brides' wedding plans.

Q.  How much cake do I need?

A. The following is intended as a guideline and is based on several factors being taken into consideration. If the cake is the primary dessert or the only sweet, there should be a piece for each guest. Portions for primary dessert may be larger than portions for secondary sweet. If the cake is a secondary sweet because there is additional dessert with the meal, and the cake is offered later, then cater for 50% to 70% of your number of guests. If the cake is being added to a full sweet table (often containing a variety of other cakes) then only one cake is needed. Usually only the bottom tier will be cut into by the bride and groom. Other layers may be fake or if you prefer to have all real cake, they may be allocated to the parents who may be entertaining the next day and would probably enjoy the cake more at that time.

The top tier of the wedding cake is usually not counted in as most couples save it for their first anniversary

Q.  Do you have any delivery/set-up fees?

A. Please see our delivery area map for fees to your area. Set-up is included in the price of cake /delivery.

Q.  What is your delivery area?

A. Our primary delivery area is Maui County. This includes all of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai at an appropriate fee according to location. To view a map of delivery charges please click here. We can make and deliver most cakes worldwide, upon request, please ask our cake consultant for more details.

Q.  Do you provide cake stands to display the cake?

A. Yes, cakes stands (Plate & Pillar, Floating, and more) are provided at a minimal charge. We do however require a deposit for the value of the stand, should it become damaged or missing.

Q.  How much do your cakes cost?

All our cakes are custom-created to coordinate with your very special occasion using the freshest and premium ingredients. We, at Just Desserts, take pride in our artistic and delectable cakes that are often the centerpiece of your event.

We are always conscious of your budget constraints. Your budget will be established at our initial consultation so we can then focus on the creative aspects of your special cake.

Prices vary with your requests and desires. Generally, we recommend allowing for a $4.50 to 6.50 per person charge for a butter-cream, preserve-filled cake with Buttercream decorations.

Rolled Fondant icing, Gum Paste Flowers (which are time consuming to craft) or three-dimensional decorations do add to the cost of your custom cake.

A Rental Deposit is required for the safe return of our Wooden Cake Boards and props, if used.

Keep in mind that setup is absolutely part of our impeccable service to you, at no extra cost. Just Desserts is dedicated to creating the best tasting cakes as well as works of art that you and your guests will rave about for years to come...all at a very competitive rate to suit your budget.

Q.  Do you custom design mini-cakes and centerpiece cakes? How much do they cost?

A. Yes. Mini-cakes and centerpiece cakes are all custom designed. 1-tier Mini-Cakes start at $45 each, 2-tiered mini-cakes start at $55, and 3-tiered mini-cakes start at $65.

Q.   How far in advance should I book my cake?

A. The sooner you book your cake, the better. 30-45 days in advance is recommended, but you can always try to book on shorter notice; if I happen to have an opening I'll accept your order.

Q.  Do you require a deposit? When is the final balance due?

A. We require a deposit of 50% of your total to secure the date and which is applied to the final balance. Payment via Cash, Credit Card or Check is accepted. Final Payment is due no later than 7 days prior to your event

Q.  What is Just Desserts' Cancellation Policy?

A. Cancellations must be made at least 2 Weeks (14 days) prior to the event. A 50% cancellation fee of the final balance will be charged if cancellation is made less than 2 weeks prior to the event.

48 hours prior to the event, order becomes NON-REFUNDABLE.

Specially made or ordered items, such as Gumpaste Flowers, Fresh Flowers, Rice Paper Castles are NON-REFUNDABLE after they are ordered.

Q.  What happens after I have booked Just Desserts to create my cake?

A. After you have placed your order and made your deposit, you will receive a written Invoice or Estimate specifying the kind of cake, filling, and frosting, the number of people it will serve, the design details you have agreed upon, and the delivery date, time, and procedure. This will also include in writing any additional fees or rental charges for stands and staging material.

 
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