How Many Flavors Do You Offer?

Business By Smckinney07 Updated 15 Aug 2013 , 11:00pm by rychevamp

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Smckinney07 Posted 4 Aug 2013 , 12:09am
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AI'm working on my new website, for a while now. I have it setup with cake flavors, frostings, fillings, then popular combinations. As well as a separate page for cupcake flavors and combos. I'm just worried its gotten a bit out of control.

I probably have 5/6 cake flavors that get ordered (regularly anyway) which is why I've thought about adding the additional combos. I'm not getting complaints, I would just like to offer more gourmet options.

I'm curious how others have their menu set up.

23 replies
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as you wish Posted 4 Aug 2013 , 1:40am
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AI used to offer a lot of flavours, but it seemed like people almost always ordered the same few. Then I didn't like it when people ordered the ones that were more rarely ordered because I didn't have the ingredients on hand and it just became a pain in the neck. So, I pared down my listed options but put a "If you would like a flavour you don't see here just ask!" bit on there. Now when people want something different I might charge a bit more for it and they will get to feel like they have something quite special.

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Smckinney07 Posted 8 Aug 2013 , 8:18pm
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AThank you for your response, I haven't been on for a few days but I appreciate it. That's what I was planning on doing, keeping things on hand that I end up wasting just isn't helping my inventory. Some of the flavors are seasonal, and I have a 'Just ask' line. I'm over thinking so many of the little things, I just need to be done with it! Just curious what other people offered.

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sabrinassweets Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 6:12am
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This is our selection, people LOVE it!!!

 

Cake Flavors

Apple Spice, Banana, Butter, Carrot, Coconut, Chocolate,

 Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Strawberry, White Almond

 

Cake Fillings

Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Caramel, Chocolate, Cherry,

Coconut, Cream Cheese, Key Lime, Lemon, Marionberry, Mocha, Orange, Peach, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry, Vanilla Custard

 

Gourmet Cake Flavors ($1 more per serving) & suggested fillings

Amaretto Cake filled with Chocolate Mousse

Cappuccino Chocolate Cake filled with Chocolate Truffle
Chai Spiced Latte Cake filled with Apple & Cheesecake

French Vanilla Cake filled with Chocolate Ganache

Green Tea cake filled with Bavarian Cream

Honey Lavender Cake filled with Lemon Mousse

Italian Crème filled with Cream Cheese

Peaches ‘n’ Cream Cake filled with White Chocolate Truffle & Peach

Pink Lemonade Cake filled with Fresh Strawberries
Pink or Red Velvet Cake filled with Cheesecake & Raspberry

Rainbow Cake (six colored layers of vanilla cake) filled with White Chocolate Mousse

Tiramisu Cake filled with Chocolate Ganache & Mascarpone

White Chocolate Cake filled with Chocolate Ganache & Raspberry

 

Gourmet Cake Filling ($0.75 more per serving)

Bavarian Cream, Cheesecake, Fresh Berries, Lemon Mousse,

Mascarpone, Orange Mousse, Raspberry Mousse, Strawberry Mousse,

White or Dark Chocolate Ganache, White or Dark Chocolate Mousse,

White or Dark Chocolate Truffle

 

 

* We can custom create any flavor combination*

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mcaulir Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 6:44am
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^Man, I want to come and buy things from you!

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BatterUpCake Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 10:19am
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If you don't have an Orange Dreamsicle cake on your list definitely get it! That is my customer's favorite by far. If you bake from scratch use "a better scratch white cake" recipe. Replace the water with 1/2 orange soda and 1/2 vanilla coffee creamer. I put dried orange zest in mine and orange extract too.

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AHTCakes Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 12:35pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BatterUpCake 

If you don't have an Orange Dreamsicle cake on your list definitely get it! That is my customer's favorite by far. If you bake from scratch use "a better scratch white cake" recipe. Replace the water with 1/2 orange soda and 1/2 vanilla coffee creamer. I put dried orange zest in mine and orange extract too.

I have an Orange Creamsicle and NO ONE wants it, lol. However your recipe sounds amazing and I think I am going to try it!! 

 

My biggest seller is the Almond Raspberry. 

 

I keep mine fairly simple on the website. I have a dozen "Elite" cupcake flavors that I offer and I tell customers that I can turn any of these flavors in to a cake for an additional fee. If they ask for something I don't have listed, I tell them I am willing to do it (again with an additional fee) but can not guarantee it because I don't feel I have perfected the recipe yet. In other words, don't hold me liable if it sucks. ;) 

 

My biggest competition only offers 3 flavors and refuses to change a recipe. My second biggest competition offers over 50, but the website is soooo complicated I can't understand exactly what they offer. 

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BatterUpCake Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 12:39pm
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I actually use the Wasc version. But this one will work. Leave out the Almond though. If you are OK with using a doctored box mix then buy the Orange cake instead of white, following the WASC recipe with the same modifications mentioned earlier in my first post. I serve mine with SMBC flavored with Lorann Princess emulsion. The combination is amazing.

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CakeRae80 Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 3:16pm
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AI have 9 different flavors and then 4 that are sugar free for my cakes. I offer 3 additional flavors for my cupcakes. 12 different filling flavors, and 8 different "icings" including buttercream. Most people only want yellow or chocolate though lol.

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kaylawaylalayla Posted 9 Aug 2013 , 11:45pm
post #10 of 24

ASabrinassweets, what's the difference between the chocolate standard filling and the chocolate ganache?

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sabrinassweets Posted 13 Aug 2013 , 8:31pm
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kaylawaylalayla, the standard choco fill is my buttercream with cocoa powder mixed in.. Choco ganache fill is whole cream, choco chips, etc... The gourmet flavors all have either more ingredients, or take more time to make :)

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AZCouture Posted 13 Aug 2013 , 8:41pm
post #12 of 24

I'm lazy, I don't list flavors. But like someone else mentioned, there's a few that pretty much get ordered every time. When asked what they can choose for their flavors, I ask them what they like instead. From their answers, I make suggestions as to cake and filling options. My offerings are pretty standard, but I use good rich ingredients, and fresh fruits when possible.

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Smckinney07 Posted 13 Aug 2013 , 9:40pm
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AThanks for all the replies! BatterUp-I love the Orange Dreamsicle cake, I haven't tried the Princess flavoring yet though-I know it's pretty popular.

AHT-That's my problem, I'm worried I'm making it too complicated. I'm just switching sites, my fiance bought me a subscription to IPage so I'm just trying to figure everything out. I'm definitely making it more complicated then it needs to be! When I'm done I'll post a link and let you guys tell me what you think. He keeps telling me how important web presence is but I don't think he meant worrying about my flavor list ;)

Sabrina-yours is lovely, very similar to what I have now. I'm also putting together pamphlets for my next Bridal Show but it won't fit on a standard menu type pamphlet. With my other info.

AZ-you might have the right idea. I've been ordering wonderful extracts from Spices Etc., vanilla flavored cinnamon and chocolate from this place called Cajun Powder (it's fantastic if anyone's interested), etc. I've noticed such a difference in my baking (and so have my customers!) since I switched to a higher quality of ingredients.

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bakerliz Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 2:16pm
post #14 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by BatterUpCake 

I actually use the Wasc version. But this one will work. Leave out the Almond though. If you are OK with using a doctored box mix then buy the Orange cake instead of white, following the WASC recipe with the same modifications mentioned earlier in my first post. I serve mine with SMBC flavored with Lorann Princess emulsion. The combination is amazing.

I've been looking for a dreamsicle recipe and I use a WASC base also. Your recipe sounds delicious! Do you have to make any other modifications to accommodate for the added sugar in the liquids?

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BatterUpCake Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 2:51pm
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No and it is actually MacsMom's recipe http://www.wilton.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=146609 She does not care if people use her recipe but she would like it if you give her credit if you use it on your website....When I make it the sides do come out crumbly but it is delicious  enough to compensate.  

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ddaigle Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 3:04pm
post #16 of 24

Here's my menu on my website:   www.anotherpieceofcake.com

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bakerliz Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 8:35pm
post #17 of 24

Great! Thanks BatterUp icon_smile.gif

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BatterUpCake Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 9:29pm
post #18 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddaigle 

Here's my menu on my website:   www.anotherpieceofcake.com

Doberge?

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ddaigle Posted 14 Aug 2013 , 10:34pm
post #19 of 24

BatterUp...Doberge cakes are a New Orleans thing...6-8 layers.

 

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bakerliz Posted 15 Aug 2013 , 12:18am
post #20 of 24

Thanks! Now I just have to find orange cake mix icon_confused.gif

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BatterUpCake Posted 15 Aug 2013 , 12:31am
post #21 of 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddaigle 

BatterUp...Doberge cakes are a New Orleans thing...6-8 layers.

 

I could eat that. Has to be better than the king cakes. Who wants to bite into a plastic baby?

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Smckinney07 Posted 15 Aug 2013 , 2:04pm
post #22 of 24

ADDaigle, your broken egg cupcakes are probably one of my favorite 'food' cupcakes-very impressive!

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ddaigle Posted 15 Aug 2013 , 7:40pm
post #23 of 24

BatterMeUp..I'd rather have a king cake...cream cheese & blueberry than a doberge any day.   The layers are so thin on a doberge that the pudding soaks in and to me makes a soggy cake.   You either love them ..or hate them.    I have bit in to a few plastic babies too! 

 

Thanks Smckinney.   I got them from this book.  Tons of cool stuff in it to make.

What's New, Cupcake?: Ingeniously Simple Designs for Every Occasion (Paperback)

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rychevamp Posted 15 Aug 2013 , 11:00pm
post #24 of 24

Since I work in a busy restaurant, and have to keep 10 ice creams going, plus the dessert menu, I wasn't going to go crazy in cake choices. I offer 8 flavor combinations, and those are available as tastings.  They can choose between 2 different chocolate combinations, red velvet, carrot, coconut/passion fruit, lemon, white chocolate and almond.  They can choose two flavors per wedding cake.  

If someone wants an all white cake, that is fine as well.  And I've been asked to make a different filling for a couple of cakes, and that's OK too. But, I couldn't have them mixing and matching themselves.  Would have made me crazy.

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