Avid readers of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper’s Restaurant Spotlight section know that typically I focus on main courses; oftentimes sample appetizers; and rarely leave room for dessert. After all, cake is cake and cookies are cookies, right?
Recently, I decided to focus on the end of the meal and discovered all sweets aren’t equal.
I stumbled upon the Cake Bake Shop in my normal fashion and filed it away in my mental Rolodex for a prime time. That moment arrived recently as I craved something delectably sweet and delicious. I headed to the Broad Ripple eatery and my life was literally changed.
I was taken aback by how incredibly beautiful, chic and girly Cake Bake Shop was aesthetically. Its like Cake Bake Shop owner Gwendolyn Rogers brought to life my childhood dream of being dressed to the nines enjoying “tea and sweets” in a lavishly feminine sweet shop. The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous!
I noticed Rogers had a signed “thank you” letter framed on the wall from my favorite TV cook, Ina Garten. I’ve been fooled before by snazzy restaurants that offer substandard fare, but Cake Bake Shop is so breathtaking, I didn’t even think about whether the desserts would please my palate.
I knew I needed “real food,” so I ordered the ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich. The Cake Bake Shop offers one type of soup, sandwich and salad per day. I understand why – their desserts are the star of the show.
Though the eatery offers a wide selection of cakes, pies, cakeletts and desserts, diners can choose desserts artfully showcased in a display case for that day. I love a good piece of cake, but thought a slice of four-layered chocolate cake was a bit much for my first time. The Key lime pie, chocolate eclairs and various flavors of cobbler looked good too, but their various bars were calling my name.
With my nose practically smashed against the display case, I almost ordered a lemon bar, until my gaze stopped at the “Magic Bar.” I thought I’d be adventuorous and order it without asking what was within the pastry. I also ordered a rice crispie treat for my husband to enjoy later that evening.
I did pause at the total. “$23! This better be worth it.” It was. The sandwich was about $12, but was the best ham and cheese sandwich I had ever eaten. The ham was of the utmost quality and the Gruyere cheese brought perfect balance. It came with dressed arugula and a Dijon/horseradish sauce that combined on my baguette, was delicious.
Now, on to what I came to the Cake Bake Shop for. I took a bite of the “Magic Bar” (about $5) and my eyes rolled to the back of my head. The bar consisted of a graham cracker crust and the filling had a super rich chocolate and cream stuffing topped with a thick coconut concoction on top. It was so rich, I could only take a few bites at a time. I finished it the next morning with a cup of coffee.
My husband devoured his rice crispie treat ($4). Next time, I just might get him a brownie.
There are many bakeries in Indianapolis, but I really think Cake Bake Shop could easily become the Circle City’s No. 1 spot for sweets. It’s just so sinfully good. When you consider their wide selection of desserts; stunning décor; and other services, such as wedding cakes and high tea, you’ll find the Cake Bake Shop is the total package.
The Cake Bake Shop is absolutely my new go-to place for sweets.
Cake Bake Shop
6515 Carrollton Ave.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46220
(317) 257-CAKE
Hours
Mon. – Wed.: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thurs. – Sat.: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.