cake-first-then-cardio-mcpoe

Common Mistakes Pt. 3

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:11:01 GMT

YET ANOTHER P.S.A!

What the heck is a serving size anyway?

For the record, the cake to the right is NOT cut correctly. When cakes are cut that way, I can absolutely see how you could only get maybe 12 slices out of it. As mentioned in our "Don't give up on your New Year's Resolutions" post, dessert is not the star of the meal. When we "save a little room for dessert," a few bites will do, not 1/12th of this massive cake. That's WAY too much!! ��

We do our best here to clarify with our customers if they would truly like to commit to a 10 inch double layer or if we need to adjust it so they aren't getting an unnecessary 32 servings. We realize this is something that needs a better visual so to clear the air, let's check out the diagrams below.

This is one option amongst others but is definitely our preferred method.

** Serving dimensions for parties are generally 2x2 inch squares/triangles whereas wedding servings are 1x2 inch rectangles/triangles.**

Step 1:

You'll need a cutting board or big plate to lay the cake down once the first cut is made... because gravity. We'll label that cut #1. Let's call these top view cuts horizontal cuts.

Have your cutting board against the outside of your cake to catch that big slice!

For 4 inch layer cakes, this will be the only horizontal cut.

Step 2:

With the big slice now laying on its side, we can now get pieces out of it with vertical cuts #2 and #3. Depending on the size of cake, you may get more than just 2 vertical cuts here.

If you have a double layer cake, you would move on to the next horizontal cut in the Remaining Steps below.

Step 3:

For a triple layer cake, cut through the middle layer as in cut #4.

Step 4:

For quadruple layer cakes, there will most likely be a cake board between the second and third layers .

Jump to the Remaining Steps and cut the top two layers like it's a double layer cake all the way through. Take off the cake board and do it again with the bottom two layers.

NOTE: Skewers were used in the bottom layers to hold up the top two layers. Take them out as you go.

Remaining Steps:

On to the next horizontal cut. Get that cutting board ready to catch this even bigger slice!

Depending on your cake's size, you may need to cut more or less horizontal cuts. Refer to the serving dimensions above!**

This one may be wide enough to get another vertical cut in it. If not, the next horizontal cut will be for sure.

Remember to cut through the second layer if you have a triple layer cake as shown in step 3!

Keep going!

Once you get to the last 2 horizontal cuts, gravity will be your enemy. Either catch the second to last big slice and let the final slice fall on the cake board, hope that it stays upright, get another set of hands, or YOLO.

Of course cake is delicious, no one should resist a bite in our humble opinion but we also shouldn't let our eyes be bigger than our tummies. Customers are frequently surprised to see just how many servings they can get out of a smaller cake! Without doing any research so take this slice of information as you wish, since we make our cakes and frostings from scratch, there isn't that need for a second piece. The fairies at cake factories other bakeries get their frozen cakes from sprinkle you-should-eat-more-cake dust in their batter so you feel the need for that next serving. With cake made from scratch with love, you can literally taste the care put into every recipe, which is where the extra rich flavor comes from.

Have a bite and you'll get a mouthful of flavor and satisfaction in your tummy so you don't feel like taking in more empty calories. It's like a toilet paper comparison. 12 thick quilted rolls=24 regular 2-ply rolls (apologies for any 2020 TP-PTSD). When you order cake online, we have taken the guess work out for you. Pay attention to the information that pops up once you select you size and layer; it tells you a range of servings that cake will do! Your custom cakes are easier to order than ever. From personalized birthday cakes, wedding cakes, retirement cakes, and graduation cakes, we are always excited to be a small part of your celebration.

Common Mistakes Pt. 2

cakefirst.thencardio@gmail.com (Paige Reineke) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:33:17 GMT

THIS IS ANOTHER P.S.A!

How tall do you want your cake?

In this cake picture here, how would you describe its height? If you thought it would have to be 2 layers, that's a start! It's a very common mistake that the words "layers" and "tiers" get mixed up, but let the record show they are far from interchangeable.

Think of a sandwich. You have your two pieces of bread. On one slice you spread crunchy peanut butter on it. And if you're someone who thinks creamy is better because you can't spread crunchy, you would be absolutely incorrect. Where there is a will, there is a way and my will is to have a mouth feel more than just mushy. But I digress, you put the other piece of bread on top and BOOM. A culinary masterpiece. That sandwich is like a two LAYER cake. You have the two pieces of bread acting as "cake layers" of the same size with the "peanut butter" filling between. Of course we would all rather have jelly on there, too, but for the illustration you are welcome to be irritated at me for both using crunchy peanut butter and forgoing the jelly. What flavor of jelly are you going with, or are you like me and prefer using blueberries instead? Or do you not like peanut butter? If that's you, this has been unpleasant since the third sentence. You're also incorrect but.....

MOVING ON!

Let's say you make another peanut butter sandwich and cut a good amount of the crust off. Take that sammy and stack it on the full size one. Now you have a totally unnecessary two TIER sandwich. Though a meal for a 13-year-old at best, the different sizes should be a good visual to stick in your mind and not just to the roof of your mouth.

To answer the question, that cake is a two tier cake with a 6 inch double layer on bottom, 4 inch double layer on top. At your bakery in Ames/Nevada, Iowa, we will always ensure you're getting the right amount of cake for whatever your special occasion may be, especially for those "wedding cakes near me."

This leads me to my next necessary PSA...More to come!

Common Mistakes Pt. 1

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:16:16 GMT

THIS IS A P.S.A!!

There are certain words in the bakery world that are commonly mixed up and I'm here to right the wrongs! I am now committed to educating as many people as I can on the differences between these words that are typically in need of clarification.

Let's chat about the first VERY commonly mistaken word. It has a very interesting history bouncing from Italian to French pronunciations and is understandably confusing as some bakeries use this word and another interchangeably.

POP QUIZ! What are these cookies to the right called? Don't cheat by looking at the next paragraph!!!

If you said macaroons, you'd be in the majority of those who commonly get this incorrect, depending on which bakery you're talking to. Even Google has it confused!!! �� Macaroons are entirely different cookies and are rarely used for decor on cakes (also not offered at this bakery). They are a denser, chewier cookie with a more uneven appearance. With the biggest difference being they are made primarily from shredded coconut, they are frequently dipped in chocolate.

Those cookies are called maca rons ! Think French! These are very commonly used for decor or stand very well on their own. They are typically uniform in appearance, sandwiched-like with buttercream or jam in the middle, airy and chewy at the same time; pure enjoyment. I have had several people order "macaroons" for decor on their cakes. I always reach out to make sure they meant macarons. 100% of the time, they meant macarons.

Because these 2 cookies are VERY different from one another, it should be crucial to differentiate them so that you don't get a coconut imposter! If this issue is as important to you as it is for me, sign the petitio- just kidding. Search the history of the words and you'll see some conflicting information. But here, we set the record straight at your Nevada and delivered Ames bakery!

Rant will continue with part 2. Stay tuned.

What's the point of Valentine's Day?

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 20:24:02 GMT

I'm not one for mush, but I am all for the Valentine's cards.

The reason for Valentine's Day has always escaped me. Because of this one competition in grade school, it's always been about how big of a Valentine's Day box I can make. If my memory serves me correctly, I peaked in 5th or 6th grade. Without reason to create another masterpiece, I get to think about this one every year and wonder.... did I tie for 1st place in my class, or did my classmate cheat? Let's reassess the situation.

It wasn't just assumed every kid would have a Valentine's Day box in class with a bunch of cards to hand out. You were the odd one out if you didn't have one or the other. Or worse... neither. As if that's not enough weight on our shoulders, our teacher layered it with a competition! Now, I'm not super competitive but when it's in my wheelhouse, I don't just go big. I ensure a win.

My task to win was to tape the most amount of paper hearts on my Valentine's box. At that age I had nothing but time to blow my competition out of the water. My very first thought was to make a big enough box to fit all the hearts on it. That wasn't good enough. A plain box is lame and overdone. What did I do instead? I gathered enough boxes and tape to create a dog out of cardboard. This thing was HUGE. I could barely get it on the bus! It was the perfect surface area for cramming as many hearts on it as I could. There was surely no way anyone would be able to beat me!

I walk into class with my giant Valentine's dog under my right arm, pride in my heart, and focus in my eyes. I scanned my competition and spotted one classmate that could possibly be a contender... Sarah. �� Surely, she wouldn't be a match with her shoebox sized receptor of cards! Talking myself out of potentially losing this battle I prepped so hard for, my heart started pounding as the nausea settled in. The temptation to stick another heart on my dog was fierce but I staved off that urge to play fair. Mama didn't raise no cheater. She raised a clever girl.

When I was done taping my 1,000 hearts to my dog the night before, I ran up from the basement to present it to my mom. With too much pride and not enough wisdom, I told her how many hearts were on there with a smile on my face. My mom, that clever lady, told me to tape just one last heart on it. And make it an uncomfortable 1,001?? The gears started turning and I understood her suggestion. With The Price Is Right strategy in mind, that final heart was taped and that number will catapult me to the top.

Pride can be an ugly thing, folks. I bragged a little too much about my clever strategy my mother employed. Who would ever think of doing 1,001? I'm here to tell you of my misfortune. It is upon my suspicion that Sarah overheard me and relayed to our teacher that she also had 1,001 hearts on her box. After all, who's going to count?

Disappointment in my heart, the wind was sucked from my sails and I had to face the music that I would have to share first place with my suspected cheater of a classmate. I couldn't tell you what the prize was or if it were just bragging rights but I can tell you that I think of this story EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. Not because I felt cheated or because I didn't have full rights to bragging, but it rather revealed my character. I was an honest kid that needed to be humbled.

So, what does Valentine's Day mean to me? A killer Valentine's Day Dog with 1,001 hearts taped to it that was never photographed, a meaningless competition, a choice to stay honest, and how to be humble. A silly story that I appreciate because it highlighted a good life lesson.

But now with a bakery, I do have to say Valentine's Day can be celebrated with your delivered bakery in Ames, Iowa or pick up bakery in Nevada, Iowa. With an overflow of love to share, you can ask yourself, "do any other bakeries near me have love as a base ingredient?" Answer: I could say no, but that's not a humble statement. ❤️

Don't give up on your New Year's Resolutions!!

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:37:52 GMT

Unfortunately, there’s no way to outrun a bad diet. Though our bakery name suggests that cardio can cover up a cake test turned into a feast, we have to understand what a dessert serving is.

It never fails, when we are ordering a cake and get asked “how many servings do you need,” we haven’t the foggiest clue. Then you’re recommended a 6 inch double layer for your 10 guests. How is that going to supply that many servings?? Have you ever been asked if you saved a little room for dessert from your server after a big meal out? Contrary to my belief, dessert is not the star of the meal. Getting your proper nutrients with the main course is the star! Then you can fill that “little room" with a well-deserved LITTLE piece of dessert. (Hang in there, we’re almost to the resolution part.)

American servings are skewed, we know this. It’s even more skewed with cake servings. Party servings hover around 1.5” x 2”. SO, upon ordering your own cake, think about the servings you need, not want. We’ll stay away from overindulging. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for leftovers but they aren’t necessary (��). If you do end up with leftovers and are a member of the clean plate club, that mentality ends here! Luckily enough, here at your local bakery in Nevada and friendly bakery "on wheels" in Ames, Iowa, we've got your back. Upon ordering, when you select a size and layer option, you'll see how many servings that size does. No more guessing!!

Now, the ever-popular "lose weight" resolution. ��

Aside from keeping track of your macronutrients, the best way to start a better, healthier diet is to track your calories . There are several apps out there that can help you do that! I’ve used MyFitnessPal in the past and it was a real eye opener!! Noom is also fabulous at a small price where understanding a healthy lifestyle is far more helpful than a crash diet. (Not sponsored) There are endless apps. Find the tool that works best for you!!

Daily caloric intake will be wildly different from person to person. To get your intake far more personalized, you may need to get a body scan to truly understand how many calories you need in a day. Those will come at a cost but will REALLY put a balanced diet into perspective.

In my attempt to not overload, here's a little checklist to keep you going.

Make a list
Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly
Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself (with that small piece of cake)
When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively
Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Best of luck on your New Year’s Resolutions. Keep yourself accountable, maybe even have a family member or friend help you out!

Heck, I'll keep you accountable simply by asking, "how many cake servings do you need?" Another "bakery near me" won't be keeping that in mind for you. ��

Piping Tips

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 18:37:52 GMT

Piping can be tricky. A couple ways you can assure your frosting doesn’t go oozing out the wrong end, seal it up!

Whether you're decorating for the holidays, a birthday or a combination of the 2, let's get you on track to pipe like a pro!

Beginners!

Use a twist tie, snap bag clip, or rubber band to tie up the back end of the bag.

Roll the end of the bag and clip it with a chip bag clip. A little clumsier so not recommended for little hands.

Feeling like a pro?

Use your index finger and thumb to seal off the back.

Starting at your middle finger, squeeze down the bag.

The more frosting used the more pressure you’ll need from your ring and pinky fingies!

Bingo bango, look at you go! Reminiscent of chop sticks for sure.

No matter which piping technique you choose, make sure to get the sprinkles on within about 5 minutes. The frosting stays sticky in that time.

Beyond 5 minutes the frosting will set and those cute decorations will bounce right off and you get to take out the broom. I speak from multiple experiences. ��

If it is a little too late you can always smoosh the sprinkles on top with the sprinkles in hand OR if frosting a cookie, flip it with the frosting side down and dip it in! There’s always another unique look waiting to be discovered!

Show off your skills!

Whatever you make, post your pictures on Instagram! Use #cakefirstthencardio and let your fabulous creations shine. ❤️ Let us know what technique you used!

Wedding Planning

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 18:37:52 GMT

I've got wedding on my brain... and I will until my big day!

He popped the question!!! And now everyday is full of "what else can I do today to plan for our wedding?"

As many of you already know, weddings are EXPENSIVE!!!! That reality didn't hit me until we started looking for a venue. My goodness, did we have sticker shock but it certainly doesn't stop there. With our budget increasing, we've been finding areas to cut costs.

My first thought: I will NOT be the one making my own wedding cake! Then my second thought: I can help us save by making our wedding cake but outsourcing other goodies. Third thought: I'll have time, I'll be making our cake and other goodies. At first it would seem like a very challenging and slightly stupid decision but hey, I've never claimed to be a genius! This did get me thinking about current wedding cake trends and what I've noticed with brides ordering through our bakery in the Ames area.

Observation #1: Variety of goodies with a small cake for us to cut
More times than not I have brides ordering a smaller, simpler yet elegant cake. They order other goodies as necessary which is and excellent to provide more variety AND get those gluten free cupcakes out for your bridesmaid and her kids with an intolerance. As for me, I want the flavor gauntlet. Cookies, brownies, blondies, rice crispy bars, scotcharoos for our Midwest guests, and vegan cupcakes for the few vegan guests.

Observation #2: Reallocating decoration time
Though baking takes a good chunk of time, I get to save some by not decorating the variety of items that don't require it. That extra time will be going to the cake! A bakery owner simply cannot have a simple cake for her own wedding. Time to break out the dummy cakes to make it an over-the-top phenomenal tiered cake!

What the heck does this have to do with you?

These aren't just tricks for a wedding but for any big event you may have. Need special occasion examples? Click here ! It may save you some cash and allow you to provide those dairy free or egg free items for those few guests to let them know you thought of them. In the case of weddings, you can still have that extravagant tiered cake without having too many leftover pieces by utilizing dummy cakes (styrofoam tiers for the biggest tiers).

Brides!!!

As I've heard a thousand times at this point, it's your day, you do not have to follow trends or traditions if you don't want to. I thought it would be annoying hearing people say that all the time but it's actually a good reminder. It's also encouraging to hear it when I'm stressing about a traditional detail.

You want those custom floral cupcakes for weddings in Iowa instead of a cake, we got you! How about a gluten free cookie cake for you and decorated cookies for your bridal party? Maybe everyone a rice crispy bar fan! But who isn't, honestly? Whatever you choose, us brides are in the driver's seat with our fiances. You make your pick and I'll be here able to recommend any combination of ideas you have to make your reception that much sweeter on your big day. Trust me, I've gone through every scenario at this point so I have ideas to share!