If you’ve never ordered a custom cake before, the process might feel a little mysterious. How far in advance do you need to order? What information do I need to have ready? How does payment work?
At Marcia’s MicroBakery, ordering a custom cake should feel easy and personal — not stressful. Here’s exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1: Custom Cakes in Beachwood NJ
The process starts with a message. You can contact Marcia’s MicroBakery through the website order form or by phone. No need to have every detail figured out yet — just share the basics:
- What’s the occasion? (Birthday, wedding, baby shower, retirement, etc.)
- Approximate date needed
- How many people you need to serve
- Any design ideas, colors, or themes you have in mind
If you have inspiration photos — from Pinterest, Instagram, or anywhere else — send those along. They’re incredibly helpful for capturing the style you’re going for.
Don’t have a design in mind yet? That’s fine too. Marcia can help guide you toward something that fits your occasion, your style, and your budget.
Step 2: The Quote
Once Marcia has your details, she’ll put together a quote. This covers:
- Cake size and number of servings
- Flavor (cake and filling)
- Design description
- Total price
- Deposit amount required to hold your date (if applicable)
Most custom cakes at Marcia’s MicroBakery start at $60. Pricing varies based on size, complexity of design, and any specialty elements (fondant figures, hand-painted details, sugar flowers, etc.).
You’ll receive a clear written quote so everything is confirmed before any work begins.
Step 3: Confirm With a Deposit
Once you approve the quote, a deposit (might be -based on the amount) required to reserve your date. This deposit goes toward the total cost of your cake and confirms your spot on the baking calendar.
Marcia takes a limited number of orders each week to make sure every cake gets the time and attention it deserves. Dates fill up quickly — especially around major holidays, graduation season, and summer weddings. Booking early is always a good idea.
Step 4: The Details Are Locked In
With your deposit received and date confirmed, the design details are set. At this stage, you’ll have agreed on:
- Flavor of cake layers and filling
- Frosting type (buttercream, fondant, or a combination)
- Colors and design elements
- Any personalization (names, ages, special messages)
- Pickup date, time, and location
Changes to the design after this point can usually be accommodated if they’re minor — just reach out as early as possible.
Step 5: Marcia Bakes Your Cake
Every cake at Marcia’s MicroBakery is made fresh, from scratch, using real ingredients. No box mixes. No premade frosting from a tub.
Baking typically begins 1 to 2 days before your pickup date so the cake is fresh when you receive it. Decorating is completed the day before or the morning of pickup, depending on the design complexity.
For cakes with intricate fondant work, sugar flowers, or multi-day decorating elements, work may begin earlier.
Step 6: Pickup
Marcia’s MicroBakery is a licensed home bakery in Beachwood, NJ. Pickup is available at the bakery location by appointment — your pickup time is confirmed when you book your order.
The remaining balance is due at pickup. Please handle your cake carefully on the drive home — keep it level, on a flat surface, away from direct sun, and in an air-conditioned vehicle on warm days.
Flavors Available
Marcia’s MicroBakery offers a rotating selection of cake flavors and fillings. Popular choices include:
Cake flavors: Classic vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, funfetti, carrot, and seasonal specials.
Fillings: Vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, strawberry buttercream, lemon curd, Nutella, cookies and cream, and more.
Have a specific flavor in mind that isn’t listed? Ask — Marcia is happy to discuss custom flavor requests.
Serving Size Guide
Not sure what size cake you need? Here’s a general guide:
- 6-inch round (2 layers): 8 to 10 servings
- 8-inch round (2 layers): 12 to 16 servings
- 10-inch round (2 layers): 20 to 25 servings
- 9×13 sheet cake: 20 to 24 servings
- 2-tier cake (6 and 8 inch): 20 to 30 servings
For events where you’re also serving other food or desserts, you can generally plan for the smaller end of the range. For cake-only dessert situations, plan for the higher end.
How Far in Advance Should You Order?
For most custom cakes, booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance is ideal.
For weddings, milestone birthdays, and holidays: 4 to 6 weeks in advance is strongly recommended. These dates fill up fast.
For large or extremely detailed designs: reach out as early as possible to discuss availability.
Last-minute orders (1 week or less) may be available depending on the current calendar — it never hurts to ask.
A Note on the Bakery
Marcia’s MicroBakery operates as a licensed cottage food business in New Jersey. Products are made in a home kitchen that is registered with the Ocean County Health Department.
All products are made in a kitchen that also handles common allergens including gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you have severe allergies, please discuss this when placing your order.
Ready to Order?
If you’re ready to get started, reach out through the contact form on this website. She loves hearing about your occasion and bringing your cake vision to life.
Marcia’s MicroBakery has been serving Ocean County families for over 17 years. Every cake is made with care, from scratch, just for you.
