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The Artful Caker - Thurles
- 086 260 0868
- Maria Cahill
- mariatheartfulcaker@gmail.com
- Online Shop
- www.theartfulcaker.ie
- Tipperary, Ireland
- Network
ABOUT - Maria Cahill, The Artful Caker
Hello there and welcome to my page!
So, let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself! My love for Sugarcraft started way back in my grandmother's kitchen. I was no more than 4 or 5 years old when she first thought me how to make a rhubarb tart. I have such vivid memories of watching wide eyed as she showed me all the different techniques for sealing the pastries edge. I remember my amazement at how beautiful designs could be created by using a simple knife or fork. I didn't have a name for it, I didn't know what it was but it encompassed my two loves, baking and art. I was fascinated, I was hooked and I yearned to learn more!
However, when the time came to decide on my path in life, the opportunity to spend a year of my degree studying in France was too appealing and I turned my back on all things Cake and Art and instead decided to complete a degree in International Business and French. This in turn eventually led me to a fabulous 14 year career working for Levi Strauss across the UK and Ireland. Where I got to visit some wonderful cities across Europe and gained a wealth of sales, marketing and management experience.
Nevertheless, all good things must come to an end and in 2015, after the birth of my fourth child, I opted to take a career break and spend some much needed time with my little ones! Motherhood re-ignited my passion for baking and opened my eyes to the world of cake art! I developed my techniques by making countless novelty birthday cakes for my kids and numerous wedding cakes for close friends and family members. Many weekends were spent at sugar craft courses and many late nights were spent trawling through you tube tutorials! I was hooked! In January 2019, after a massive kick up the tail end from a wonderful friend, The Artful Caker was born! I am proud to say, that my little business has since flourished into a thriving home cake design studio, where taste, design and service are upheld in equal measure. I am based in the idyllic countryside just outside of Thurles in Co. Tipperary.
The Artful Caker is registered with the Environmental Health Executive of Ireland.
My cakes have also Featured in "ONE FAB DAY".
Your Cake
I believe that every cake should be a reflection of the occasion itself and inspired by the recipient. It is for that reason that I design and bake my cakes on a bespoke basis.
From traditional tiered masterpieces to mouth-watering miniatures, every creation is distinctive in design and truly delicious in taste.
To ensure great tasting cakes every time, I only use the highest quality, fresh, seasonal and Irish (where possible) ingredients.
It is important to me that I only use ingredients that are ethically produced, sustainable and travel the shortest distance possible to my kitchen.
- I only use Bord Bia approved Free Range Eggs and Real Irish Butter.
- All of my buttercreams, curds and fillings are homemade.
- The majority of the ingredients that I use are Irish products, e.g. Flour, Eggs, Milk, Butter.
- I use fine Belgian Chocolate, Madagascan Vanilla Extract and seasonal Irish fruit where possible.
The Process
I have spent countless hours tasting and testing my recipes to create cakes that are moist, delicious and distinctive. All of my fondant covered cakes are coated in a layer of decadent belgian chocolate ganache and then a fine layer of luxury fondant icing for a sleek and flawless finish. I also offer a range of semi-naked and buttercream covered cakes for a more informal style. All of my cake toppers and flowers are handmade using the finest quality modelling paste. My cake and sweet treat menus are a carefully chosen selection of my most popular flavours but I am always happy to tailor flavours to suit your requirements!
***A Note about Allergens***
It is important to note that while I take great care in sourcing high quality products, due to the nature of baking, I use, flour, eggs, sugar, nuts, milk products and a variety of ingredients that may directly or indirectly have come into contact with allergen ingredients in their manufacturing or packaging. It is therefore imperative to keep this in mind and to convey it to your guests in the event that they have allergies to certain ingredients. You will be provided with a list of allergens on your cake box. Most of my cakes contain wheat, eggs and Milk. Some contain nuts. All macarons contain nuts, eggs and Milk products. Please be aware that all products are made in a kitchen which uses nut.
Cookery Classes: It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to inform me if their child is allergic to any of the aforementioned Allergens or any other food product not mentioned above prior to booking a place in one of my classes.
Products and Services
Special Occasion Cakes: I specialize in Wedding, Christening, Communion, Confirmation and very special occasion cakes, and I would be delighted to discuss making your special cake!. I recommend getting in contact as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note that full payment is required before delivery/collection of all special occasion cakes.
Cakes for Kids Collection: I have recently developed a collection of 8 predesigned cakes for kids. This allows me to offer these cakes at an entry level price point without compromising on taste or finish.
Le Faux Gateau: Getting married and not a fan of cake or want to serve your own signature cake but don’t have the time or know how to decorate it? Why not hire one of my pre designed wedding cakes for your photo shoot and then serve your own cake to your guests! My most popular cakes can also be ordered in the form of ‘Sheet cakes’.
Kids Birthday Parties: I offer a unique birthday party experience for the child who loves to create Food Art!
Kids Classes: My kids classes currently run during seasonal times of the year. You can join my mailing list or follow me on facebook and Instagram for updates.
Bespoke Classes: I am always happy to discuss creating bespoke classes for groups of friends, so please feel free to contact me!
Wedding Cakes – The ordering process
Congratulations on your engagement and thank you for considering me to be your wedding cake designer, it would truly be a privilege to be part of your special day! My aim is to create bespoke cakes that are as close to perfect as I can possibly make them. With this in mind I only ever take on a very limited number of wedding cakes each month, thus allowing me to give each creation the time and attention it truly deserves. Please contact me mariathearfulcaker@gmail.com here to check availability and I will be happy to advise on the lead time for booking your cake. A non-refundable deposit of €150 is required to secure your booking, the balance is due 14 days prior to delivery/collection date.
Cake Consultations and Tasting: I generally liaise with clients via email or telephone regarding their cake design. A tasting box of cake samples can be made for collection or delivery. A fee of €25 for a tasting box is charged prior to a deposit being received. I am always very pleased to welcome clients to my cake studio to taste some delicious samples, view my current display cakes and discuss all things wedding!
Private Consultations: I offer private consultations for fondant finished wedding cake orders only as these are the most elaborate and time consuming designs. Appointments are available for up to two people. I would ask that couples bring along as much inspiration as possible regarding the style of their big day, with details such as fabrics, colours, flowers etc. Consultations usually last approx. 45 minutes and are charged at €50. Should you wish to proceed with your booking the consultation fee will be deducted from the cost of your order.
Delivery and Set up
Due to the fragile nature of tiered cakes and the intricacies of set up, most couples prefer that I deliver Their wedding cake to their venue. I like to set up approx. 2/3 hours before your guests are due to arrive. Delivery on the day of your wedding ensures that the cake is not moved or inappropriately stored overnight. If you are providing your own cake stand(s), flowers or any other accessories, these will need to be left at the cake table on the day of delivery - Please ensure to inform your wedding planner! Delivery Fees: Here are some of our delivery prices for the venues we visit most frequently! If your venue is not listed please contact us for a delivery quote.
- The Anner Hotel: Free
- Ashley Park House, Nenagh: €40.00
- Coolbawn Quay, Tipperary: €50.00
- The Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny: €50.00
- Langtons, Kilkenny: €50.00
- Castle Durrow, Laois: €50.00
*Set up charges are not included in above delivery fees: My fixed set up fee is €20, however for very large cake displays and dessert tables, please contact me for an individual quote. These items require longer set-up times, and potentially more than one person to make the delivery.
Collection: Most orders can be collected from our premises at a pre-arranged time. All cakes and treats will be suitably packed but you must take great care when travelling to your venue. In order to transport your cakes you must have adequate space to allow your cake to sit upright (car seats unfortunately won't do!) and your vehicle must also be air- conditioned. Bear in mind that the route to most venues can be tricky! The vibration on country roads and uneven road surfaces can be particularly troublesome, so it is very important to drive slowly. Once your cake and treats have left our premises, we are not liable for any damage they may incur.
Wedding Cakes:Semi-Naked Cakes: There are few things more tasty then a freshly baked sponge cake lathered in buttercream and fresh berries.Example Starting prices are below.1: Small three tier (70 servings): from €300.2: Standard three tier (90/100 servings): from €375.3: Large three tier (120/130 servings): from €420.Buttercream Cakes: A delicious alternative to a traditional fondant cake, finished with a luxurious soft buttercream in a texture of your choice. Fresh or sugar flowers may be added to these cakes.Example Starting prices are below.1: Two tier (60 servings): from €275.2: Small three tier (70 servings): from €350.3: Three tier (120 servings): from €450.Fondant Covered Cakes: Sealed with a layer of fine Belgian Chocolate ganache and finished with a thin layer of luxurious sugar paste. All handmade decorations and intricate detail work is priced individually.Example Starting prices are below.1:Two tier – standard height (60 servings): from €270.2: Small three tier (70 servings): from €450.3: Large three tier (120 servings): from €520.4: Four tier (130 servings): from €600.***Final pricing depends on design chosen***
Special Occasion Cakes
Not just for weddings my beautiful buttercream cakes are a delicious alternative to the traditional fondant cake. They are finished with a luxurious soft buttercream in a texture of your choice.
Cake toppers and iced cake board are extra to the below prices.
- 6" x 4 inch tall, Buttercream Cake: from €55.
- 6" x 6 inch tall, Buttercream Cake: from €65.
- 8" x 4 inch tall, Buttercream Cake from €75.
- 8" x 6 inch tall, Buttercream Cake: from €95.
Our fondant celebration cakes are the perfect sweet addition to any occasion. Sealed with a layer of fine Belgian chocolate ganache, finished with a thin layer of luxurious sugarpaste and adorned with as little or as much detail as you like. All handmade decorations and intricate detail work is priced individually.
Cake toppers and iced cake board are extra to the below prices.
- 6" x 4 inch tall fondant cake: from €70.
- 6" x 6 inch tall fondant cake: from €85.
- 8" x 4 inch tall fondant cake: from €85.
- 8" x 6 inch tall fondant cake: from €110.
CAKE MENURaspberry and White Chocolate Vanilla Sponge: Delicate Vanilla Sponge Cake infused with a rich raspberry conserve and layered with indulgent Belgian white chocolate Buttercream.Belgian Chocolate Caramel Biscuit cake: Delicious Belgian chocolate biscuit cake layered with a caramel nougat pieces.Raspberry cream Almond Sponge: A light, moist almond flavoured sponge, layered with a raspberry conserve and creamy almond buttercream.Red Velvet: Moist Red Velvet Sponge filled with a sumptuous cream cheese filling (buttercream finish only).The Ultimate Chocolate Cake: Rich, moist chocolate cake, layered with a luxurious freeze dried raspberry swiss meringue buttercream.Lemon Drizzle: Zesty Lemon Cake, infused with Lemon Syrup and layered with tangy Lemon Curd and creamy Buttercream filling.SWEET TREAT MENUMacarons: Macarons are perfect as sweet treats accompanying your wedding cake or as guest favours. They can be coloured and flavoured to suit your themeMeringues: Meringues make for an attractive addition to any cake table and are available in a variety of colours, flavours and designsOTHER SWEET TREATS: Cupcakes: vanilla, almond, lemon or chocolate. Cake Pops: vanilla, lemon or chocolate.
Cakes for Kids Collection
My Cakes for Kids Collection comprises of 8 different pre-designed animal face cakes. These cakes are made using the highest quality ingredients, ensuring a great tasting product at an entry price point. The cakes in this collection are only available in my extremely popular Belgian chocolate biscuit cake. Colours and design of the cakes cannot be altered, however it is possible to add a personalised cake board should you wish. The personalised fondant covered cakeboard costs an additional €5.00.
Meet the Collecion - each one is named after a very important little person in my life!
Cara the Moo - €40.00
J Dogg - €40.00
Harry the Horse - €45.00
Sam the Hedgehog - €45.00
Aidan the Bunny - €40.00
Coki the Fox - €45.00
Charlie the Dinosaur - €45.00
Molly the Unicorn - €45.00
Kids Baking and Cake Decorating Classes
At present, Kids Classes are conducted at seasonal times throughout the year. The classes are held at my premises.
Next Classes commence Easter 2020 - See my Facebook & Instagram page for more details
- Cupcake Decorating Class - Suitable for 7 -10 Year olds
- 'Rabbi in a Hole' Cake - Suitable for 10-14 Year olds.
Kids Birthday Party Package
My birthday parties are a great alternative to the 'traditional' bouncy castle party. The kids have great fun, learn new skills and you don't have to worry about making or sourcing a cake! I travel to your home and provide a pre-made Belgian chewy chocolate biscuit cake which is ganached and ready to be iced (you can choose a cake design from my Cakes for Kids Collection). I also provide 24 cupcakes, pre-coloured fondant and homemade buttercream. The children will learn how to cover a cake board with fondant and stamp on a greeting. They will cover a the cake with fondant, make fondant decorations for the cake and cupcakes, colour the buttercream in their chosen colours and learn how to pipe swirls onto the cupcakes. I will provide individual cupcake boxes which means that the cupcakes can be used as their party bag when leaving. This party lasts 2.5hrs and costs €250 (maybe subject to a travel cost). ***Parties can be tailored to suit the individual***
The Artful Caker is Registered and Approved by the HSE to conduct classes on site and also in unspecified locations. The same applies for Children's birthday party packages.
The Artful Caker - Thurles
Tipperary,Driving Directions
