Carey Ann Taylor is a baker and blogger in Mecklenburg County. A staple of the North Carolina culinary community, she has spent over twenty years crafting delectable sweets for all occasions, but it is wedding cakes that have really created her reputation. Customers are always pleased with the level of care that Ms. Taylor takes, crafting aesthetically stunning cakes that also resonate with each couples’ specific love story or theme.
Ms. Taylor originally began baking while raising her children in the 90’s. Her recipe column in a local community newsletter quickly became popular, and since moving the operation onto the internet, she has gained a following in many different parts of the country for her reviews and baking tips.
How long have you been in the baking business?
I’ve been baking for over 20 years. I started as many moms do, I had my daughter and needed to work from home so I could be with her. I took classes and private courses to gain knowledge. But the most important part was getting hands-on experience in the kitchen—trial and error was a big part of my early days. Within six months though I was taking orders and before long, was busy designing, and delivering cakes.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere. It can be anything from clothing stores, home decorating stores, magazines, blogs and even, people.
What are your top tips for working with cake stencils?
Icing consistency is everything. It needs to be stiff, like nut butter.
What are your essential tools for cake decorating?
A sharp knife, fondant sheeter, and a frilling tool.
You’re well known for your wedding cakes – what do you think makes an exquisite wedding cake design?
The cake needs to reflect the couple. I like to sit down with them over cake and coffee and get to know their story, both past, and present. It helps me to individualize the cake, instead of just following a picture. It makes the experience so much more meaningful because I really get to know them.
What’s the most unusual cake design you’ve been asked to create for a client?
I have one cake that always stands out! A three-tier zebra print cake with bright blue bows in the middle of each tier for a wedding. The couple owned a zebra farm and had a baby boy on the way so, the cake was very fitting!
What is your favorite design?
I can’t say I have a favorite design, but I do have a favorite type of cake. I love a classic white wedding cake where the details are in the texture of the cake. Personally, that is where my heart lies. I dream of one-day baking this type of cake for my daughters!
Do you have any plans for the future that you’d like to share with us?
I’m launching a new blog full of baking tips, tricks, recipes and more. I’ll also be traveling to sweet shops around the country and sharing the best locations and deserts on my blog as well! I’m excited about it!