When it comes to creating your dream wedding cake, Dream Cakes in Portland seriously knows their stuff! Not only are their wedding cakes gorgeous, timeless and elegant but they taste amazing too! I was so impressed by this girl-boss duo. It was a pleasure to hear more about their thriving Portland business and what makes cake so special.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Kay Photography
1. What got you both started in the culinary world? When did your paths cross?
Johanna: There are so many layers to my story! I was raised by my grandma, so I was always into grandma things. Baking was one of them. I had baked vegan cakes since high school before starting at Oregon Culinary Institute (OCI) in their baking & pastry program. Later I worked at Black Sheep Bakery where I met Megan.
Megan: I started doing confection at age 17. After moving to Portland, I got a job at Black Sheep Bakery.
J: I was used to being the boss of the kitchen, and Megan comes in with this loud personality! Megan was the first person to really call me out, which I loved. We learned that we worked really well together. After that we became friends and both ended up going back to OCI. We then went to work at another bakery, Bushel & Peck Bakeshop. While there, my boss encouraged me to buy Dream Cakes when she heard it was for sale. I was only 26 but I did it! Before Dream Cakes I had only made 3 wedding cakes, last year we made over 200. A few years into owning the business, I had to move my bakery. This was something I felt I could not do by myself.
M: I had been working at a local candy company and needed a change. It started as a joke that we should partner up. As time went on we realized it was sort of a brilliant idea. Now we have been partners in business for 2 years.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Kay Photography
2. Tell us a bit about Dream Cakes. What makes you unique?
Everything is made from scratch. We have a very specific esthetic: simple, clean & modern. We have been in business in Portland for 24 years. The previous owner personally trained me and taught me her recipes & techniques.
3. What are some of the best compliments you’ve ever received from a client?
“Everyone was raving about the cake, they wouldn’t shut up about it!”. There is sometimes this misconception that wedding cake doesn’t taste good. It makes me wonder if people have been eating bad cake their whole life!
4. What other treats does Dream Cakes bake?
We do a whole dessert buffet with cookies, brownies, tarts, etc. But about 95% of our business is cakes.
5. What is your favorite flavor of wedding cake to make?
I love how the chocolate smells, but I actually don’t have a sweet tooth. Salty all the way! Each tier of cake can be a different flavor so you don’t have to choose just one flavor.
Photo Credit: Spotted Stills
6. What is your favorite thing about being wedding cake bakers?
Cake to me is so special. It’s one thing we still have that you can’t get every day. It’s special and makes people feel happy. I love the process of making cakes.
7. What advice do you have for couples when choosing their wedding cake in Portland?
Go to three bakeries. Any more than that is too overwhelming, but you need a few to compare. Base your decision off of esthetics AND taste, they are equally important.
8. If you weren’t doing weddings what would you like to do?
I will always be in a kitchen. Years ago, I wanted to do everything. I was cooking, baking, washing dishes. Finally, I had a chef tell me, “Pick something you can be the best at.” This is it for me.
Photo Credit: Lauryn Kay Photography
Johanna & Megan were so generous to send me home with a box of sample cakes. I can attest to how wonderful they taste! The cake is flavorful & moist. The frosting has the perfect amount of subtle sweetness. When shopping for your Portland wedding cake, make sure to check out Dream Cakes! Did I mention they also take birthday cake and other celebration orders? So even if your wedding has passed you can still indulge!
