The Caker

Tried two cakes today one chocolate and other lemon rum small cake. Overall I found it doesn’t taste heavy like you would found in other normal cake shops however its not some superb taste I could feel. Cakes are rather dry though compare to those top level cake makers. I would say the decoration on the cake makes me want to eat it but after I tried there is no super feelings. The truffle I tried the other day was much better. So it will not on my top cake shop list after today’s tasting.

I think I have seen them in some food exhibition … And today order a cake their for my birthday. It’s awesome!!! They have interesting flavor cakes, if you like a change from chocolate cake and carrot cake … I highly recommended this cake shop :)

I have a very fond memory of when I first tried one of Jordan Rondel’s cakes. It was early 2013, and the High Street Market was on at Freyburg Square. As soon as the clock struck 1pm, I rushed down to the square, determined to try only one thing: cake. Ever since devouring a slice of Jordan’s Dark Chocolate, Pear + Pistachio cake that day, I have been following her journey ever since.
The same year, Jordan released her first cookbook titled ’50 New and Unusual Recipes’ and yes, her creations are interesting, but they work. What I love about Jordan’s cakes (and other delights) is that you won’t find anything similar in Auckland. They are also not your usual carrot cake, banana cake or simple chocolate cake. For example, in her book you will find recipes such as a ‘Rhubarb + Black Doris Plum cake’, ‘Vegan Triple Coconut + Raspberry cake’, ‘Sweet + Salty Potato Chip Cookies’ and ‘Raw Hazelnut + Chai Brownies’. Her aim is to use organic ingredients and some of her cakes are vegan, dairy and gluten free.
In 2014, Jordan moved into a small but well designed space on Karangahape Road, where she and her team bake all the cakes, pies, cookies and other delicious goodies made to order. The shop is not open to the public, but she has held a cake demonstration there — which I loved. I have also attended another one of her cake demonstrations at Farro Fresh in Grey Lynn, been to a high tea at DeBretts Kitchen, hosted by Jordan and featured bite sized versions of her cakes. I also won tickets to Karen Walker’s birthday party last year, where Jordan presented Karen Walker with the most beautiful tiered cake I had ever seen! I also finally introduced myself to Jordan, telling her I was her biggest fan ever.
Earlier this year, she released two cake mixes to the public — Triple Coconut + Raspberry and Chilli Chocolate. I have only tried the Triple Coconut + Raspberry cake so far, however it is super easy to make! All the ingredients are pre packaged and come in a beautifully designed tin. The only ingredients you need to add is coconut milk and coconut oil. The mix even comes with freeze dried raspberry powder (a lovely addition!). I thought this was a brilliant idea and especially perfect for those living outside of Auckland or overseas. I gifted one to my sister for her birthday — she is living in Sydney!
Furthermore, Jordan is now making mini versions of her cakes, and you can buy these at Vulcan Lane Bagels in Auckland CBD, from Tuesday to Friday, between 7am and 3pm. You can also order cakes here and pick them up!
Jordan has just recently launched her second cookbook, consisting of 76 recipes of wholesome cakes, cookies and desserts. Last Saturday, I attended the book launch, along with a degustation. It was held at an amazing space in Karangahape Road (two doors down from The Caker’s premises), where we went in and out of rooms eating delectable mini cupcakes (five flavours in total), and at the end, we bought Jordan’s new book and also met her lovely sister, Anouk. It was a fabulous afternoon and I cannot wait to get baking!

I got the opportunity to try some amazing Gluten free cake without having to visit The Caker which I will have to do in the near future. Jordan the owner and talented creator (with a French artisan Great-​grandfather) made a GF chocolate cake using the best quality chocolate and free range eggs with silky rich ganache and the prettiest berry decoration on top. I enjoyed every morsel. Check her creations out.

I have admired The Caker’s cakes on instagram for a while now. I even got to see them up close and personal at the Go Green Expo, but it wasn’t until this weekend, that I got to try the real deal. Oh. My. Goodness!
We ordered her chocolate gluten free cake for our friend’s surprise Hen’s Do and I’ll admit when I first saw it, I thought it was a little flat but when I tasted it all was forgiven. The texture was incredible — dense, fudgey, melt-​in-​your-​mouth sort of stuff. Not too sweet and despite being dense, not overly rich. For someone who’s not normally a cake person, I was impressed.
Our cake came decorated with fresh flowers (originally, I thought this was because it was so flat but it turns out that’s what the bridesmaids requested) and in a box sealed by a pink ribbon and a postcard. Very cute!
We ordered and paid online but you can also directly call Jordan (The Caker). I should also mention that her new store on Ponsonby is by appointment only. It serves really as a pick-​up point and a space for tastings if you are wanting a wedding cake or something extra special.