Jenna Rae Cakes

Have your cake, and eat it too

Photo by Ian T.D. Thomson.

Now that our New Year’s resolutions have fallen to pieces, it is time to reunite with our beloved junk food and sweet eats.

There are no better guilty pleasures than the various savoury sweets at Jenna Rae Cakes. With its storefront located at 580 Academy Road, Jenna Rae Cakes’ mandate is to “to provide Winnipeg with delicious and beautiful sweet treats for any occasion, baking fresh daily and using only the best ingredients.”

The business began as just a hobby for the now-full-time baker, Jenna Rae. Originally intending to pursue dentistry at the University of Manitoba, interests soon changed for the then-student. Rae admits to watching shows such as Cake Boss, which helped reimagine her career path.

While Jenna Rae Cakes began its business back in 2010, it was only until March of last year that the business developed its storefront. While the business primarily focuses on production of wedding cakes, the neighbourhood shop has been met with much success.

“At first it was just there to help with rent and [the storefront has] actually been our number one seller lately,” explained Rae to the Manitoban.

When the business initially began, it was the sole proprietorship of Rae. Moving into 2015, Jenna Rae Cakes now employs 10 staff, including her twin sister Ashley Nicole.

The Academy storefront offers a cornucopia of petit, yet delectable desserts. Offerings include gourmet brownies, peanut butter cup mini cheesecakes, cookie sandwiches, and a “cake of the day,” which can be purchased by the slice.

However, it is the assorted flavours of French macarons offered that have people clamouring for more.

“Our macarons are definitely our most popular item,” explained Rae. “People line up out the door for them, so they always sell out every day.”

Jenna Rae Cakes is open from Tuesday to Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. For more information regarding inquiries of custom items, visit jennaraecakes.com