Let Them Eat Cake: An Interview with Mrs Smudgers Kitchen
Interviews 17.01.2023
We love seeing the incredible wedding cakes our couples choose for their big day. Behind many of these sweet treats is the talented Emma from Mrs Smudgers Kitchen. She recently took some time away from the mixing bowl to talk about naked cakes, crazy designs and why you don’t have to have fruit cake at your wedding.
So how long have you been running Mrs Smudgers Kitchen?
"I opened Mrs Smudgers Kitchen in 2013. So this year we'll be 10! The years have flown by. But in that time, I've had the privilege of working with some families on their engagement cake, then a wedding cake, followed by a baby shower cake and now birthday cakes every year!"
What are the really popular wedding cake styles right now?
"The semi naked rustic cakes are still very much in at the moment - and I'm pleased because I love them! You can make them look rustic, fun, or chic depending on what you dress them with."
And what other cakes do you do for weddings?
"I make lots of different treats for weddings including brownies, donuts and cookies. I once made an entire wedding cake of Rice Krispie treats because the groom loved them so much!"
“Thank you to Emma who provided all of our cakes for our wedding! We had scones, cream cakes - my granny’s eyes lit up when she saw the cream cakes - vegan treats and an incredible rainbow wedding cake. They were all AMAZING. Fully recommend, wonderful treats, amazing service and brilliant catering for our vegan pals too!” Sarah and Kat
And, of course, you do birthday and celebration cakes too, right?
"Yes, I make birthday, celebration cakes and gender reveal cakes. And I've even made cakes for funerals and divorces too. You can celebrate anything with cake!"
And do you cater for all kinds of intolerances/beliefs?
"In recent years we've seen the awareness of intolerances rise, which means ingredients are so much more easily available. So we cater for gluten free, dairy free, vegan, nut free etc. I would always discuss options with my clients to ensure we can provide everything they need."
“We opted for a naked cake but wanted cool flavours. So we had funfetti, and red velvet, chocolate and lemon from Mrs Smudgers.” Hannah and Ben
What’s the craziest cake you’ve been asked to do?
"I've been lucky to have some clients with some amazing ideas for cakes! I've made cakes inspired by the 1940s, a replica of a building where the engagement happened, a cruise ship, even a dominatrix pig! Don't ask!!"
“Emma at Mrs Smudgers kitchen created my wedding cake from my crazy ideas I gave to her and it was just perfect.” Jody and Neil
Ok, tell us about what happens on the day of an Ash Barton wedding
"On the day, I arrive in the morning and usually construct the cake on site. So I turn up arrive armed with tools and boxes aplenty! Ash Barton is a fantastic venue because there's lots of space to work and it's always a relaxed environment with that buzz of anticipation in the air. I check that the area the couple have selected is suitable for the cake. In other words, it’s not in direct sunlight or under a heater etc. and set to work."
What’s your favourite part of being a wedding cake baker?
"My favourite part of baking wedding cakes is getting to make people’s ideas into cake. I love it when I get to do something different and something unique to that couple. I love wacky and I love fun, but then I also love classy too!"
What advice would you give Ash Barton couples when it comes to choosing a wedding cake?
"My advice to couples would be to get some ideas together and have a rough idea of your guest numbers. That way your wedding baker will know what size cake you'll need.
"Most of all though, remember that it's YOUR wedding. If you don't like fruit cake, don't have fruit cake! Do what you want and have what you want. Don't worry about pleasing other people. They LOVE being part of your day and will eat anything!
"Have what you both love. So if you want models of your pets, car or favourite football team on your wedding cake? Why not!"