Question 1

What are the differences between icings?

Accepted Answer

American Buttercream: This is the traditional cake icing and most popular. It is a very sweet icing that allows colors to be vibrant and designs to have crisp edges. This style is recommended for any drawings on a cake or any sculptures.
Whipped: This is an icing that works great if you are sensitive to sweetness as it tastes similiar to whipped cream. Cakes using this type of icing are best left refrigerated for as long as possible before serving. Colors are prominent but will not be vibrant/neon.
Cream Cheese: This icing works great if you want the positives of Buttercream, but you don't like your icing as sweet. This icing is full of cream cheese flavor and it accompanies cake flavors such as Carrot and Red Velvet very well but can be used for any cake of your choice.

Question 2

How much advanced notice do you need?

Accepted Answer

The best policy is the sooner the better. However, I understand life gets busy and we loose track of time. I require a minimum of 4-5 days and at least 7 days around a holiday. As it is just me and I work another job, I will do my best to accommodate our schedules.

Question 3

Can you do copyrighted themes?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 4

Do you do fondant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I make my own fondant using marshmallows. This makes it taste so much better than traditional fondant.

Question 5

Can you do edible images?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, I do not own an edible image printer at this time as they are super expensive! If you want an image on a cake, feel free to ask as I may be able to hand draw the image on the cake using buttercream icing.

Question 6

Do you do sugar free/gluten free cakes?

Accepted Answer

Part of the reason why I started Pinecrest Cakery was for people with dietary restrictions. I am actively working on recipes to maximize flavor while keeping this lifestyle in mind. Feel free to ask what I am able to make!

Question 7

How much does a cake cost?

Accepted Answer

All prices may be found at the bottom of each Products Tab. Please note that every cake is different so prices are subject to change based on special ingredients or designs.

Question 8

What flavors do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Please see the Products Tab and select the specific product you are looking for to find all the corresponding details such as flavors offered. 
If there is a special flavor you wish to have but do not currently see it listed, feel free to reach out and I will see what I can do!

Question 9

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I require a 50% deposit no later than four days before your order is due.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept cash and check at no additional cost. Checks need to be made out to Pinecrest Cakery or Jennifer Collias. I also accept Paypal and all major credit cards for a additonal fee.

Question 11

Do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon request I can deliver your cake. If the delivery is within the city limits of Creston, the fee is $5. Anywhere outside of Creston will be $5 + .58 cents per mile. Otherwise, I have a mutual meetup location at the Crest Baptist Church located at 1211 N Poplar Street that is free of charge.

Question 12

Do I need to tip?

Accepted Answer

Tips are always appreciated but they are not required.

Question 13

Do you do other things besides cake?

Accepted Answer

I currently offer cakes, cupcakes, cake pops/balls and cheesecakes. However Pinecrest Cakery is always innovating so be sure to check back to see what we might add!

Question 14

If someone has an allergy, can I still order from you?"

Accepted Answer

I take food allergies very seriously. If you require a cake with a certain allergy accommodation, please let me know and I will do everything I can to provide a safe product.

Question 15

What is your policy on going green?

Accepted Answer

Being as green as possible is something near and dear to my heart. I recycle everything Waste Management allows. I try and plan out my shopping trips to minimize pollution. All of my tools - including icing bags are reusable. I use a Green Clean spray to wipe down all my counters. And finally, when possible, I purchase ingredients from humane businesses.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you know you no longer need your cake, please let me know. All cancellations must be made no later than three days before your due date. Failure to do so will result in loss of refund. All other cancellations or refunds will be handled on a case by case basis.

Question 17

When do you make my cake? Is it fresh?

Accepted Answer

Every cake is different, and some can take longer to make than others. However, on average, I am making your cake the day before you pick it up to ensure maximum freshness.

Question 18

How long can my cake last after pickup?

Accepted Answer

Different factors can affect the freshness of your cake such as temperature, if it has fresh fruit or custard like filling, and if it is left uncovered. However, on average your cake should be good for about 3-4 days after you receive it.

Question 19

Why should I pick you?

Accepted Answer

I am a certified cake decorator that will always be open and honest with you. I try and source my ingredients responsibly and do what I can for the planet.
Grocery store cakes may be cheaper, but they come in frozen and you are limited on design. You or a loved one can make the cake but who has the time when your planning the party? A nicely decorated cake can take HOURS and then you have all that cleanup!
At the end of the day if you go with me, you know you are getting a cake that was never frozen, can be completely customizable, look AND taste awesome and it all came from a licensed kitchen using humane ingredients.

Question 20

Are you safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am registered with the county as a home bakery. I have also passed a Servsafe certification and received a glowing health inspection report. 
I can provide these if needed.

Question 21

How big of a cake do I need?

Accepted Answer

Please see our Cake Section listed under Products for a list of estimated serving sizes on cakes. Please note serving size will vary based on how large you cut your slices.

Question 22

Do you do fillings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon request you can have a filling in your cake. Please see the list of fillings offered under Products -> Cakes or Products -> Cupcakes. Fillings are optional and therefore will require an additional fee.

Question 23

Do you do wedding cakes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have done wedding cakes before ranging from small cakes with matching cucpakes, naked cakes, to classic tiered cakes. You will find some wedding cakes in my photo gallery.

Question 24

Where are you located? Do you have a storefront?

Accepted Answer

I am located in Creston, Iowa. I do not own a storefront at this time so it is currently being ran out of my home.

Question 25

Do you do NSFW cakes? Cuss words?

Accepted Answer

My product is for YOUR event. If that means celebrating in a way that may not be safe for work, that is fine with me. Cake is meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone for any reason. My discretion will match your level - including posting photos of the finished product.

Frequently asked questions