The Cake Stand in Columbia: Custom Cakes and Pastries for Every Occasion

What The Cake Stand offers and where to find it

The Cake Stand is a custom cake and pastry bakery in Columbia that takes orders for celebrations, weddings, and everyday treats. The bakery specializes in made-to-order cakes with custom designs, flavors, and decorations tailored to what you're celebrating. They also stock pastries, cupcakes, and other baked goods, with options that change based on the season and what's available that day.

The shop is located in the Five Points neighborhood, a central area of Columbia known for local businesses and walkable streets. If you're planning a special event or want to pick up something fresh for a gathering, The Cake Stand takes advance orders and also sells items over the counter during business hours.

Key Takeaways

• The Cake Stand creates custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other events, with your choice of flavors, fillings, and designs.
• You can order cakes in advance by contacting the bakery directly, and lead time depends on the complexity of your design.
• The bakery also sells ready-made pastries, cupcakes, and seasonal items that you can purchase without advance notice.
• Located in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, The Cake Stand is accessible during regular business hours for walk-in purchases.

How to order a custom cake

To order a custom cake, contact The Cake Stand directly by phone or visit in person to discuss your vision. When you call or visit, be ready to tell them the date you need the cake, how many people it should serve, what flavors you want, and what kind of design or decoration you're imagining. They'll walk you through options for cake flavor, frosting, fillings, and decorative elements like fresh fruit, chocolate, or custom toppers.

The bakery will give you a price quote based on your choices and the size of the cake. Custom cakes typically require at least a few days' notice, though exact lead time varies depending on how busy they are and how complex your design is. Once you place your order, you'll usually pay a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due when you pick up the cake.

Cake flavors and customization options

The Cake Stand works with a range of classic and seasonal flavors. Common options include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cake, though the full menu of available flavors may shift with the season or based on what the bakery is featuring. You can also ask about custom flavor combinations or dietary needs—some bakeries in the area offer options for dairy-free, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions, and it's worth asking what The Cake Stand can accommodate.

Beyond flavor, you can customize the frosting type (buttercream, cream cheese, ganache), the filling, and the decoration. Whether you want a simple, elegant design or something elaborate with multiple tiers, hand-painted details, or a specific theme, the bakery can discuss what's possible within your timeline and budget. Bring photos or sketches of designs you like if you have them—that helps the baker understand your vision.

Walk-in pastries and ready-made items

If you don't need a custom cake, The Cake Stand also sells pastries and baked goods over the counter during business hours. These might include croissants, Danish pastries, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other items that vary by day. The selection changes based on what the bakery has made that morning and what's been sold, so arriving earlier in the day usually means more choices.

These ready-made items are good for a quick treat, a small gathering, or if you want to try the bakery's work before committing to a larger custom order. Prices for individual pastries and cupcakes are typically modest, making them accessible for a casual visit.

Location and hours in Five Points

The Cake Stand is situated in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, an area bounded roughly by Devine Street, Harden Street, and Sumter Street. Five Points is known for independent shops, restaurants, and a community feel. The neighborhood is walkable, and there is street parking available, though it can fill up during busy times.

Before you visit, check the bakery's current hours, as they may vary by season or day of the week. Many small bakeries close on Sundays or Mondays, and some adjust their hours seasonally. A quick phone call or online search will confirm when they're open so you don't make a trip only to find the door locked.

Pricing and payment

Custom cake pricing depends on the size, complexity of the design, and the flavors you choose. A simple single-layer cake for a small group will cost less than a multi-tier wedding cake with intricate decoration. The bakery will give you a specific quote once you describe what you want, so there are no surprises when you pick up your order.

For custom orders, expect to pay a deposit when you place the order to secure your date. The remainder is due when you pick up the cake, usually on the day of your event or the day before. Most bakeries accept cash and card; confirm payment methods when you call to order.

Why The Cake Stand matters to Columbia's food scene

Small, independent bakeries like The Cake Stand are part of what makes Columbia's food culture distinctive. They create items by hand, often using local ingredients and responding directly to what their customers want. A custom cake from a local bakery carries more personality and care than a mass-produced alternative, and the baker's reputation depends on every cake they send out the door.

The Cake Stand's presence in Five Points also reflects the neighborhood's character as a place where local makers and small businesses thrive. Supporting a neighborhood bakery means your money stays in the community and you're helping sustain the kind of place that makes Columbia worth visiting and living in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to order a custom cake?

Most custom cakes need at least a few days' notice, but the exact timeline depends on the bakery's current workload and how complex your design is. A simple cake might be possible with shorter notice, while an elaborate multi-tier design may need a week or two. Call The Cake Stand to ask what lead time they need for your specific order.

Can The Cake Stand make cakes for dietary restrictions?

Many bakeries offer options for common dietary needs like dairy-free or gluten-free cakes, but not all do. Contact The Cake Stand directly to ask what accommodations they can make. If they can't meet your needs, they may be able to recommend another local bakery that specializes in dietary alternatives.

What if I want to pick up my cake the day before my event?

Most bakeries can store a finished cake overnight in their cooler, so picking it up the day before is usually fine. Confirm this when you place your order and ask about storage instructions—some cakes need to stay refrigerated, while others are fine at room temperature. The bakery will tell you how to keep it fresh until your event.

Do I have to pick up my cake, or can it be delivered?

Delivery policies vary by bakery. Some deliver for an additional fee, while others only do local pickups. Ask The Cake Stand about their delivery options when you call to order. If they don't deliver, they can advise you on how to safely transport your cake yourself.

Can I see photos of cakes The Cake Stand has made before?

Many bakeries display photos of past work on their website, social media, or in the shop itself. These photos help you see the bakery's style and skill level. If you can't find photos online, ask to see a portfolio when you visit or call—most bakers are happy to show examples of their work.