Candi Love's Bakery: Custom Cupcakes and Cakes in Columbia
What Candi Love's Bakery Offers
Candi Love's Bakery is a Columbia-based custom cake and cupcake shop run by owner Candi Love, who bakes to order rather than keeping a standing inventory. You place your order ahead of time, choose your flavors and designs, and pick up your finished cupcakes or cake on the date you need them. The bakery specializes in custom work—birthdays, weddings, corporate events, baby showers—and handles dietary requests including vegan and gluten-free options.
The shop is known for hand-decorated cupcakes with buttercream frosting and fondant details, tiered cakes with custom toppers, and flavor combinations beyond the standard vanilla and chocolate. Candi takes orders by phone or through her social media pages, and she works with customers to match their vision before baking begins.
Key Takeaways
- Candi Love's Bakery operates on a custom-order basis, so you need to contact the shop at least a few days before your event to place an order.
- The bakery offers standard flavors like vanilla and chocolate as well as seasonal and specialty options, with the ability to customize frosting and decorations.
- Dietary accommodations including vegan and gluten-free cupcakes and cakes are available when you mention them at the time of ordering.
- You pick up your order at the bakery location in Columbia rather than having it delivered, though delivery may be discussed for larger orders.
How to Place an Order
Contact Candi Love's Bakery by phone or through social media to discuss your event, the number of cupcakes or size of cake you need, and your flavor and design preferences. Candi will give you a quote based on your choices and confirm availability for your date. A deposit is typically required to hold your order, with the balance due at pickup.
Most orders need at least three to five business days' notice, though rush orders may be possible depending on Candi's current schedule. Bring photos or descriptions of designs you like, or work with Candi to develop something original. If you have flavor preferences that aren't listed, ask—she often works with customer requests.
Cupcake Flavors and Decoration Styles
The bakery rotates its flavor menu seasonally. Standard offerings typically include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and lemon, with seasonal additions like pumpkin spice in fall and peppermint in winter. Frosting options range from traditional buttercream to cream cheese and chocolate ganache, and you can choose between buttercream piping, fondant covering, or a combination of both for decoration.
Custom toppers, hand-painted details, and themed decorations are part of Candi's work. For weddings and formal events, she creates elegant designs with metallic accents and delicate piping. For children's parties, she builds cupcakes with bright colors, character toppers, and playful themes. Ask about her portfolio when you call to see examples of past work.
Dietary and Allergy Accommodations
Candi offers vegan cupcakes and cakes made without eggs, dairy, or animal products, using plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Gluten-free options are also available for customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Let her know about dietary needs when you place your order so she can plan ingredients and avoid cross-contamination.
If you have other allergies—nuts, soy, shellfish—mention them during your initial conversation. Candi can discuss which flavors and decorations work within your restrictions and will keep your order separate during preparation if needed.
Pricing and Payment
Pricing varies based on the number of cupcakes, cake size, complexity of decoration, and any special dietary requests. A dozen decorated cupcakes typically costs more than a simple sheet cake of the same serving size, and custom designs add to the price. Contact the bakery directly for a quote on your specific order.
Payment is usually split between a deposit to hold your order and the remainder due at pickup. Candi accepts cash and card payments. Ask about her current payment methods when you call, as options may vary.
Location and Pickup Details
Candi Love's Bakery is located in Columbia. Pickup is at the bakery location on your scheduled date and time. The shop provides your cupcakes or cake in a box ready to transport, though for tiered cakes or large orders, ask about assembly instructions or whether Candi can help with setup at your venue.
If you need delivery for a wedding or large event, discuss that possibility when placing your order. Delivery fees and availability depend on the distance and complexity of the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to order?
Most orders require at least three to five business days' notice. During busy seasons like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and December, Candi may need more time. Contact her as soon as you know your event date to check availability.
Can I do a tasting before I order?
Tastings are not always offered, but you can ask when you call. Candi may be able to provide samples of her most popular flavors or suggest combinations based on your preferences. Alternatively, ask for recommendations based on past customer favorites.
What if I need cupcakes for a wedding?
Candi creates cupcake towers and tiered displays for weddings, with coordinated frosting and toppers that match your color scheme. Discuss your wedding date, guest count, and design vision when you order. She can advise on how many cupcakes you'll need and whether a display stand or tower rental is available.
Do you deliver, or is it pickup only?
Standard orders are pickup at the bakery. Delivery may be available for larger orders or events, depending on location and Candi's schedule. Ask about delivery options and any associated fees when you place your order.
What if I have a nut allergy?
Tell Candi about your allergy when you order. She can create nut-free cupcakes and cakes and will keep your order separate during preparation to prevent cross-contamination. Confirm which specific nuts you need to avoid so she can check all ingredients.