It all began with one simple request: a cheesecake for my husband’s birthday. A homemade surprise, crafted with love and a hint of skepticism on my part. But after one bite, he declared it “the best cheesecake he’s ever had in his life.” (And trust me, this man has extensive cheesecake credentials.)
Then came the fateful twist: a close friend tasted it and casually suggested, “You know what would be amazing? A passionfruit curd topping.”
Challenge accepted.
And just like that, something clicked. The cheesecake became legendary. The ideas began to rise just like my cakes. One delicious thing led to another, and soon I was fielding special requests from friends, then friends of friends, then neighbors, then total strangers who’d heard through the grapevine about a baker who made magic happen in buttercream.
In truth I had thought my foray into the world of food service was behind me. Having learned from the best at the Culinary Institute of America in NY, and working in the yachting industry designing menu’s and placing chefs for some of the largest boats in the water out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, I had long since moved on from that life to other pursuits. But, I never stopped cooking and baking. I derive so much joy from watching others experience culinary delights. Food can move people in magical and it is addictive to be able to give that gift to people.
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-time frosting-filled adventure: Ridgewood Cakes was born in our cozy New Jersey kitchen, and the response was beyond anything I ever dreamed. Glowing reviews. Happy tears. Show-stopping cakes for every kind of celebration.
And then… life brought us a new chapter.
We packed up our family, cake stands, and mixer collection and moved south to beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina to be closer to family, full of hope, and ready to bring our signature sparkle to a new community.
With a new city came a new name: Raleigh Cakes. Same artistry, same flavors, same wildly happy customers—just with a Southern twist and a lot more sunshine.
At Raleigh Cakes, I offer handcrafted custom cakes, delectable treats, and single serving desserts all made with fresh, real ingredients, imaginative flair, and a whole lot of love. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, your guests will be wowed and your dessert table will never be the same.
Thank you so much for visiting. I truly can’t wait to bake something unforgettable for you.
With sweet wishes,
Aurora Flanagan
Owner • Lead Baker • Lead Cake Artist
Raleigh Cakes
