A Connecticut baker has a credo any customer would love to hear: “A cake that tastes incredible should always be feast for the eyes.”
Baking and designing custom cakes offer Ashley Alvarez a creative opportunity to unite her background in art with her enjoyment of sweet treats.
“I’ve always had a passion for art and anything sweet, so combining the two has been truly fulfilling for me,” said Alvarez, owner of RoeMarie Cakes, a licensed home-based cottage bakery in Sandy Hook.
She specializes in custom luxury cakes, along with cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other sweet confections.
Opened in 2024, Alvarez is proud to celebrate her one-year anniversary.
“I feel accomplished. Every creation that I make is a testament to my background in art, and seeing it appreciated and enjoyed brings me happiness,” she said. “I love bringing creativity, color, and design into every cake I make, turning each one into an edible masterpiece.”
Hands-on, Alvarez meticulously handcrafts each cake, from elegant wedding and birthday cakes to delectable dessert tables.
“Every cake is thoughtfully designed, crafted, and meant to bring both beauty and joy to the celebration it’s made for. I pride myself on taking the time to talk with each customer. My attention to detail and commitment to creating memorable experiences reflect the artistry and luxury that define my brand,” she said.
“To me, luxury means baking and crafting each piece with care so every bite feels special. With my art background, I treat every cake like custom artwork. I think about the colors, textures, and design so the final result is both visually stunning and delicious.”
Currently, Alvarez offers 19 different cake flavors in addition to multiple fillings and frostings.
“The best part is the combinations my customers come up with. The most popular has been Funfetti, but my favorite has been black velvet – it tastes like oreos,” said Alvarez who has created many unique designs, including a ‘Golden Snitch’ Harry Potter-themed cake and a cowgirl boot cake.
“Both have left people asking, ‘Is that really a cake?’ My most interesting flavor combination was churro cinnamon cake with a Nutella filling and chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream. It was delicious!”
Gianna Silvestri, of Newtown, said she has ordered three birthday cakes from Alvarez, including themes of Bluey, rainbow, and Paw Patrol.
“Her cakes are amazing. I’m not a fan of fondant so I love that she can make intricate and beautiful designs with frosting and other ingredients,” said Silvestri. “She’s a true artist. Her Funfetti is my favorite. It’s soft and sweet, and literally melts in your mouth.”
Silvestri has recommended Alvarez to others.
“She’s very easy to work with, very accommodating, and well-priced for custom cakes. I recently tasked her with making these beautiful cakes with natural food dyes. She was open to experimenting and did an amazing job,” Silvestri said. “I send her pictures that my children find on Pinterest and she’s able to exceed the pictures I send her. I get compliments from both parents and kids on the design and taste of the cakes at every party.”
All of Alvarez’ cakes are made to order. “My culinary philosophy is edible art created with care. My creations are personal, memorable, and artistic,” said Alvarez who personally bakes, ices, and designs every cake.
“Every cake that I’ve created has taught me more about working with my ingredients and tools to help elevate the experience for my customers. My cakes stand apart because I take the time to capture the feeling customers want. Everything is made from scratch and customized, so you get a cake that’s personal, beautiful, and truly tastes like it was made just for you.”
Customers can reach Alvarez via email, text, phone, or social media. “Pick up is always available, as well as delivery for an additional charge, within a 40-mile radius.
In her downtime, Alvarez practices and perfects her recipes.
“My family has loved being my test subjects,” she said, recalling fond memories of being in her grandmother’s home and watching her bring her creations to life, whether it was baking, sewing or decorating.
“I was fascinated, and now I’m the one carrying on that same spirit of creativity and love in every dessert I create,” she said.
Alvarez said she credits her family for bringing her to where she is today.
“My inspiration stems from the women who raised me, and the family I have created. My grandmother who baked, cooked, and sewed. She could do anything she put her mind to. My mom, sister, and aunt showed me what hard work, perseverance, and self-expression can create,” she said. “Today, my husband and kids inspire me every day to keep working hard and pursuing my goals, motivating me to keep growing and achieving my dreams.”
Alvarez also enjoys making cupcakes, gourmet cookies, confections such as chocolate covered Rice Krispies, and her new addition, of brownies. She offers standard 3-ounce and larger 6-ounce cookies featuring 10 different varieties.
“My seasonal favorite is gingerbread cookie. It’s perfectly spiced with the holiday trifecta – molasses, ginger, and cinnamon,” she said.
This summer, Alvarez taught a baking camp for kids at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown.
“It was a fun and rewarding experience. They learned to make cakes, cookies, and other desserts from scratch, and it was amazing to see their confidence grow each day. I hope to continue the baking classes as well as offering adult cake decorating classes in the coming months,” said Alvarez who also hopes to open a brick-and-mortar bakery one day.
“I want a place where I can continue to create luxury confections, host baking classes, and be an everyday staple,” said Alvarez. “I want a place where people can enjoy a little something special any day of the week, and walk away smiling and feeling satisfied knowing they’ve treated themselves to something unforgettable.”