Your cake should taste as extraordinary as it looks. At ImagiCakes, we believe the tasting experience is just as important as the design consultation—which is why we bring premium cake samples directly to you for a private, personalized tasting session.
For over 25 years, we've been creating custom cakes for Philadelphia celebrations, and our in-home cake tasting service has become one of our most loved offerings. Forget crowded bakery appointments with limited time slots and rushed decisions. We come to your home, office, or preferred location with fresh-baked samples of our most popular flavors, premium fillings, and signature frostings.
Whether you're planning a wedding, milestone birthday, anniversary, or special celebration, our cake tasting consultation combines flavor exploration with design collaboration. You'll sample our handcrafted cakes in a relaxed, comfortable setting while discussing your vision, design ideas, and celebration details with Chef D or a member of our expert team.
This isn't just a tasting—it's the beginning of creating your perfect custom cake. Schedule your complimentary consultation with tasting today and discover why Philadelphia couples and families choose ImagiCakes for their most important celebrations.
How Our Cake Tasting Experience Works
Step 1: Schedule Your Private Tasting
2 Options
In-Home Tasting (Most Popular):
- We come to your home at your convenience
- Relaxed, comfortable environment
- Perfect for couples, families, or planning committees
- Evening and weekend appointments available
- No travel required—we bring everything to you
Virtual Tasting with Shipped Samples:
- Ideal for out-of-town clients
- Video consultation via Zoom or FaceTime
- Cake samples shipped to your location
- Real-time design discussion while you taste
- Perfect for destination weddings or busy schedules
How to Book:
- Call: (215) 626-6279
- Email through our website contact form
- Mention your event date and type
- We'll coordinate a convenient time
: Step 2: Pre-Tasting Consultation
Before Your Appointment:
We'll discuss your event details to prepare the perfect tasting selection:
Event Information:
- Celebration type (wedding, birthday, anniversary, corporate)
- Event date and venue
- Guest count (determines cake size)
- Event theme or color scheme
- Formality level
Design Vision:
- Style preferences (elegant, whimsical, modern, rustic)
- 3D elements or sculptural designs
- Inspiration photos or Pinterest boards
- Special requests or must-have features
Dietary Considerations:
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, nut-free)
- Flavor preferences or dislikes
- Filling preferences
Result: We arrive prepared with samples tailored to your preferences and event needs.
Step 3: The Tasting Experience
What to Expect (60-90 Minutes):
Welcome & Introduction (5-10 minutes):
- Meet your cake designer
- Review event details and vision
- Set expectations for the tasting
Flavor Sampling (30-40 minutes):
- Taste 5-7 cake flavors
- Sample 3-5 premium fillings
- Try different frosting options
- Palate cleansers provided between samples
- Water and note-taking materials included
Design Consultation (20-30 minutes):
- Discuss design concepts and ideas
- Review portfolio of similar cakes
- Explore 3D sculpting possibilities
- Sketch preliminary concepts
- Discuss structural feasibility
Pricing & Details (10-15 minutes):
- Transparent pricing breakdown
- Timeline and booking process
- Delivery and setup details
- Contract and deposit information
- Answer all questions
What We Bring:
- Fresh-baked cake samples (baked within 24 hours)
- Tasting plates and utensils
- Portfolio of past designs
- Fabric swatches (for color matching)
- Pricing guides and information packets
- Enthusiasm and expertise!
Step 4: Design Proposal & Quote
Within 3-5 Business Days:
You'll receive a comprehensive proposal including:
Design Specifications:
- Detailed description of your custom cake
- Tier sizes and dimensions
- Decorative elements and techniques
- Color scheme and finishes
- 3D sculptural components
Flavor Selections:
- Chosen cake flavor(s) per tier
- Filling selections
- Frosting type and flavor
- Any special dietary accommodations
Investment Breakdown:
- Itemized pricing
- Serving size (guest count)
- Delivery and setup fees
- Deposit and payment schedule
Timeline:
- Design finalization deadline
- Final details confirmation date
- Delivery date and time
- Setup coordination
Step 5: Booking & Refinement
Secure Your Date:
- 50% deposit reserves your event date
- Signed contract confirms all specifications
- Remaining balance due one week before delivery
Design Refinement:
- Request modifications or adjustments
- Approve final design concept
- Confirm all details two weeks before event
- Final walkthrough of specifications
Cake Flavors & Fillings Menu
Signature Cake Flavors
Classic Favorites:
Vanilla Bean:
- Madagascar vanilla bean cake
- Moist, tender crumb
- Subtle vanilla flavor
- Pairs with any filling
- Most versatile option
Rich Chocolate:
- Deep, dark chocolate cake
- Cocoa-forward flavor
- Moist and decadent
- Chocolate lover's dream
- Pairs beautifully with fruit or cream fillings
Red Velvet:
- Traditional Southern recipe
- Subtle cocoa notes
- Distinctive red color
- Tangy cream cheese frosting
- Elegant and timeless
Lemon:
- Bright, fresh lemon cake
- Zesty citrus flavor
- Light and refreshing
- Perfect for spring/summer
- Pairs with berry or lemon fillings
Strawberry:
- Real strawberry puree
- Natural pink color
- Fresh berry flavor
- Light and fruity
- Perfect for romantic celebrations
Specialty Flavors:
Almond:
- Delicate almond extract
- Tender, fine crumb
- Sophisticated flavor
- Traditional wedding cake choice
- Pairs with amaretto or fruit fillings
Coconut:
- Real coconut milk and extract
- Tropical flavor profile
- Moist and flavorful
- Beach or destination wedding favorite
- Pairs with pineapple or passion fruit
Marble:
- Swirled vanilla and chocolate
- Best of both worlds
- Visual appeal when sliced
- Crowd-pleaser
- Versatile pairing options
Carrot Cake:
- Spiced cake with carrots and walnuts
- Cream cheese frosting
- Rustic, homestyle appeal
- Fall wedding favorite
- Rich and satisfying
Spice Cake:
- Warm cinnamon and spice
- Autumn-inspired flavor
- Pairs with cream cheese or caramel
- Cozy, comforting taste
- Perfect for fall/winter events
Premium Specialty Flavors:
Champagne:
- Real champagne infused
- Elegant, sophisticated
- Light, airy texture
- Wedding celebration flavor
- Pairs with berry or champagne fillings
Bourbon Chocolate:
- Rich chocolate with bourbon
- Adult sophistication
- Deep, complex flavor
- Groom's cake favorite
- Pairs with salted caramel or ganache
Espresso:
- Strong coffee flavor
- Mocha undertones
- Rich and bold
- Coffee lover's choice
- Pairs with chocolate or cream fillings
Cookies & Cream:
- Vanilla cake with crushed Oreos
- Playful, fun flavor
- Popular with all ages
- Birthday cake favorite
- Pairs with cookies & cream filling
Salted Caramel:
- Caramel-infused cake
- Sweet and salty balance
- Trendy, modern flavor
- Sophisticated taste
- Pairs with caramel or chocolate fillings
Premium Fillings
Fruit Fillings:
Fresh Strawberry:
- Real strawberry preserves
- Fresh berry pieces
- Natural sweetness
- Classic pairing
- Available year-round
Raspberry:
- Tart, bright flavor
- Jewel-tone color
- Elegant choice
- Pairs with chocolate or vanilla
- Sophisticated taste
Lemon Curd:
- Tangy, creamy lemon
- Smooth, velvety texture
- Bright citrus flavor
- Refreshing option
- Perfect for spring/summer
Blueberry:
- Sweet blueberry compote
- Rich purple color
- Antioxidant-rich
- Pairs with lemon or vanilla
- Unique, memorable choice
Pineapple:
- Tropical sweetness
- Bright, fresh flavor
- Beach wedding favorite
- Pairs with coconut
- Light and refreshing
Cream & Custard Fillings:
Vanilla Buttercream:
- Classic, smooth buttercream
- Not too sweet
- Versatile pairing
- Traditional choice
- Most popular option
Chocolate Ganache:
- Rich, dark chocolate
- Silky smooth texture
- Decadent choice
- Chocolate lover's filling
- Pairs with any cake flavor
Cream Cheese:
- Tangy, creamy filling
- Perfect with red velvet or carrot
- Not overly sweet
- Sophisticated taste
- Balances sweet cakes
Bavarian Cream:
- Light, custard-based filling
- Smooth and creamy
- Elegant, classic choice
- Pairs with fruit
- Traditional European style
Pastry Cream:
- Rich vanilla custard
- Smooth, velvety texture
- French-inspired
- Pairs with fruit or chocolate
- Sophisticated option
Specialty Fillings:
Salted Caramel:
- House-made caramel
- Sea salt finish
- Sweet and salty balance
- Trendy, modern choice
- Pairs with chocolate or vanilla
Nutella:
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Rich, indulgent
- Popular with all ages
- Pairs with chocolate or vanilla
- Decadent choice
Peanut Butter:
- Creamy peanut butter filling
- Rich, satisfying
- Pairs with chocolate
- Groom's cake favorite
- Bold flavor
Dulce de Leche:
- Caramelized milk
- Latin-inspired
- Rich, sweet flavor
- Sophisticated choice
- Pairs with vanilla or chocolate
Coconut Cream:
- Real coconut cream
- Tropical flavor
- Pairs with pineapple
- Beach wedding favorite
- Light and refreshing
Frosting Options
Buttercream Varieties:
American Buttercream:
- Classic, sweet frosting
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Holds up well in warm weather
- Most versatile for decorating
- Traditional choice
Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
- Less sweet, silky smooth
- Light, airy texture
- Sophisticated taste
- Elegant finish
- Preferred by many couples
Italian Meringue Buttercream:
- Stable, smooth frosting
- Not overly sweet
- Professional finish
- Holds detail beautifully
- Premium option
Specialty Frostings:
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Tangy, creamy
- Perfect with red velvet or carrot
- Not too sweet
- Rich flavor
- Traditional pairing
Chocolate Ganache:
- Rich, dark chocolate
- Glossy, smooth finish
- Decadent choice
- Pairs with any cake
- Elegant appearance
Fondant:
- Smooth, flawless finish
- Ideal for 3D sculpting
- Clean, modern look
- Holds intricate details
- Premium presentation
Why Choose ImagiCakes Cake Tasting
We Come to You
Convenience & Comfort:
- No travel required—we bring samples to your location
- Taste in your own home, relaxed and comfortable
- Evening and weekend appointments available
- No rushed appointments or time pressure
- Privacy for honest opinions and discussions
Benefits of In-Home Tasting:
- Discuss design ideas in your own space
- Show us inspiration photos, Pinterest boards, decor samples
- Family members can participate easily
- Comfortable environment for decision-making
- No distractions from other customers
Fresh-Baked Samples
Quality You Can Taste:
- All samples baked within 24 hours of your tasting
- Same premium ingredients used in your final cake
- Proper serving temperature and presentation
- Generous sample sizes (not tiny bites)
- Multiple flavors and combinations
What Makes Our Cakes Different:
- Premium ingredients (Madagascar vanilla, Belgian chocolate)
- Made from scratch—no mixes or shortcuts
- Recipes perfected over 25+ years
- Same quality for tasting and final cake
- Consistent, reliable results
Combined Design Consultation
Two Services in One:
Tasting + Design = Complete Experience:
- Taste flavors while discussing design
- Match flavors to your event theme
- Consider cake appearance and taste together
- One appointment covers everything
- Efficient use of your time
Expert Guidance:
- Chef D's 25+ years of experience
- Architectural background for structural designs
- Portfolio of 1,000+ custom cakes
- Honest recommendations and feasibility assessment
- Creative problem-solving for unique requests
Personalized Recommendations
Tailored to Your Event:
We consider multiple factors when recommending flavors:
Event Type:
- Weddings: elegant, crowd-pleasing flavors
- Birthdays: fun, favorite flavors
- Corporate: professional, universally appealing
- Anniversaries: sophisticated, meaningful choices
Season & Weather:
- Summer: lighter, fruity flavors
- Winter: rich, warming flavors
- Spring: fresh, floral notes
- Fall: spiced, cozy flavors
Guest Demographics:
- Children present: familiar, approachable flavors
- Adult-only: sophisticated, complex flavors
- Mixed ages: versatile, crowd-pleasing options
- Cultural considerations: respectful flavor choices
Venue Considerations:
- Outdoor events: stable fillings and frostings
- Indoor climate-controlled: more delicate options
- Service timing: heat-sensitive vs. stable choices
- Display duration: structural considerations
No Pressure, Just Guidance
Our Tasting Philosophy:
We Believe:
- Your cake should reflect YOUR taste, not trends
- Honest feedback is essential
- There are no wrong flavor choices
- You should feel confident in your decision
- Questions are always welcome
We Don't:
- Pressure you to book immediately
- Rush your decision-making
- Upsell unnecessary upgrades
- Make you feel bad for budget constraints
- Dismiss your ideas or preferences
We Do:
- Listen to your vision and preferences
- Offer expert recommendations
- Explain pros and cons honestly
- Respect your budget
- Provide time to think and decide
Cake Tasting for Different Events
H3: Wedding Cake Tasting
Special Considerations for Weddings:
Timing:
- Book tasting 6-9 months before wedding
- Allows time for design refinement
- Secures your wedding date
- Reduces stress as date approaches
Who Should Attend:
- Bride and groom (essential)
- Parents (if involved in planning/paying)
- Wedding planner (helpful for coordination)
- Maid of honor or best man (optional, fun)
What to Discuss:
- Wedding theme and color palette
- Venue logistics and restrictions
- Guest count and serving needs
- Dietary restrictions among guests
- Cake cutting ceremony timing
- Display and presentation details
Popular Wedding Combinations:
- Vanilla with raspberry and buttercream
- Chocolate with salted caramel and ganache
- Red velvet with cream cheese
- Lemon with lemon curd and buttercream
- Champagne with strawberry and champagne buttercream
Multi-Tier Flavor Options:
- Different flavor per tier (variety for guests)
- Same flavor throughout (simplicity)
- Bride's choice + Groom's choice
- Traditional top tier for anniversary
Birthday Cake Tasting
Personalized Birthday Celebrations:
Perfect For:
- Milestone birthdays (1st, 16th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th+)
- Large birthday parties (50+ guests)
- Custom 3D sculpted birthday cakes
- Surprise party planning
Birthday Tasting Benefits:
- Ensure birthday person's favorite flavors
- Coordinate with party theme
- Plan surprise elements
- Accommodate dietary needs of birthday person
Popular Birthday Flavors:
- Chocolate with chocolate ganache (classic)
- Vanilla with strawberry filling
- Cookies & cream (fun, playful)
- Red velvet with cream cheese
- Funfetti or confetti cake (celebratory)
Kids' Birthday Considerations:
- Familiar, kid-friendly flavors
- Not too adventurous
- Consider allergies (common in schools)
- Fun, colorful options
- Balance taste with design
Corporate Event Tasting
Professional Cake Consultations:
Ideal For:
- Company anniversaries
- Product launches
- Corporate celebrations
- Client appreciation events
- Employee recognition
Corporate Tasting Approach:
- Professional, efficient consultation
- Universally appealing flavors
- Brand integration in design
- Dietary accommodation for diverse workforce
- Budget-conscious options
Popular Corporate Flavors:
- Vanilla with vanilla buttercream (safe choice)
- Chocolate with chocolate ganache (crowd-pleaser)
- Marble cake (variety)
- Lemon with lemon curd (refreshing)
- Red velvet (elegant, professional)
Corporate Considerations:
- Logo reproduction accuracy
- Brand color matching
- Professional presentation
- Dietary restrictions (provide options)
- Serving logistics at venue
Anniversary Cake Tasting
Celebrating Milestones:
Anniversary Tasting Benefits:
- Recreate original wedding cake flavors
- Update classic flavors with modern twists
- Nostalgic flavor choices
- Sophisticated, elegant options
Popular Anniversary Flavors:
- Original wedding cake flavor (sentimental)
- Champagne (celebratory)
- Red velvet (romantic)
- Chocolate with raspberry (elegant)
- Lemon with blueberry (refreshing)
Anniversary Considerations:
- Guest count (intimate vs. large party)
- Formality level
- Venue and season
- Couple's current preferences
- Dietary changes since wedding
Dietary Accommodations & Special Requests
Gluten-Free Options
Delicious Gluten-Free Cakes:
We create gluten-free cakes that taste just as amazing as traditional cakes:
Available Flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Lemon
- Almond
- Carrot cake
What to Expect:
- Moist, flavorful cake
- Similar texture to traditional cake
- Same decorating capabilities
- Slightly different crumb structure
- Dedicated preparation to avoid cross-contamination
Gluten-Free Tasting:
- Separate samples prepared
- Dedicated utensils and plates
- Discussion of severity of allergy/intolerance
- Ingredient transparency
- Honest expectations about texture differences
Vegan & Dairy-Free
Plant-Based Cake Options:
Vegan Flavors Available:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Lemon
- Spice cake
- Carrot cake
Vegan Fillings & Frostings:
- Vegan buttercream
- Fruit preserves
- Dark chocolate ganache (dairy-free)
- Coconut cream
What to Expect:
- Rich, moist cake
- No compromise on flavor
- Same decorating capabilities
- Fondant is naturally vegan
- Beautiful, professional presentation
Nut-Free & Allergy-Friendly
Safe Cakes for Allergy Concerns:
Common Allergen Accommodations:
- Nut-free (no tree nuts or peanuts)
- Egg-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Shellfish-free (not typically in cakes, but we confirm)
Our Allergy Protocol:
- Detailed ingredient discussion
- Separate preparation area
- Dedicated tools and equipment
- Clear labeling
- Communication with venue about serving
Important Notes:
- We take allergies seriously
- Honest about cross-contamination risks
- Recommend tasting for severe allergies
- Provide ingredient lists
- Work with you to ensure safety
Sugar-Free & Reduced Sugar
Lower Sugar Options:
Available Options:
- Sugar-free sweeteners (erythritol, stevia)
- Reduced sugar recipes
- Natural sweeteners (honey, maple syrup)
- Fruit-sweetened options
Honest Expectations:
- Different taste from traditional cake
- Texture variations
- Decorating limitations
- Best for smaller cakes
- We'll discuss feasibility
Cake Tasting Tips & Preparation
Before Your Tasting
How to Prepare:
Schedule Wisely:
- Choose a time when you're not rushed
- Avoid scheduling right after a meal
- Allow 90 minutes for full experience
- Pick a time when key decision-makers can attend
Gather Inspiration:
- Create Pinterest board of design ideas
- Collect photos of cakes you love
- Note specific elements you like
- Bring fabric swatches or color samples
- Have event details ready (date, venue, guest count)
Consider Your Preferences:
- Discuss flavor preferences with your partner/family
- Note any dislikes or allergies
- Think about your event theme
- Consider season and venue
- Set a realistic budget
Prepare Questions:
- Write down questions in advance
- Bring notebook for notes
- Prepare list of must-haves
- Note any concerns or special requests
During Your Tasting
Making the Most of Your Appointment:
Tasting Technique:
- Start with lighter flavors, progress to richer
- Cleanse palate between samples (water, crackers)
- Take small bites to avoid palate fatigue
- Try fillings separately, then with cake
- Take notes on each combination
What to Evaluate:
- Flavor intensity (too subtle? too strong?)
- Moisture level (dry? perfect? too moist?)
- Sweetness (too sweet? just right? not sweet enough?)
- Texture (crumb, density, mouthfeel)
- Aftertaste (pleasant? lingering?)
- Overall appeal (would guests enjoy this?)
Ask Questions:
- How does this flavor pair with fillings?
- Will this hold up in warm weather?
- Is this flavor universally appealing?
- Can we do different flavors per tier?
- What do most couples choose?
- What's your personal favorite?
Be Honest:
- Share genuine reactions
- Don't pretend to like something you don't
- Ask to re-taste if unsure
- Discuss concerns openly
- Trust your instincts
After Your Tasting
Decision-Making Process:
Take Your Time:
- No need to decide immediately
- Review notes and photos at home
- Discuss with partner/family
- Sleep on it if needed
- We'll send proposal within 3-5 days
Compare Options:
- Refer to your tasting notes
- Consider guest preferences
- Think about event theme
- Review budget considerations
- Trust your favorite
Follow-Up:
- Respond to proposal with questions
- Request modifications if needed
- Confirm final flavor selections
- Book with deposit
- Relax knowing your cake is handled
Cake Tasting Pricing & Investment
Complimentary with Cake Order
Our Tasting Policy:
Free Cake Tasting Included:
- Complimentary when you book a custom cake
- No separate tasting fee
- Applies to all cake orders $300+
- In-home or virtual tasting
- Up to 4 people per tasting
What's Included:
- 5-7 cake flavor samples
- 3-5 filling options
- Frosting samples
- Design consultation (60-90 minutes)
- Portfolio review
- Pricing and proposal
Tasting-Only Fee:
- $50 for tasting without cake order
- Fully refundable if you book within 30 days
- Same experience as complimentary tasting
- All samples and consultation included
Cake Pricing Overview
Investment Ranges:
Custom Cakes Start At:
- Simple designs: $110-$300
- Moderate custom designs: $300-$800
- Complex 3D sculpted cakes: $800-$2,000+
- Wedding cakes: $500-$3,000+
Factors Affecting Price:
- Guest count (servings needed)
- Design complexity
- 3D sculptural elements
- Tier quantity
- Specialty flavors or fillings
- Dietary accommodations (gluten-free, vegan)
- Delivery distance
- Setup requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cake tasting appointment take?
Plan for 60-90 minutes. This includes flavor sampling (30-40 min), design consultation (20-30 min), and pricing discussion (10-15 min). We never rush—this is your time to explore and ask questions.
Can we bring family or friends to the tasting?
Yes! We accommodate up to 4 people comfortably. If you'd like to bring more, please let us know in advance so we can prepare additional samples.
Do you charge for cake tastings?
Cake tastings are complimentary when you book a custom cake ($300+). If you'd like a tasting without booking, there's a $50 fee that's fully refundable if you book within 30 days.
How many flavors can we taste?
Typically 5-7 cake flavors, 3-5 fillings, and frosting options. We tailor the selection based on your preferences discussed during booking. If you want to try something specific, just ask!
Can we have different flavors for each tier?
Absolutely! Multi-tier cakes can feature different flavors per tier. This is popular for weddings—giving guests variety and accommodating different preferences.
Do you offer gluten-free or vegan tastings?
Yes! We prepare separate gluten-free and vegan samples. Let us know your dietary needs when booking so we can prepare appropriate samples with dedicated equipment.
When should we schedule our tasting?
For weddings, book 6-9 months before your date. For other events, 2-3 months in advance is ideal. This ensures availability and allows time for design refinement.
What if we don't like any of the flavors?
We've never had this happen! But if you have specific flavor requests not in our standard menu, we can discuss custom flavor development. We're flexible and want you to love your cake.
Can we take samples home?
Samples are best enjoyed fresh during the tasting. However, if you need to share with someone who couldn't attend, we can provide a small take-home portion.
Do you provide tasting samples for destination weddings?
Yes! We offer virtual tastings with shipped samples for out-of-town clients. We'll coordinate delivery timing and conduct the design consultation via video call.
Book Your Cake Tasting Today
Your perfect cake starts with the perfect tasting experience. At ImagiCakes, we've spent 25+ years perfecting not just our cake recipes, but our consultation process. We know that choosing your cake should be enjoyable, stress-free, and delicious.
Whether you're planning a Philadelphia wedding, milestone birthday, anniversary celebration, or corporate event, our in-home cake tasting service brings premium samples and expert guidance directly to you. No travel, no crowds, no pressure—just great cake and creative collaboration.
Schedule Your Complimentary Tasting
Contact Us:
- Call: (215) 626-6279
- Visit: 5028 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19139
- Email: Contact through our website
- Hours: By appointment only
Tasting Options:
- In-home (most popular)
- Virtual with shipped samples
- Studio visit
What to Mention When Booking:
- Event type and date
- Approximate guest count
- Preferred tasting location
- Dietary restrictions
- Design style preferences
Let's create something extraordinary together. Schedule your cake tasting today and taste the ImagiCakes difference.