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Connie's Cakes Expands

Dave Evans, founder and head baker for Connie’s Cakes, has taken his late mother’s celebrated recipes and turned them into a successful business. When Evans launched Connie’s Cakes back in 2010, his goal was bigger than just replicating his mother Connie’s coveted coffee cake. This Indiana native wanted to evoke the simple deliciousness of Midwestern hospitality.

And it seems Northeasterners have a real appetite for it.

Hot on the heels of the successful launch, Westport-based Connie’s Cakes has expanded production to include a terrifically tempting carrot cake, packed with the unexpected punch of chocolate accents. Evans has also hired an aspiring local chef, a Staples High School student, to his small baking team to help with large orders.

 “She was a legendary cook,” Evans says of his mother, who passed away in 2008. After her death, Evans sifted through her files of handwritten recipes and earmarked some of his favorites, including her unusually delicous carrot cake. “It freezes beautifully, so it’s great to keep on hand for parties. And I use organic, really wholesome ingredients you can taste. Even kids like it.”

After our meeting, I was able to put his kid-friendly claim to the test. Post Irene, I hosted an impromptu gathering for some friends and family who were still without power, including a little girl celebrating her third birthday. In an effort to make things festive, I found some birthday candles in the pantry, and rolled out Connie’s carrot cake. The adults on hand "oohed" and "ahhed" over it, but the birthday girl didn’t say a word as she ate. Then, as she scooped the last forkful into her mouth, she said, “More?”

“We do all kinds of special orders,” says Evans. “Birthdays, corporate gifts, and even Staples football games.” In fact, Evans offers a 10 percent discount to families of the Wreckers football team for the duration of the 2011 season. “We’re also offering 10 percent off for holiday orders—Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas—placed by September 15.”

Evans advises that, when refrigerated, both the coffee and carrot cakes will keep for up to five days, and that they both freeze effectively for up to three months. His typical cake is a square  eight by eight inches, but he will make half-sizes on request, or larger cakes for special occasions.

“All cakes are made to order,” says Evans. “And I offer free delivery in Westport.” Evans also ships his coffee cake all over the country. “We’ve had orders from as far as California.”

Want to have your carrot cake and eat it, too? Order Connie’s Cakes online here. You can also read sweet musings on Evans' blog.

Have you tried Connie’s Cakes? What’s your favorite treat for autumn parties? Share your thoughts here.

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