As Good As It Looks
How SweetCakes Has Become a Tier of Its Own
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL | DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SWEET CAKES
It won’t offend Andrea Reed if you close your eyes the first time you try one of her delectable creations.
The longtime baker who has produced thousands of cakes, and even received the unexpected call to compete on “Halloween Wars” on Food Network back in 2010, believes wedding cakes have long held a reputation for being memorable to look at but not always to eat—and that is not a standard she’s willing to accept.
“I’ve spent years refining flavors and buttercreams that are rich, balanced and truly indulgent,” Reed says. “I want that moment where guests take a bite and pause—it’s that good. That commitment to flavor has been a huge part of my evolution, and a big reason clients return for so many of life’s celebrations.”
Reed is always experimenting with ways to elevate classic favorites, as well as translate popular dessert flavors into cakes. Her signature ButterRum cake is a fan favorite, and butter cake with Strawberry Milkshake filling has received rave reviews, including from her very discerning “guinea pig,” taste tester and husband, Allen.
The inspiration for the Strawberry Milkshake comes from the couple’s own love story, harkening back to the days when Andrea and Allen would stop by Brandon Farms to indulge in a strawberry milkshake after church on Sundays.
Reed started SweetCakes—a name that Allen, a local branding and marketing agency owner and creative director, came up with—in 2004, inspired in part by her lifelong love for cakes and parties that her mom passed down to her.
She experienced incredible success at the beginning, but like many businesses, hers was hit hard by the economic downturn of 2008. She eventually transitioned to a corporate job, but never lost the passion or the skill for cake making.
In 2023 she officially re-launched SweetCakes, where she works diligently to develop distinctive options that not only match popular trends, but more importantly hit the perfect mark for couples.
Prospective clients fill out detailed questionnaires, covering everything from their invitations, attire, florals and more, to help determine the kind of statement they are aiming to make.
“For the tasting, they select two flavor profiles, and I create two custom mini cakes just for them,” Andrea shares. “I’ll usually incorporate a subtle design element from my sketch into those cakes so they can begin to visualize the concept coming to life.”
Taking in a recent consultation, it was clear the couple was having a hard time deciding which option they liked better: the chocolate coconut cake or the butter cake with Strawberry Milkshake filling and ButterRum icing.
“Andrea has been great throughout this process, just very responsive and helping guide us so we can make the best decision,” said Tyler, a groom-to-be who was on site with his bride-to-be, Miranda.
It’s proof of the value Reed places on customer service, part of the three-legged stool she says people are looking for when considering a service or product: service, quality and price.
She doesn’t aspire to be the most affordable option in the wedding cake industry, in part because she provides premium service and quality that customers understand is part of an elevated experience.
It takes upwards of eight hours for Reed to hand make enough buttercream frosting for a couple of weeks, and it’s normal for her to spend 40+ hours on some of her more intricate cakes.
“I want that moment where guests take a bite and pause—it’s that good. That commitment to flavor has been a huge part of my evolution, and a big reason clients return for so many of life’s celebrations.”
From the beginning, her focus has been a mix of clean, beautiful design and keeping an uncompromising standard for truly great tasting desserts.
In the early days, she relied on her own imagination and problem-solving skills to bring designs to life, even using unconventional tools like mesh produce bags to create specific textures. Today, she has all the tools an artist in her industry needs, including a refrigerated SweetCakes van to ensure the precious cargo arrives at its destination just as intended.
Her work continues to be showcased across the region, including a number of cakes that will be featured in the 2026 Tampa/St. Pete edition of “Wed Society.”
Reed’s evolution as a cake maker is defined by her “need to be the best at whatever I do,” a drive she calls both a blessing and a curse. She says the true measure of success isn’t just a stunning design but knowing she has created a meaningful experience.
As one couple noted in a heartfelt thank-you note, her impact was about more than just the cake; it was her “honesty, candidness, and quick communication” that really set SweetCakes apart.
By relentlessly prioritizing flavor, craftsmanship and a personalized experience, Andrea Reed continues to ensure that every creation truly makes her client’s celebration sweet.