Love at First Bite!

The UmhlangaOctober 3, 2022

Making Umhlanga sweeter, one cupcake at a time.

You should never ignore the longing for baked goods. We all need some sweet decadence in our lives and here to satisfy that craving is Milk & Honey Cakery. Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Janine and Dwayne, this gourmet cake and cupcake shop specialises in creating unique flavour experiences for each person who walks through its doors. When they say it’s “The best chocolate cake and cupcake you’ll ever eat,” they mean it! They constantly create new cake and cupcake flavours to add to their expansive range. With more than 60 flavours, they rotate the in-store selection daily, so you always have something new to try when you visit.

Walking into the store, you are greeted by soft pastel colours and a display of the most beautiful cupcakes, cookies and brownies. The décor gives you the feeling of being in a fairy garden, especially with the flower-laden swing against a lush green background. Feel free to sit on the swing and get a photo to document your visit and live out your fairy fantasy! The sunlight streaming through the windows hits the tables and couches just right to create a comfortable atmosphere to settle down and chat for hours.

 

Milk & Honey began as a home-based bakery. Against all odds, they were able to push past challenges and grow the brand. It took a lot of hard work, sleepless nights and dedication to their confectionaries. Their products are made using the finest ingredients, and the flavours are developed by extracting natural flavours from fresh and organic ingredients. They focus on providing the best possible service for customers. They have a strong online presence on social media, constantly updating the community on what is on offer. Customers can also use their online store for same-day “click & collect” from the day’s selection and pre-order celebration cakes and cupcakes.

For Janine, inspiration to create comes from the delicious things around her! A recent obsession of hers has been recreating desserts in cupcake form. From a lemon meringue pie filled with zesty lemon curd to the tiramisu with its whipped mascarpone frosting and cocoa dusting, Janine has gotten her cupcake renditions of traditional desserts down to a science. If you’re leaning towards the cookie side of things, fear not. You are well covered. May I suggest their Nutella hazelnut cookie? It’s a buttery cocoa cookie crammed with toasted hazelnuts, Belgian chocolate chips and a Nutella centre. It’s a chocolate lover’s paradise! Heat it up, feel the delectable pieces break down on your tongue, and indulge your senses!

Wash it all down and complement the sweetness with the vibrant flavours of a cup of coffee from their barista station. You’ll have some of the best coffee that balances out well with your sweet treats!

Transitioning from the home baking industry to retail was challenging, and Janine had to read up on many food industry requirements, protocols, logistics and staff management. Overall, their transition has been greatly successful, and they plan to establish multiple outlets around KwaZulu-Natal. Exciting news for fans of deliciousness! Make sure to pop in and try a cupcake or a slice of their signature chocolate cake. The moist Belgian chocolate cake, filled with a Belgian chocolate frosting, crammed with Belgian chocolate chips, and covered in a Nutella ganache, will most certainly keep you coming back for more. Go on and satisfy that sweet tooth. We won’t judge.

 

Instagram: @milkandhoneycakeryza

Words: Cristina Govender