‘Old school, on trend and so fresh’: Brisbane’s best cake decorator revealed

We asked our readers to vote for Brisbane’s best cake decorator. After a week of voting, our readers have crowned a new winner! See the full list and read what our winners had to say.

Cakes by Simone, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Romana Saeheng Photographer & Design

We put the call out to our readers to nominate Brisbane’s best cake decorator and after hundreds of responses we narrowed the list down to a group of finalists. We can now reveal, as voted by our readers, Brisbane’s best cake decorator, 2023!

1. Cakes by Simone

Cakes by Simone, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Romana Saeheng Photographer & Design

Instagram: @cakesbysimone

Speciality: Creative designs

Just one week ago Simone Weatherstone was crowned Redland City’s best cake maker. In an incredible feat, she has now taken out the title of Brisbane’s best cake decorator. The fully licensed business is run from her home enabling Ms Weatherstone to balance family and work effortlessly.

“I work with all cake mediums, ganache, fondant, and buttercream. I love to get creative and can cover cakes with all edible elements or embellish them with different decorating techniques, or with sugar and fresh florals,” she said.

After asking a friend to describe what makes her business unique, “epic” cake designs were just one of the responses.

“It’s probably the level of community support that she receives that makes her small business so unique. Simone loves how her cakes make people so happy, this is why they keep coming back for all their special events … and even make up excuses to order more cake,” they said.

2. Katie Young’s Cakes

Katie Young's Cakes, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @katieyoungscakes

Specialty: Custom designs

Now operating for more than 14 years, Katie Young’s Cakes is popular within the Karana Downs community. Within the last 12 months, Ms Young was awarded the Haute Couture Cake Designer 2023 at the International Cake Show Australia and won the title of Brisbane’s best in the Wedding Industry Awards.

“I believe what makes me unique is that I can make both novelty fondant cakes and the more elegant cake designs,” she said.

“My customers are not limited to one style or one medium when ordering a cake with me. I absolutely love what I do and feel very lucky to have such amazing family, friends, and cake fans that are always supporting me.”

3. Simply Johnson

Simply Johnson, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @simplyjohnson_tia

Specialty: Creative flavouring

Crafted by Tia Johnson, Simply Johnson is described as a small business driven by the passion and love of baking.

“Our product range is vast and varied, featuring delectable delights such as cupcakes, brownies, caramel tarts, cookies, NZ lolly Cake and many more. Each item is not just a sweet treat, but a testament to our love for baking and seeing people enjoy simple but yummy moments,” she said.

Self-taught in the art of baking, Ms Johnson said she continually strives to push the boundaries of what is possible.

“A cake should taste as good as it looks. This philosophy drives us to ensure that every bite of our treats delivers a burst of flavours, each as delightful as the last. Our products are not just about great taste but also about an immersive sensory experience,” she said.

4. Luisa’s Sweet Creations

Luisa’s Sweet Creations, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @luisassweetcreations

Specialty: Custom creations

Luisa Nodari is a pastry chef with more than 20 years of experience.

“Luisa’s Sweet Creations caters for every occasion, making and creating custom cakes with any style or theme you desire,” she said.

“Everything is baked from scratch using only the finest ingredients.”

5. Caldera. CAKING

Caldera. CAKING, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @caldera.caking

Specialty: Intricate detailing

Owner Kristin Caldera said Caldera. CAKING is a “bespoke cake service specialising in delightful and whimsical buttercream designs that not only look good but taste amazing too.” Specialising in intricate floral detailing and subtle textures, Ms Caldera’s designs have a wide range of appeal.

“Whether minimalist and classy or bold and textured you’ll find a design here,” she said.

6. Cake In The Window

Cake In The Window, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Facebook: @CakeInTheWindow

Specialty: Bespoke creations

Owner Marina Zandegiacomo has now been running her home-based baking business for 10 years.

“I care about getting the personal touches right for every client,” she said.

“I love creating new cakes from people’s inspiration to make their occasion as special as possible.”

7. Zuccherino Cakes

Zuccherino Cakes, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @zuccherinocakes

Specialty: Unique flavour combinations

Chief taste tester, owner and decorator, Maria-Nella Millar, runs her business from a commercial kitchen in Albany Creek.

“Although my business first began focusing on cakes, I have branched out over the last six years making dessert cupcakes for holidays, experimenting with different flavour combinations and toppings, cookies, macarons, and more recently doughnuts,” she said.

“I make as much as I can from scratch, using real ingredients. I pour so much of myself into every cake, cupcake, macaron, cookie or doughnut that leaves this kitchen and I think that’s why I have so many regulars that have turned into friends.”

8. Cuppa Make Cake

9. Sweet Life- Cakes by Amber

Sweet Life- Cakes by Amber, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @sweetlife_cakesbyamber

Specialty: Buttercream fillings

Four years ago new mum Amber William yearned for a creative outlet that was just “hers”.

“I had always worked in retail and with food and I always made cakes for fun for family and friends,” she said.

“I started this business so I could stay home and be there for my son for all the firsts. I had no idea where to start but I knew I wanted to do this for him. I started selling to family and friends and then it became friends of friends, and now four years on I have a huge steady customer base.

“In the beginning I knew I wanted everything to be authentic. I worked for months on end and created recipes that I love. I’m proud to say that everything that comes out of my kitchen is handcrafted with love.

“I wouldn’t change my job for the world.”

10. Simply Divine Occasions

Simply Divine Occasions, Best of Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

Instagram: @simplydivineoccasions

Specialty: Buttercream fillings

Creative Director Natasha Fraser has now been designing cakes for over 10 years. Ms Fraser said she is incredibly proud of her 5 STAR food safety rating in Brisbane City Council’s Eat Safe campaign.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share my passion,” she said.

“I relish in designing and creating wedding cakes that leave a lasting impression, I pride myself in delivering consistently delicious and stunning cakes, and bringing visions to life.”