There’s no downplaying the importance of a wedding cake. Part design feature, part dessert, the multi-tiered beauty occupies a key part of the reception’s rituals and visual landscape. Discerning a bride’s dream cake is an art for pastry chef Laura-Kate Amrhein, founder of Zachary-based custom bakery Sweet Stirrings. The 14-year-old business specializes in design-forward cakes with trendy flavors and finishes.

These days, the rustic, “naked” cakes of the recent past are making way for towering creations draped in fondant and icing details that mimic fabric, bows and other girly touches. The toughest decision, however, may be flavor. “We’re known for having a lot of really cool gourmet fillings that are not run-of-the-mill,” Amrhein says. Opt from raspberry limoncello, pecan praline or Grand Marnier with orange-infused mousse, but take comfort in the option to make each tier something different.

4342 High Street, Zachary

(225) 276-1996

sweetstirrings.com

Tastings by appointment