A Peach in a Pear Tree | Custom Desserts

I had the amazing opportunity to work with Alicia from A Peach in a Pear Tree last week!  Not only is she a sweet person, but she can BAKE!!  She specializes in custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes and mini desserts for all occasions, including but not limited to weddings, birthdays, baby showers & all other celebratory events!  Alicia actually made custom cupcakes and individual cakes for my kids birthdays just a couple of weeks ago.  You can check out the yummy treats here.

Below is a short interview with Alicia to get to know her a little better and of course images of her delicious treats!

Who are you?  Where are you located?  What do you offer?

My name is Alicia Darnell and I am located in Ashland, Virginia.  I offer custom cakes (wedding, celebration), cupcakes, mini desserts, cookies and dessert bars for various events.
Tell us about your business?  How did you get started?  What do you love about what you do?

 

My business specializes in unique custom and original designs. When I started this business, my  main emphasis was on taste.  Having recipes passed down from my great grandmother and other family members from my home state of Louisiana, I knew I could bring a flair like no other to this area.  My very first item that was placed to sell in restaurants was my grandmother caramel pound cake, more appropriately called “Alberta’s Caramel Cake”.  After I made a name for myself locally selling homemade goods, I decided to branch out into the element of designing cakes.  I took professional courses, studied with great people and practiced – a lot.

 

What I love about my job is the opportunity to really be creative with a sweet, edible medium  — sugar!  The second best thing is the look on a customer’s face when they see  and taste the final project.  It’s priceless and makes the hours of work totally worth it!

Do you have a favorite party that you host?

 

My favorite events are those that use dessert bars with an extravagant, tiered cake as a centerpiece.  Dessert bars are so customized and detailed, it really draws all attention from everyone in the room!

Who has been your biggest supporter in your business?

 

My father was definitely my biggest supporter.  He passed away in December 2008, but not before he knew every detail as to what I wanted to do.  He gave me great advice on how to be successful with my business, and his words ring true still.
How would you describe your style?  What are your favorite types of projects?

My style ranges from traditional to haute couture – everything in between!  My favorite types of projects are cakes that are 4 to 5 feet high, 3D form, that blink or spin.  I love the challenge of making complex, realistic sculptured cakes and that is something I am looking forward to expanding in this area.
What inspires you?

 

I believe that inspiration is not only within self, but also from those you interact with.  I am inspired when I meet with a client who has just as much excitement about their event as I do the vision.

Describe your favorite cake that you have designed or would love to design?

 

My favorite cake that I have designed thus far has been the wedding dress cake with jewel embellishments – it constantly gets rave reviews and many clients have ordered it for bridal showers.

 

A cake that I would love to design would be a grand piano!

PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGENot only do these desserts look amazing, they taste even better!!  PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEI LOVE the detailing in each pastry.  Can you believe that the rose below is not real!  Its actually icing….how amazing is that?! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEAlicia, you did such a great job with setting up everything, it looks gorgeous!! PIN IMAGEBe sure to check out Alicia’s amazing work and keep up with the latest news!  Thanks for stopping by!