Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about ordering custom cakes, decorated cookies, desserts, or booking a cookie decorating class with Believe Cakes? Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. Believe Cakes creates custom desserts and hands-on decorating experiences for customers throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland area.
Ordering & Custom Desserts
How far in advance should I place my order?
We recommend placing custom orders at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Availability can fill quickly, especially during busy seasons and around holidays, so earlier is always better.
How do I place a custom cake or dessert order?
Please submit a request through our Contact Us form. Include as much information as possible about your event and what you’re looking for so we can provide an accurate quote.
Do you accept last-minute orders?
Sometimes! Believe Cakes generally books about two weeks in advance, but we may be able to accommodate last-minute requests depending on our schedule and the complexity of your order. Rush fees may apply.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes. Minimum quantities vary depending on the dessert. Please visit our Pricing page and select the product category you’re interested in for current minimums and starting prices.
Can you recreate a cake or cookie design from a photo?
Absolutely! Inspiration photos are encouraged and can be uploaded through our Contact Us form. We’ll use your photos as inspiration to create a custom design for your celebration.
Can I choose custom colors, themes, or designs?
Absolutely. Our desserts are highly customizable, from the overall theme and design down to specific colors. If you’re matching a brand, invitation, or event palette, you can even provide hex color codes.
What information should I provide when requesting a quote?
At minimum, please provide your requested date, quantity or cake size, and event theme. You can also include your preferred colors, design ideas, and inspiration photos to help us understand your vision.
Cakes
What cake sizes do you offer?
Our standard custom cakes start at 6 inches. Larger sizes and tiered cakes are also available depending on your serving needs and design.
How many people does each cake size serve?
Serving sizes vary by cake diameter. Our standard cake sizes range from a 6-inch cake serving approximately 10–12 guests to a 12-inch cake serving approximately 50–56 guests. Please visit our cake pricing and serving guide for current sizes, servings, and starting prices.
What cake flavors and buttercream flavors are available?
Current cake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and funfetti. Buttercream options include vanilla bean, chocolate, strawberry, Oreo, Nutella, marshmallow, and coconut. Visit our Pricing page for the most current options.
Do you make tiered cakes?
Yes! Tiered cakes are available and can be customized to coordinate with your event.
Do you make wedding cakes?
Yes. We create custom wedding cakes and can work with you on the size, flavors, colors, and design for your celebration.
Can you add a custom message, logo, or image to a cake?
Definitely! Custom messages, company logos, edible images, and other personalized design elements can be incorporated into your cake.
Custom Cookies & Treats
Do you make custom decorated sugar cookies?
Yes! Believe Cakes creates custom decorated sugar cookies in Chicago for birthdays, showers, weddings, corporate events, celebrations, and more.
What is the minimum order for custom cookies?
The minimum order for custom decorated sugar cookies is 2 dozen. See our custom cookie pricing for current starting prices.
Can you make cookies with a company logo?
Yes. We create custom corporate logo cookies, primarily using our edible printing process. They’re a great option for corporate events, product launches, employee gifts, client gifts, and branded celebrations. Learn more about our corporate logo cookies.
What other custom desserts do you offer?
If you’d find it on a dessert table, there’s a good chance we can make it! In addition to cakes and decorated sugar cookies, we offer desserts including French macarons, cupcakes, and cake pops. Have something else in mind? Send us an inquiry and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Can treats be individually wrapped?
Yes. Custom and individual packaging options are available for many of our treats. Let us know your packaging needs when requesting your quote.
Pricing & Payment
How much do custom cakes and cookies cost?
Pricing varies by dessert, size, quantity, and design. Please visit our Custom Cake & Dessert Pricing page for current starting prices and minimum order quantities.
What determines the price of a custom order?
Custom dessert pricing is primarily based on the size or quantity and complexity of the design. Detailed piping, specialty finishes, custom characters, metallic accents, florals, packaging, and other design elements may affect the final price.
Is a deposit required?
For orders booked more than 30 days in advance, a deposit may be required. For orders within 30 days, full payment is required to secure your date.
When is final payment due?
Your order is not confirmed on our calendar until the required payment has been received. Full payment is required to secure orders booked within 30 days.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Are deposits or payments refundable?
No. Once payment has been made and your order is confirmed, payments are non-refundable.
Pickup & Delivery
Where is Believe Cakes located?
Believe Cakes is located in Andersonville in Chicago, IL 60640. Pickup details are provided with confirmed orders.
Do you offer pickup?
Yes! Pickup is free for all orders.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes. Delivery is available for an additional fee, which is calculated based on the delivery distance and order requirements.
What areas do you deliver to?
We offer delivery throughout the Chicagoland area, subject to availability. Send us your delivery address when requesting a quote so we can confirm availability and pricing.
Can someone else pick up my order?
Yes. Someone else may pick up your order on your behalf.
What happens if I’m late for my pickup?
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can coordinate an alternative pickup time when possible.
Allergies & Dietary Requests
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Our French macarons are naturally gluten-free. Gluten-free alternatives for other desserts may be available as an add-on depending on the order. Please ask about current options when submitting your inquiry.
Do you offer vegan or dairy-free desserts?
Vegan and dairy-free desserts are not part of our standard menu, but we may be able to accommodate certain requests. Please contact us with your specific needs.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary concerns when submitting your order request. We’ll let you know what accommodations may be possible.
Are your products made in a nut-free facility?
No. Believe Cakes is not a nut-free facility, and we cannot guarantee that products will be free from cross-contact with allergens.
Cookie Decorating Classes
Do you offer cookie decorating classes?
Yes! Believe Cakes offers cookie and cake decorating classes in Chicago, including public classes, private events, and corporate cookie decorating experiences.
Do I need cookie decorating experience?
Not at all! Our cookie decorating classes are designed to be approachable for beginners, and all skill levels are welcome. We’ll guide you through the decorating process step by step.
What is included in a cookie decorating class?
Everything you need to decorate your cookies is provided. Depending on the class, this can include pre-baked cookies, colored royal icing, decorating tools, professional instruction, and packaging to take your finished creations home.
How long are cookie decorating classes?
Classes generally run 1–2 hours, depending on the type of class or event.
Do you offer private cookie decorating classes?
Yes! Private cookie decorating events are available for companies, organizations, and private groups.
Can I book a class for a birthday, bridal shower, or other private event?
Yes! Cookie decorating makes a fun hands-on activity for birthdays, bridal showers, celebrations, private parties, and other group events. Contact us with your event details to discuss availability and options.
Corporate Cookie Decorating Events
Do you offer corporate cookie decorating classes?
Yes! Believe Cakes offers corporate cookie decorating events in Chicago designed as a creative, hands-on team-building experience. Sessions can be customized around your company, project, celebration, product launch, or event theme.
Can you host a cookie decorating class at our office?
Yes! For events in the Chicagoland area, we come to you. We can transform your office, conference room, or event space into a cookie decorating studio and bring the supplies needed for the session.
How many people can participate?
Corporate cookie decorating is available for groups of various sizes. Minimum and maximum participant requirements apply, so please send us your estimated number of participants when requesting your event.
Do you provide all of the decorating supplies?
Yes! We bring the cookies, royal icing, piping bags, decorating tools, supplies, and everything needed for the activity. Each participant typically decorates 2–3 cookies and receives guidance from our cookie decorating instructor(s).
Can cookies be customized with our company logo or brand colors?
Absolutely. Corporate events can feature custom-themed and branded cookie designs inspired by your company, event, product, or celebration. Send us your logo, brand colors, hex codes, or other inspiration when submitting your inquiry.
Do you offer corporate team-building events in Chicago?
Yes! Our corporate cookie decorating sessions are a unique Chicago team-building activity for companies looking for something creative, interactive, and delicious. Events can be hosted at your office or event space within the Chicagoland area.
How long is a corporate cookie decorating event?
Our standard corporate cookie decorating session is approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into a team meeting, company celebration, retreat, or other corporate event.
How much does a corporate cookie decorating event cost?
Corporate cookie decorating sessions currently start at $45 per team member. Minimum and maximum participant requirements apply. Visit our Corporate Cookie Decorating Events page for details.
How far in advance should we book a corporate event?
We recommend reaching out at least 2–3 weeks in advance, and earlier when possible for larger groups or highly customized themes. Availability varies, so submitting your requested date as early as possible gives us the best chance of accommodating your event.
Changes, Cancellations & Policies
Can I make changes after placing my order?
Yes, depending on the requested change. All order details must be finalized at least two weeks before the due date. Changes requested after that point may not be possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Once payment has been made and your order is confirmed, cancellations and refunds are not available.
What happens if I need to change my pickup date?
Please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll let you know whether we’re able to accommodate the requested date change based on our schedule.
What should I do if there is a problem with my order?
Please contact us directly as soon as possible with the details of your concern so we can review the situation and assist you.