In September 2021, a very special business opened its doors with a simple yet lofty goal: to create the perfect cakes for all occasions. Today, this sister-owned-and-operated bakery is nothing short of a community staple, crafting the most elegant and inspired desserts with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Cakes can be enjoyed as a whole or in-store by the slice, paired with a glass of sparkling champagne, a cup of tea, or, if you stop by between Thursdays and Sundays, with a seasonal lunch. Come with us as we dive into what makes Cake Bloom in Charlottesville so exceptional.

I first visited Cake Bloom about two years ago, picking up a small Floral Funfetti cake that I had preordered to celebrate a birthday. The cake itself was beautiful, a 4-inch "baby cake," wrapped in a layer of vanilla buttercream frosting. When I sliced into the cake itself, I was delighted to find an array of edible florals — organic calendula, blue cornflower, hibiscus, and rose — rather than the generic food dye that typically gives Funfetti cake its color. And it was truly one of the most delicious cakes I've ever tried.

Since that first visit, Cake Bloom has been my go-to to celebrate special occasions. However, the bakery also offers cake by the slice, a perfect option for those in the mood for a little pick-me-up. Visitors are invited to stop by and order from the display case, creating their own sampler from whatever is available that day. It's a great way to sample some of their knock-out seasonal flavors, which change on a monthly basis. They'll also box up your order with care, expertly fitting slices or an entire cake into a convenient carry-out package with recommendations for storing or freezing your cake.

The pressed florals, fruits, and fresh toppings define the Cake Bloom experience. These edible garnishes are the perfect complement to the bakery's approach. Whereas many baked goods today are over-the-top and over-processed, Cake Bloom is refreshingly understated. They achieve that rare combination of tasting homemade while looking picture-perfect. It's no wonder that many locals opt for a Cake Bloom wedding cake!

While cake is at the heart of the business, the bakery has also mastered the art of the pop-over. Stop by on a weekend and, depending on availability, you can sample one of these melt-in-your-mouth rolls paired with a decadent honey butter. These freshly baked rolls are also available by the dozen or half dozen if you order ahead of time.

Cakes, popovers, and other curated treats may be the reason you visit Cake Bloom, but you'll quickly discover it's the community you'll find inside this shop that will inspire you to come back.

If you're local to the area and want to plan a visit, be sure to make a reservation here to ensure you get a table. You can also contact the shop by calling (434) 328-8130. And the best news of all? Cake Bloom now ships nationwide! Learn more about how you can sample some of these beautiful cakes right at home when you visit Cake Bloom online.

Need a place to stay while you're visiting the area? Check out this incredible Airbnb, located right on the downtown mall. And don't forget to stop by this one-of-a-kind winery where you can sip wine in the woods.