x
Breaking News
More () »

Love and confection: Indianapolis baker delivering free birthday cakes

Alana Cobb got a call from Country Crock Plant Butter, wanting to pay her to make and deliver 100 birthday cakes during the month of June.

INDIANAPOLIS — Alana Cobb is busier than ever. The owner of Princess Confections Bakery on East Washington Street, is making up to six cakes a day, a welcome change after the pandemic brought business to a halt.

"A lot of weddings had been cancelled or postponed, so I was just hanging on, just trying to figure out what to do month-to-month for rent and everything else," Alana said.

Then she got a call from Country Crock Plant Butter, asking her to be part of their Homebound Birthday Cake program. She was told Country Crock would pay her to make and deliver 100 birthday cakes during the month of June. Her initial reaction?

"This is a prank," she laughed. "I couldn't believe it. I was really excited to be selected."

Her bakery was one of just five chosen across the country. When she asked why her? She said she was told they "did pretty extensive research," wanted a small business and liked what they saw.

So far, Alana's made 55 birthday cakes...each sprinkled with love and confections.

Credit: WTHR
Alana Cobb is the owner of Princess Confections Bakery.

"Just to be able to brighten someone's day or put a smile on someone's face...I'm happy to be able to do that," she said.

And she "hired" two eager and well-qualified people to help out. Alana's Mom, Shelia Cobb and Alana's 12-year-old daughter Addison Rhodes are in charge of delivery.

"It's fun to do deliveries," Addison said. "We call before and tell them we're coming and they love to hear it."

A recent delivery took them to Wanamaker, where Ally Ceja ordered a cake for her soon-to-be step-daughter, Ainsely, who just turned 15-years-old.

When Ally opened the door and saw the cake, her face lit up.

"Thank you! It's so pretty. She's going to be so excited," Ally said. "You guys are awesome especially during these times...It just brings a lot of love. I'm just so grateful."

Seeing and hearing the reaction of recipients is what makes delivering the cakes so sweet.

"There are so many unknowns," Shelia said. "And this is a season where people need to feel hope and joy and it's our pleasure to spread that joy."

While Alana never gets to see the joy her birthday cakes bring, she certainly feels it.

"Everything I do I really pour my heart and soul into because it's personal to me" she said. "And I want everybody to be happy and to be pleased, to know whether it's for an uncle or daughter or mom, just to know someone is going to be happy on their birthday makes me happy."

Before You Leave, Check This Out