FAQs

What cake flavours do you offer?

We offer a large range of standard and premium flavours. Click on our Flavours List for a complete list. If you're looking for a custom cake and you have something specific in mind that isn't on this list, let us know! We actually recreated a 1990’s “Dunkaroos” filling for one client!

What's the difference between fondant and buttercream?

Buttercream is a standard icing used in bakeries but at Chartier we only use a higher quality Swiss Meringue Buttercream which is dramatically less sweet than traditional buttercream (and extra delicious).

Fondant is an edible solid icing that provides a very smooth finish and can also be used to sculpt shapes. We can achieve some really beautiful effects using just buttercream icing, but for most specialty cakes fondant adds an extra special design look. All of our fondant cakes also have a layer of our buttercream icing under the fondant too.

Are your entire cakes really edible?

Generally, yes! We make our flowers and decorations using fondant, sugar, chocolate and other edible ingredients. Typically the only inedible parts of our cakes are any wires in flowers or structural supports in the cake if needed.

Do you offer vegan or dairy/nut/gluten-free options? What about allergies?

Yes, and we're proud of how delicious our vegan and gluten-free items are! Cindy has worked hard to select and perfect the best recipes so that these items are at least as delicious as our standard desserts. (Some would say they're even better!)

We're a fully licensed bakery operating out of a professional kitchen, so we can accommodate most dietary requirements and allergies. If you have questions, let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate, and we'll let you know if it's not possible.

(While Chartier Specialty Sweets takes the utmost care to avoid cross contamination, ingredients or machinery in this facility may come into contact with nuts, dairy, gluten, soy and eggs.)

Do you deliver?

We do, within Calgary and the surrounding area. A fee applies, based on the size and complexity of the goods that need to be delivered. Click here for more details.

What price range do most of your cakes fall into?

Most standard cakes start at about $6.00 per serving and vary from there. Custom wedding and specialty cakes will range dramatically depending on the size, complexity and ingredients. Sugar flowers and sugar work for example, are individually made by hand and take hours to do. Flourishes like gold leaf cost extra as well. But rather than guessing about what your cake will cost, why don't you request a free quote? We can suggest ideas for a beautiful cake you'll love that will fall within your budget too.

Can we do a cake tasting?

Yes! We offer cake tastings for weddings and love to help you come up with the perfect cake to suit your style and personalities! Get in touch and we can set something up. (Some restrictions apply)

How far in advance do I need to book my wedding or special event cake?

The earlier the better, since our availability fills up quickly. Wedding season in particular can be quite busy, and lots of love and attention is showered upon every cake we make. At a minimum, all specialty cake orders should be booked 4 weeks in advance, subject to availability. In a rush for a last minute cake order? Get in touch -- we might still be able to help.

Are you fully licensed?

Yes, and all of our desserts are made in a professional commercial kitchen that exceeds all health and safety requirements.

Do you offer classes?

We do! Our Cake Decorating Fun Night classes are held in SW Calgary on Friday nights and can accommodate groups of 4-10.

*Classes have been temporarily postponed due to Covid. Let us know if you are interested and we will add you to our wait-list for when things get back to “normal”. Sign up

Do you have a storefront?

No, we are focused on making beautiful, custom cakes and desserts, so we operate by appointment only out of a professional kitchen.