Lapis Cake , Starting a lapis cake business might sound like a sweet dream for some—after all, who doesn’t love a delicious, multi-layered cake that’s both beautiful and packed with flavor? But trust me, it’s not just about baking and frosting. It’s about understanding the market, pricing your product, managing your time, and learning from every mistake along the way. When I first dove into the world of selling lapis cakes, I was a mix of excited and a little terrified. There’s a lot to think about, but the good news is that with some effort and a little know-how, you can build a successful lapis cake business that people will love.
Why Lapis Cake?
So, why lapis cake specifically? Well, in my experience, lapis cake has a unique edge over other cakes. The layers of soft, spongy cake with the bright, colorful design make it visually stunning and super appealing for events like weddings, birthdays, and holidays. Plus, the texture and flavor are unlike any other cake. It’s a showstopper, and that’s what makes it such a great product to sell.
I’ll admit, I had a bit of a love affair with lapis cake before turning it into a business. I was obsessed with the idea of creating beautiful cakes that were not only Instagram-worthy but also delicious and nostalgic for many. But I quickly learned that just being passionate about your product isn’t enough. You need a strategy, a plan, and the right mindset to make your business thrive.
Step 1: Perfect Your Recipe (and Make It Your Own)
When I started out, I thought a good lapis cake recipe would be easy to find online. And sure enough, there are thousands of recipes out there. But let me tell you, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of ingredients, ratios, and instructions. The trick is finding the recipe that works best for you and tweaking it until it’s just right.
One thing I learned the hard way is that the texture of your cake is EVERYTHING. It needs to be soft, but not too soggy. It should hold its layers well, and the flavor should be rich but not overpowering. I spent hours perfecting my version, testing it on family and friends (they loved me for that, by the way). And once I got it right, I felt confident enough to sell it.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to make your recipe stand out. Add a little twist—whether it’s a special ingredient or a unique flavor profile. Maybe you try using pandan or a bit of vanilla bean for that extra flavor boost. Your customers will appreciate it, and it’s a good way to distinguish yourself from others in the market.
Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace and Equipment
Now, here’s where I made a big mistake early on: I didn’t invest in the right equipment when I first started. I was trying to bake everything with basic home tools, and that wasn’t cutting it when I began getting more orders. My mixer kept breaking down, and I was spending way too much time trying to hand-mix layers.
If you’re serious about turning your lapis cake hobby into a business, you’ll need to think about your kitchen setup. Invest in a reliable stand mixer (trust me, it’s worth it), a good oven, and tools that will make the process smoother. Also, remember that space matters. You’ll need room to prep, bake, decorate, and store your cakes. If you’re working from home, try to organize your kitchen in a way that allows you to work efficiently.
Tip: Keep your workspace neat and clean at all times. Hygiene is a huge factor in food businesses. Make sure to follow all food safety guidelines to avoid any potential issues. Customers will appreciate a clean, professional kitchen, even if they never see it.
Step 3: Find Your Niche and Market Your Cakes
The competition can be fierce, and while lapis cake is popular, not everyone knows about it. You need to carve out a niche for yourself in the market. Are you going to focus on traditional flavors? Or do you want to innovate with new fillings or designs? Think about what makes your lapis cake business different from others and highlight that in your marketing.
I remember when I first started selling, I made the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone. I would offer every flavor under the sun, and it just wasn’t working. Then, I realized I could stand out by focusing on premium, custom-designed lapis cakes for special events. This way, I was able to target a more specific group of customers—people looking for a unique, high-quality cake for weddings and parties.
Pro Tip: Use social media to showcase your cakes. I’ve found that posting beautiful pictures of your cakes online—whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok—can do wonders for your business. People love to share pretty food, and they’ll help spread the word for you. I learned that showing a “behind-the-scenes” look at how you make your cakes also builds a connection with customers. It’s authentic and engaging.
Step 4: Price Your Cakes Right
Now, pricing your lapis cakes is trickier than you might think. You need to consider ingredient costs, labor (even if you’re doing it yourself), overhead expenses (like utilities and equipment), and your time. When I first started, I severely underestimated how much time it would take me to bake and decorate each cake. I didn’t factor in all those hours, and it hit me hard when I looked at my profits.
Make sure you’re covering your costs and still making a profit. But also remember that pricing isn’t just about covering expenses—it’s about perceived value. If you position your lapis cakes as a luxury product, people will be willing to pay more. But if you underprice, you risk not being able to sustain your business long-term.
Tip: Research what other businesses are charging, but don’t be afraid to charge what your cake is worth. Sometimes, a higher price can signal better quality to potential customers.
Step 5: Start Small and Scale Gradually
At the beginning, don’t go overboard with huge orders and ambitious plans. Start small and build your brand slowly. I started by baking just a couple of cakes a week, working out all the kinks in my process before taking on larger orders. This allowed me to focus on quality and customer satisfaction, which, in turn, led to word-of-mouth marketing and repeat customers.
Over time, I scaled up by taking larger orders, expanding my offerings, and even experimenting with seasonal flavors. Slowly but surely, my business grew, and I gained a loyal customer base.
Final Tip: Don’t expect overnight success. Building a business takes time, and there will be setbacks. But with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality, you’ll get there. And, most importantly, have fun with it. Lapis cake is a beautiful product, and sharing that joy with others is what makes it all worth it.
Starting a lapis cake business is an exciting journey. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. And if
