WHERE REAL
BAKING BEGINS
What started as a family venture has grown into one of Britain’s most respected wholesale bakeries - still rooted in the same principles we began with: honest ingredients, hands-on methods, and a commitment to bakes that stand out on any counter.
CRAFTED BY HAND.
TRUSTED AT SCALE.
We began in a kitchen - literally. Today our Berkshire bakery is AA+ BRC certified and filled with the tools you’d recognise from any home kitchen - just scaled thoughtfully for foodservice. Everything is handmade, scratch-baked, and made with trusted ingredients. No artificial preservatives. No shortcuts. Just craft, consistency, and cakes built to stand out on your counter.
our journey
From a coffee shop kitchen to Britain’s benchmark in handmade bakes.
1983
Where it all began
Andrew and Anne Perry opened their cafe "Coffee Call” in Kent, then another in Sevenoaks. Unable to find cakes that were up to their high standards, a family friend began baking for their counter from her home kitchen. They were so good that demand quickly outgrew the oven - and a cake business was born.
1990's
growing by word of mouth
As customers asked for more, the bakery grew and we moved into a factory setup, allowing us to scale while staying true to our handmade roots.
2001-2003
finding our name
The business evolved into Hayesden Group before proudly becoming The Handmade Cake Company - a name that reflected exactly how we bake and who we are.
2008
a new home
We moved to our purpose-built bakery in Maidenhead, giving us room to grow while keeping our small-batch approach.
2000's-2010's
setting the standard
Award wins, bestselling bakes, and a reputation for reliability cemented our place as a trusted name in foodservice.
2014
a new chapter
We joined the Mademoiselle Desserts Group and opened our fully segregated Gluten Free bakery - raising the bar for quality and safety.
2020
expanding our expertise
Our Gluten Free unit expanded again, with a high-care area enabling us to produce cheesecakes and more delicate desserts.
2025
looking forward
A refreshed visual identity marks the next chapter - honouring our heritage while baking confidently for the future.
...and the story continues.
Baking better
Better ingredients. Better for you.
We’re committed to responsible baking and take real, measurable steps toward healthier products. We now bake with fewer additives, less sugar, salt and fat, more protein and fibre, and packaging that’s increasingly recyclable and responsibly sourced - all without compromising on taste.
Better Business
Built Together
Better Business
Built Together
BETTER BUSINESS.
BAKED IN.
Baking Better goes beyond what’s in the mix.It’s our commitment to helping your business perform, with the right bakes, the right support, and the reassurance of a team that works alongside you. From connecting you with trusted local distributors to sharing insight that shapes stronger menus, we’re here to make choosing and serving great cake easier, every step of the way.
When you stock Handmade Cake, you’re not just choosing products. You’re choosing heritage, care, quality, and a bakery built to support your business as it grows.
What that means for you:
Quality without compromise: Everything starts with real handmade care.
A range built for every menu: Classic favourites and trend-led bakes for every audience.
More than a bakery: Practical support and insight to help your business rise.
Reliability baked in: Consistent availability, built for distributor networks
Heritage you can rely on: Confidence in every batch, every slice, every delivery.
Inclusive by design: A market-leading free-from and better-for-you range.
Sustainability with substance: Positive choices for people and the planet
baked with purpose
For people and the planet.
From the ingredients we choose to the way we power our bakery, we’re committed to reducing our impact, supporting our people, and helping our customers serve bakes they can feel good about.
what that looks like in practice
From the ingredients we choose to the way
we power our bakery, we're committed to
reducing our impact, supporting our people,
and helping our customers serve bakes
can feel good about.
FAQs
Find answers to your shipping and return questions below to enhance your shopping experience.
Do you offer vegetarian, vegan or plant-based cakes?
We do indeed. All our vegetarian, vegan, and plant-basedproducts are certified by The Vegetarian Society and designed to taste everybit as good as their classic counter parts.
Why do you use the term plant-based as well as vegan?
We’ve added plant-based alongside vegan to better reflect how today’s consumers think and choose. Research shows that plant-based is often perceived as more natural, better for the environment, and more appealing from a health perspective, helping to attract a broader, more diverse audience.
Importantly, nothing about our recipes or standards has changed. All our plant-based products still meet the exact same requirements as our vegan range:
-100% free from animal-derived ingredients
-No animal testing
-Fully accredited by The Vegetarian Society
This dual accreditation allows you to communicate both credentials clearly on your menu or counter, widening appeal without compromising on the standards your customers trust.
Do you bake gluten-free cakes?
Absolutely. Our gluten-free products are made in a fully segregated bakery licensed by Coeliac UK and tested regularly, so you can serve with complete confidence. To avoid any cross-contamination in your coffee shop, make sure you use separate serving utensils.
Are your products Halal?
No, unfortunately we’re not Halal certified.
Do your bakes contain alcohol?
If added alcohol is present, it’s clearlylabelled. Vanilla extract naturally contains alcohol, but it evaporates duringbaking.
Should I mix cakes from different ranges?
Definitely. Data shows that choice drives sales. Our helpful team can assist with building your perfect menu. Get in touch to make a plan together.
Why are your cakes frozen and pre-cut?
Our cakes and bakes are carefully handmade, which means they can be delicate. Freezing them ensures they arrive with you in the same excellent condition they leave our bakery - looking their best and ready to look great on the plate.
Freezing also locks in freshness, flavour, and quality. Our cakes can be stored frozen for months and, once defrosted, taste just as fresh as the day they were baked.
Pre-cutting adds another layer of flexibility. It allows you to separate slices easily and defrost only what you need for the day, helping to reduce waste while keeping your offer fresh and appealing.
How long do cakes take to defrost?
They vary, so please check the label to get it just right. To give you an ideas, our traybakes usually take around 2 hours and round cakes 4–6 hours.
How long do your cakes last?
Every cake and bake is unique, so check the label on the box for specific instructions. To give you an idea, they usually last up to 5 days once defrosted and 12 months in the freezer. We recommend they are eaten as soon as possible after defrosting to give your customers the tastiest experience.
Do you make bespoke products?
We do for customers with sufficient volume and commitment. Our experienced team would love to chat about your requirements. Get in touch today
What are your top sellers?
It depends on your audience, but brownies, tray bakes, cheesecakes and classic round cakes consistently perform well. We can advise based on your menu strategy
How should I price your products?
Pricing varies by region. Speak with our team for tailored advice.
Do you supply outside coffee shops?
Yes - we support wholesale, hospitality, catering, events, and many more.
What certifications do you hold?
AA+ BRC, RSPO (segregated and mass balance), B Corp certification across the wider group, plus additional category certifications depending on product.
Can I order in bulk for multiple sites?
Yes. We work with groups of all sizes and can supply palletised quantities directly or via your nominated carrier.
Where do you deliver?
Across England, Wales, and most of Scotland. Unfortunately we don’t deliver to regions with the following postcodes:
Aberdeen AB31-AB35
Aberdeen AB41-AB54
Dundee PH15-PH18
Northern Highlands AB36-AB38
Northern Highlands AB55 – AB56
Northern Highlands HS1-HS9
Northern Highlands IV1-IV63
Northern Highlands KW0 – KW14
Northern Highlands PH19-PH29
What’s the minimum order?
This will depend on your local wholesaler.
What if I need help?
Our team is always here to support you. Visit our Contact page or give us a call.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you with any inquiries.
The benchmark in bakes - and service
We’re not just a supplier. From bakeries to national chains, we work as an extension of your team - delivering not just cakes, but confidence too.
