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Sugary Confections, Gluten-free Options

Columns Who's Counting?

December 29, 2013

Story By: Jaimie Kim Farinas | Photos by: Leah Friel

There are some people in life who think dessert can only be eaten at the end of a meal. I respectfully disagree. My sweet tooth — and yours — should be satisfied any time it beckons.

Suffice to say, it’s been a life-long challenge of self-restraint. So, it’s nice to discover a bakery that offers healthier options to take away some of the guilt.

Located on King Street across from Hawaiian Humane Society, Cake Works offers an assortment of cup-cakes, cookies and other mouthwatering desserts.

Cake Works, open since 2008, is best known for its custom cakes. As a result of increased requests for gluten-free wedding cakes, owner Abigail Langlas decided to offer Mini Assorted Gluten-Free Cup-cakes ($1.50 each) as part of its daily offerings.

“Gluten-free people are usually just happy to have something gluten-free,” she says.

Currently, Cake Works tries to offer two gluten-free flavors daily. A gluten-free option is available in other cupcake flavors as well.

Also popular right now are Cake Works’ Macarons ($2 each). Generally, the establishment offers a dozen macaron flavors, and also offers seasonal flavors. For the holiday season, Cake Works created Peppermint, Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie. Langlas says those will be offered until the end of the year.

More recently, Gold Grand Marnier and Silver Rum, were created for New Year’s celebrations, and Langlas plans to offer both for a couple of weeks into the new year.

Another favorite is Cake Works’ Macadamia Nut Brittle ($7.50 per can). Macadamia nuts are roasted and then added to caramelized sugar. The mixture is then poured into a pan to cool.

The bakery’s secret to easy-to-chew brittle: baking soda. Langlas says adding baking soda allows air into the sugar and prevents it from becoming too hard.

Originally, the brittle was used to top Cake Works’ Mocha Macadamia Nut Cake.

“People liked it (brittle) a lot so we started selling it by itself,” Langlas says.

Cake Works accepts custom orders, and also offers smaller 6and 8-inch cakes.

Fans of the bakery’s sugary confections also may find its cupcakes, macarons and other treats at a new location at Navy Exchange, which opened right before Thanksgiving. Located in the outdoor food court area, it is open to the general public.

Cake Works

2820 S. King St., Honolulu
946-4333
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sundays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96826

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