Cakegirls, sisters Mary and Brenda Maher, grew up baking cakes in their Easy-Bake-Oven, coloring with crayons and making art projects. It wasn’t until years later, while in college, that their hobbies grew into a passion, when they got jobs at their hometown bakery and learned how to officially pipe their first buttercream rose.
After Mary received a BFA in French and Brenda, a BFA in Spanish, they set out to travel to Paris and Mexico City, always returning home to make cakes at the bakery and using those experiences to infuse their cakes with art and creativity.
With a lot of hands on cake experience, and no culinary degrees, they moved to Chicago in 2000, ready to open their own shop and make cakes “their” way. They set up shop in a two bedroom apartment and hustled their way to opening a cake shop, getting their first order from Oprah Winfrey only a month after opening.
Their Chicago cake shop made a splash with high-end wedding cakes and 3-D creations and went on to serve such clients as Jim Carrey, Queen Latifah, Bono and Dwayne Wade. They eventually got the opportunity to compete on Food Network Challenge and were undefeated, winning all four competitions. After this exposure, they were cast in a reality show called “Amazing Wedding Cakes” which gave a weekly behind-the-scenes look at their cake shop and now airs internationally.
In April, 2010, after 10 years in business, Cakegirls was destroyed in a fire and Mary and Brenda’s lives were changed. After some time off, much thought and much excitement, they launched www.thecakegirls.com, an online retail store where you can buy cake supplies, party decor and see lots of D.I.Y. cake projects to inspire you at home.
Cakegirls has been featured on the Food Network, the Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple, People Magazine, The Knot, Business Week and Country Living Magazine as well as featured weekly in their reality show “Amazing Wedding Cakes”.
Mary Maher is also a Craftsy instructor. Her class A Cake for Every Occasion is currently available online at Craftsy.com.
MORE FROM MARY & BRENDA MAHER:
Winter Wonderland Snowflake CakeWinter Wonderland Snowflake Cake – a sparkle coated layer cake topped with snowflakes and frosted trees. A new cake decorating tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. This year we set out to make a classic cake with show stopping qualities that could easily be the centerpiece at your next holiday buffet. We […]Read More
XOXO Valentine’s Day CakeXOXO Valentine’s Day Cake – how to make a pink striped buttercream cake decorated with chocolate lips, hearts and an XOXO topper. A fun valentine idea full of hugs and kisses by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. I know that Valentine’s Day is typically filled with romance and is a chance to show […]Read More
Christmas Present CupcakesChristmas Present Cupcakes – how to decorate cupcakes to look like a gift box. A quick and easy holiday cupcake perfect for dessert or gift giving. A new tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. I love Christmas. It’s an amazing time with friends and family. The city is strung far and wide with twinkling […]Read More
TV Dinner Sheet CakeTV Dinner Sheet Cake! Learn how to make this old school, frozen TV dinner sheet cake — perfect for Father’s Day and/or April Fool’s Day — with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. It’s Father’s Day and when it comes to making a cake, we think we can do […]Read More
Snow Globe CookiesSnow Globe Cookies – Learn how to decorate sparkly, snow globe sugar cookies for the holidays with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. When you’re an enthusiast baker, like we all are, Christmas is game time and our time to shine. Occasional baking suddenly becomes daily baking and the […]Read More
Christmas Ornament CakesChristmas Ornament Cakes! Learn how to make these sparkly, mini ornament cakes with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. We couldn’t wait to get started on these sparkly Christmas Ornament Cakes. It’s the time of year to kick things up a notch, be a little more thoughtful and pull […]Read More
Russian Nesting Doll CakeRussian Nesting Doll Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, folk art inspired, watercolor painted, doll cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. When we ran our very busy cake shop, baby shower cakes were our most popular selling theme by far. It seems surprising, but I think […]Read More
Garden CupcakesGarden Cupcakes - learn how to make these spring garden themed cupcakes with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. There's just something about spring. That fresh, post-winter smell is in the air, the buds are just beginning to sprout and the birds are singing. The sun hangs a little longer in the sky and all I can think about is switching out those clunky winter boots for a pair of flip flops and gardening gloves. Well, it only seems fitting to capture that whole reenergized feeling in cupcake form, and just in time for your Easter or springtime get togethers.Read More
Holly Gift Box CakeHolly Gift Box Cake! Learn how to make this festive gift box cake that looks just like a present with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. This is certainly the season for making cookies. Lots of 'em. But that doesn't mean there's not room for a spectacularly decorated Christmas cake, especially if it'll make a great centerpiece at the next holiday party. That's where this textured Holly Gift Box Cake comes in. Part mistletoe, part wrapped present, this is a cake that may trick the eye just enough that your guests try to unwrap it.Read More
Birch Log CakeBirch Log Cake! Learn how to make this wintry, birch cake that looks just like a natural birch branch with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. Around this time of year the snow starts falling and baking season begins. As a baker, this means dozens of cookies and lots of seasonal cakes. Sometimes it's fun to bake up your family's traditional recipes and sometimes it's fun to mix it up a bit. Well, in this case, we used the classic ubiquitous yule log as our inspiration and literally turned it on its side to create this more modern Winter Birch Log CakeRead More
Black Cat CupcakesBlack Cat Cupcakes! Learn how to make these easy black cat Halloween cupcakes with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls... We love Halloween. I mean, who doesn't. If you're a creative type, this is your time to shine. Homemade costumes, artful pumpkin carving and handmade sweet treats. So there's no chance you won't let these spooky little black cat cupcakes cross your path. The kiddies will love them, they're easy to make and they definitely say spooky in a "Vintage Halloween" kind of way.Read More
Giant Donut CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are sharing a DIY Donut Cake tutorial... So, I think it's pretty safe to say that everyone loves a good donut. They're not just sweet little wheels of deliciousness, but covered in colorful glaze and sprinkles, they just scream fun. So, I think it's safe to say that the only thing better than a donut, is a giant donut cake. And, since we've seen the all occasion birthday sheet cake time and time again, it's the perfect upgrade to whip up for a best friend's birthday, a tween sleepover or the monthly office birthday get together.Read More
Pirate Skull CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are sharing a DIY Pirate Skull Cake tutorial. Easy to make and perfect for pirate birthday parties! We love making themed cakes for kids. There’s just something about carrying out a cake to that little girl or boy, and having their eyes pop because you made them feel so special. […]Read More
Cake GemsWhen you've been making cakes for a long time, you work hard to hone your skills and really discover your aesthetic as a cake maker. Sometimes you feel like you've "found your voice" and other times you feel like you're in a bit of a rut. That's why it's so exciting to see new and inspiring cake trends appear, opening your eyes to how others approach design and their refreshing take on treats you might never have thought of. So, when faceted gem cakes hit the internet, it was a such a delight. They're individual sized, full of whimsy, brimming with cake and covered in sparkle. We HAD to give them a try. Inspired by this trend, we simplified them by using good ol' candy coating, an inexpensive chocolate mold and a touch of sugar crystals to up the glam factor. They can be completely customized by picking your own colors and flavorings.Read More
Easter Nest CakeEaster is such a great time to be a cake maker. After months of heavy holiday treats and fall flavored caramel, pumpkin desserts, it's a breath of fresh air to dress a cake in pastels and layer it with spring flavors like lemon and coconut. Traditionally, around this time of year, you see lots of basket weave covered Easter cakes and fluffy piped lambs. Well, we've been there and done that...and loved it. But, this year we were trying to reimagine the Easter table centerpiece dessert a little differently and an oversized spring nest seemed like the perfect solution. Speckled chocolate eggs keep things elegant and a donut shaped cake finished with fresh coconut keeps things easy.Read More
Rose Cake PopsOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new cake pop tutorial! When Valentine's Day approaches, we're all looking for the perfect romantic gesture to show our deepest affection. Sometimes a delicious box of treats is the right touch, other times it's a bouquet of blooming roses. But this year, the perfect gesture is the clever marriage of the two...Cake Pop Roses. These sweet little bite size flowers are a great way to use your cake making talents to say "I love you" and nothing says that better than hand made sweets.Read More
Ski Scene CupcakesAs winter settles in, images of snow piled high, dancing flakes and crisp, chilly air start to fill our thoughts and get us excited for the cold months ahead. The best way to partake in all the snowy goodness is to bundle up and hit the slopes or to at least recreate the whole adventure in miniature, with Ski Scene Cupcakes.
Capturing a winter wonderland ski scene is as simple as piling your cupcakes high with icing and artfully arranging them to make a snowy landscape. Once arranged, carve little indentations in the snow, add skiers and buttercream covered trees and you're just about all set. This whole treat can be made with store bought cake mix and icing for ease or is a perfect way to showcase your favorite homemade recipes. Either way, the fun is in getting creative with the composition and making it your own winter adventure in cake..Read More
Mini Poinsettia CakesOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new step-by-step cake tutorial! During the Holidays, there's an abundance of parties and pot-lucks to show off your baking skills. But, in a sea of cookie trays, how can you stand out? Well, with Mini Poinsettia Cakes, of course! They're bite size, delicious and ridiculously cute. Your friends will be tickled by these miniature versions of the real thing and have the perfect excuse to pass up the fruitcake all together. The best part is that they're a cinch to make.Read More
Winter Hat CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new step-by-step cake tutorial... Buttercream is back! It not only tastes great but you can create amazing texture with just a few simple piping techniques. In this Winter Hat Cake tutorial, you can see how piped buttercream adds that classic nubby feeling that's reminiscent of your warmest and coziest knitted cap. To get started, this cake is baked in a classic "Doll Pan'' which most cake decorators have in their baking pan collection. If not, it can easily be substituted with stacked up layer cakes carved into a mounded shape. However, there is no substitute for a good piping buttercream recipe which holds color well and doesn't melt. We've included our recipe, or use your favorite, but store bought won't make the cut for this cake. For finishing touches, a fondant pom and dancing reindeer make for a crisp and tailored contrast to the buttercream and are an easy way to give your cake a clean professional finish. Make this Winter Hat Cake for friends and family and they'll treat you with as much warmth as your cakes brings them.Read More
Creepy Mice CakesCreepy Mice Cakes! Learn how to make these spooky, red velvet filled, mice cakes — a Halloween food sure to freak out your party guests! By our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. Besides dressing to the nines, one of the many exciting things about Halloween is having that rare opportunity to give people the […]Read More
Stars & Stripes CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join us as they share a new cake project with a step-by-step tutorial.... I always have a snap lid container of bouncy stars on wires at the ready to add to any cake as I see fit. I think many cake decorators do. Why, you ask? Well, for me, they're like a great pair of earrings, quick to add and they make the outfit. Sometimes they work as an accent when your cake already has a lot goin' on and sometimes they're the focal point.
I make my stars out of gum paste so that they're sturdy and last a long time. I also make them without any additional decoration so that I can pull them and customize the color and sparkle according to what the cake design requires. So, this came in handy when I put together this "Stars and Stripes" cake. I wanted a really simple 4th of July design that wasn't too fussy and still captured the theme. Layers of vanilla cake filled with strawberry preserves acts as the stripes. Silver and red glittering stars act as the fireworks. It's the perfect, pretty picnic cake for the Independence Day table and a great go to technique for any cake occasion.Read More
DIY Baby Rattle Cake PopsOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join us as they share a new cake project with a step-by-step tutorial.... I love making cake pops. There's just something about cute little desserts on a stick that can't be beat. So, when I was enlisted to bring the desserts to a girlfriend's baby shower, it was just a matter of deciding what kind of baby themed cake pops to create. Well, this was not your average rubber ducky themed baby shower and it called for something a little more modern and a little more clever....and the baby rattle cake pop was born.
This tutorial is really nothing more than an amped up traditional cake pop laced with sparkly sugar to finish; but sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most effective. Plus, it's a really easy project to give your own creative touch. Switch up the coating color for a different theme, add gold sparkle for a modern twist, tint the cake pop filling for a gender reveal....the options are endless.Read More
Mini Easter Egg CakesOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new Easter DIY today... I love making desserts for Easter. Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming and pastel colors are finally back. And, the Easter table just seems like the perfect occasion for petit four sized mini cakes. In order to side step the normal pitfalls of making petit fours, we're going to do it the foolproof way; store bought pound cake and icing. It works every time, without too much fuss and still leaves time to add your own decorative touch to each little cake. Read More
Valentine’s Heart Candy Box CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join us as they share a new cake project with a step-by-step tutorial. Okay, there is just no way around stating that this cake is a kind of a show stopper. People will assume it's a real box of chocolates (well, it kind of is) but at least they won't know that the box is actually made out of cake. By separating the typical layered cake, you get a much more exciting presentation and a chance to dress up both layers. You could even present two different flavors of cake if you are feeling really ambitious, but we went with chocolate which seems fitting for the occasion.Read More
Christmas Cupcake WreathChristmas Cupcake Wreath! Learn how to make this pull apart cake that looks just like a wreath with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls. Every Christmas season I plan on spending quality time with my sister over homemade hot cocoa, making sugar cookies with my kids, spending a snowy […]Read More
DIY Cupcake TerrariumOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join along as they share a new cupcake project with a step-by-step tutorial.... My sister and I were born and bred in the Midwest and there's no time like the fall to take a long walk, kick around some leaves and take in some Nature. It's such an obvious source of creative inspiration and translates to cakes so easily, with it's rich colors and textures.Read More
Kitty Cat in a Pumpkin CakeOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join along as they share a new cake project with a straightforward step-by-step tutorial.
This is the perfect show stopping cake to present at your next spooktacular Halloween Party. Perfect for kids and adults alike, the pumpkin cake works as it's own creation or even cuter with a little fondant kitty partaking in the festivities. It involves a myriad of techniques including sculpted buttercream, figure modeling and shading with luster dust...all broken down in this step-by-step tutorial. A ball pan and swiss meringue buttercream help the sculpting come together easily and all the additional steps will pay off when your guest say wow!Read More
DIY Gold Feather CupcakesOur contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today! Join along as they share a new cake project with a straightforward step-by-step tutorial...
It was only natural that at some point, feathers should end up on cupcakes. They're so irresistibly beautiful and so, so trendy right now. They're also very ripe for artistic interpretation and that's how we ended up with gold and coral tipped feathers as a modern topper for a simple textured cupcake. Even more appealing is that these are not difficult to make and leave lots of room to "not be perfect" -- and that's our kind of cake decorating!Read More
DIY : Teeny Tiny Flower Pot CakesWe're excited to welcome our newest contributors - Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls! Join along as they share new cake projects and straightforward tutorials with simple step-by-step instructions -- helping you create beautiful, and totally achievable, results!
So, we've been making cakes for a long time. Like years and years. And, although we never fall out of love with it, sometimes we're willing to spend hours designing, baking and creating a cake and sometimes, well....we're just not in the mood. Sometimes we want to kick out some treats in no time at all and still have guests be impressed. So, when a girlfriend's birthday came along and we were assigned cake duty (yes, it happens often), we were game for creating quick and easy sweets that would still fit the bill, and thus, Teeny Tiny Flower Pot Cakes were born.
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Igloo Cake TutorialIgloo Cake Tutorial – how to make an igloo shaped cake with frosty ice pieces, sparkling trees and glittering flag banner. An adorable winter cake for holiday parties and Christmas dessert. Today we’re hooking you up with a tutorial from one of the cake world’s most beloved duos. For those of you, like me, who’ve […]Read More
