Hive got a feeling you’ll love Marishka’s Honey Cakes.
Hive got a feeling you’ll love Marishka’s Honey Cakes.
Oh, how far we’ve come since poring over those well-worn copies of the iconic Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Book every year trying to decide between the jelly laden swimming pool or the chip-faced duck cake.
These days, sweet tooths and savvy cake enthusiasts demand delicious cakes that taste every bit as good as they look for their photo op on the ‘gram (so long, fondant, we’re not sad to see you go). Judging by the deluge of aesthetic, cakey goodness that keeps appearing on our nightly doom scrolls, our appetite for cakes that are a visual and literal feast only continues to gain momentum.
If you’re yet to encounter local cake biz Marishka’s Honey Cakes, let us tell you, you are in for an extra special treat. Hive got a feeling you need to know about her un-bee-lievably delectable and unique creations being cooked up right here on the GC. As avid dessert enthusiasts it’s not often we have the chance to try something new amongst the usual celebratory fare, but these honey cakes are as deliciously different as they are ‘grammable.
After moving from Russia five years ago, fellow dessert lover Marina Skelton, or Marishka as she’s more commonly known, found she was homesick for the traditional cakes of her homeland. Although cake making has long been a passion and something of a side hustle from back home, the move to Australia inspired her to go all in on re-creating a little slice of her home cuisine.
Right around the same time we were all stocking up on hand sanitiser and being humbled by attempting the art of sourdough in iso, Marishka launched her cake business on the GC, and we (more specifically our tastebuds) are glad to see her creations going strong after a rocky start (unlike our long-forgotten sourdough starters, #rip) After gaining momentum, Marishka and her husband Paul specifically renovated their kitchen to accomodate the thriving small business – creating extra storage space, a big beautiful island and installing two ovens to keep those goodies crumbing.
Her specialty, the Honey cake, is a traditional Eastern European cake consisting of multiple individually baked layers. While there are many different recipes, Marishka uses an authentic recipe she learnt from a dear friend who also happened to be her favourite baker in her home town, but with her own little twist. Sandwiched with sour cream between all those golden layers of soft cake made from Gold Coast honey, you will also find Marishka’s signature raspberry sauce which gives the cake an extra delicious flavour. Marishka adds, ‘when you try it, you’ll be surprised how soft and delicious it is, so many of my customers comment that they love that it is not overly sweet and has a natural taste.’
The mega Gaytime vibes we’re getting from the traditional golden crumb decoration is reason enough for us to want to dive right in, but the seasonal berries and meringues take it to the next level, no doubt helping gain the buzz Mariskha has attracted on Instagram. ‘A lot of people had no idea what a Honey cake is about but they were really eager to try something new and unique. Obviously they fell in love after trying the first bite’, she adds.
Marishka has more equally enticing traditional Russian treats such as Kartoshka Pops on the menu, as well as Mousse cakes delicately filled with Dark chocolate sponge, Chocolate crispearls, Raspberry coulis, Vanilla cremeux, Dark chocolate-raspberry mousse. Yes, to all of the above.
Understandably, Marishka’s mouth-watering treats are quite time-intensive to create and require some notice to whip up (anywhere from a few days to a week or more for the Mousse cakes), so next time a special occasion is looming, bee sure to head to her website and get your orders in. Though in this case we firmly stand by the philosophy that ‘treat ‘yo self’ or ‘need to know what all the buzz is about’ both constitute as a ‘special occasion’.
To sweeten the deal, mention this article for getting extra unique Russian treats with your first order!
Instagram: @marishkahoneycakes
Website: marishkahoneycakes.com.au
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
STORY SPONSORED BY MARISHKA’S HONEY CAKES.
If you haven’t sampled the goodies from these cake artists, butter late than never we say because they will never dessert you. There’s only one quality rivalling the taste of these sensational sweeties and that’s their presentation, which speaks directly to your insta grid (say cheese…cake)!
Here are 8 totally tier-rific GC based creators, perfect for a decadent treat to satisfy your craving, or a custom designed showstopper guaranteed to be the icing on the cake at your next event.
My Favourite Baker
Known as a lifeline for positively drool-worthy last-minute cake and cupcakes, we need My Favourite Baker in our lives because we always leave the cake to the final hour #mumfail #wifefail #partyfail #justfail. With glowing coverage in the who’s who of print media and raving Google reviews, you’re in excellent hands here. A special shout-out to the celiacs amongst us, they do epic gluten-free varieties. Happy dance!
Our pick: My Favourite Unicorn. It tastes as amazing as it looks. Translation: kid & big kid pleaser.
Where: 4/1 Inventory Court, Arundel
My French Pastries
You know a patisserie is darn good when it books out in advance for orders! An award-winning French bakery tucked away in Ampol Foodary, Mr French Pastries cakes are iconic. Pastry Chef Antonio Marchesi keeps it real, crafting all goodies from scratch, and using only the finest French flour, quality butter, and premium ingredients. A stickler for French tradition, it’s history in the baking!
Our pick: Millefeuilles Cake (aka French vanilla slice cake!)
Where: 4226/361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Baked GC
This place is literally a cake-o-holics haven. We’re talking birthday cakes, wedding cakes, kids cakes, party cakes, cupcakes, All.The.Cakes! Now strictly an e-commerce bakery, you’re guaranteed an epic handcrafted artisan dessert made locally from scratch. With an average three-day lead time for most cakes, Tamar is the master of flavour and a true artist when it comes to both ‘construction’ and aesthetics. Love at first sight and bite.
Our pick: Signature Mud Salted Caramel Cake
Where: 61 Matthew Flinders Drive, Paradise Point (for pick-up orders)
The Cake That Ate Paris
Calling all brides to be! If it’s a show-stopping wedding cake you’re channelling (obvs), Bree is your person! From her phenomenal baking skills and eye for detail, to her friendly down-to-earth nature and genuine passion for her business, this trained pastry chef has become one of the most sought-after cake designers on the Coast. Book your consult and taste test (the best part!) six to eight weeks out from your big day. Even your cake will be in tiers with emotion!
Our pick: Raspberry Buttercream Wedding Cake
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
I Heart Cakes by Casey
Casey has become a bit of a cake-making celeb around our ‘hood. Using only the freshest ingredients, she makes all her cakes to order and loves collaborating with customers to ensure the end creation is precisely what they had envisioned. From wedding cakes to kids’ birthday cakes and anything in between, you knead Casey to bake it happen!
Our pick: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Where: 8 Jarrahdale Drive, Elanora
Madisons Café & Patisserie
I mean, this place needs no introduction. A fave with long-time Gold Coasters for good reason, we’ve been meeting our pals at this award-winning cafe for a cuppa and a slab of homemade ten-outta-ten cake for decades. Madisons’ loyal army of customers begged for them to start whipping up custom cakes for functions and parties and like any smart business, they listened! If you haven’t been, go. Now!
Our pick: Caramel Mud Cake with Vanilla Buttercream and Macaron
Where: Ground Floor, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach
Sweet Cakes by Katy
What started as a passion for making cakes for family and friends’ events, soon turned into an obsession for making sweet treats for a living! Choose from pre-designed cakes, cupcakes and cookies, or opt for something custom created to score brownie points at your next ‘do! Bridesmaids, Katy does some lol-worthy naughty (but VERY nice) creations (#blush), plus offers nationwide shipping for cookies!
Our pick: Drunk girl cake
Where: 334 Foxwell Road, Coomera
Two Little Cupcakes
Sweet tooths, take head! Named after her two little boys (awwww), Rachelle Silvas specialises in gorgeous customised birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cake popsicles, personalised cookies, and cupcakes. Plus, she offers more than 26 different flavours and our head hurts at the thought of having to choose just one. So whether you’re celebrating a lap around the sun, getting hitched, or hosting a baby shower, you definitely want a piece of Two Little Cupcakes.
Our pick: Blueberry Pancake Vanilla Cake
Where: Benowa, Gold Coast
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Indulging in the gooey, nutty godsend that is Nutella is a guilty pleasure that knows no bounds. Fortunately for Gold Coasters, there’s no shortage of spots across our sunny shores offering tantalising Nutella treats to satisfy those sweet cravings.
There’s no denying the joy it brings to enthusiasts, so here are 10 spots offering delectable Nutella creations (listed North to South).
D Point 10 – Nutella Doughnut
The Nutella Doughnuts (filled with lashings of the good stuff) are some the very best things in the entire world and you (and should) can eat them by the dozen at D Point 10. So soft, so fluffy, so great.
Where: 201 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Rosé Gelateria
In addition to serving up delicious gelato this pastel-infused beauty is a veritable fountain (literally) of nutella goodness. They have Nutella Cheesecake Dessert Jars, Nutella stuffed Cinnamon Cruffins, Nutella Shakes and the pièce de résistance, Nutella on tap! You are guaranteed to walk out of here in a sugar coma.
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Shop/39A Masthead Way, Hope Island and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach.
Cheeky Waffles
The naughtiest kid on the block, Cheeky Waffles offer a nutella “love injection” into their genitalia-themed desserts. Perfect for those who like their waffles extra saucy!
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Paradox Coffee Roasters – Iced Nuttellate
So it’s an Iced Latte but with Nutella which, as far as we’re concerned, makes it one of the best things in the world. Need we say more.
Where: The 4217, 7/10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
Elk Espresso – Nutella Thick Shake
Elk Espresso are famous for their insane Nutella Thick Shake, which is one of the most delicious things you’ll ever taste. Maybe order two.
Where: Shop G044, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Joe’s Deli – Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake
This traditional Italian style deli is known for its killer sandwiches, but its sweets are equally spesh. Next time you’re shopping up a storm at Pac Fair refuel with a slice of Joe’s Famous Two Tone Hollywood cheesecake. This is a true crowd-pleaser, served with a decadent drizzle of liquid Nutella and a perfectly torched marshmallow brulee topping.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Bam Bam Bakehouse – Nutella Cronuts
Bam Bam’s Nutella Cronuts are the best way to start every day. The nutty spread is wrapped up in a soft buttery and sugar-coated flaky croissant dough and honestly who even needs an explanation, just go eat some.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Paddock Bakery – Nutella Bots & Coco Pops Milkshake
Paddock is the queen of OTT sweet treats but we just can’t go past their sweet little Nutella Bots. Lashings of Nutella inside their soft sourdhou cinnamon doughnuts. Bite-size and so very excellent. If you prefer your Nutella in liquid form order a Coco Pops Milkshake and thank us later. Coco Pop flavoured milk finished with Nutella & fresh Coco Pops – crack it & let the fun begin!
Where: Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Ze Pickle – Oreogazm
Deep fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and Nutella drizzled on top. The dream.
Where: 1/37 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Custard Canteen – Double Choc Brownie Cookie
Chunks of epic choc brownie, Lindt milk and dark chocolates, topped with Nutella. Is it hyperbole to call a cookie life-changing?
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Tallebudgera Creek
Words by Belinda Symons
