The sweet upside of cake

Although her profession of choice is literally light, fluffy and delicious, Jennifer Auchenbach is serious about the role her product plays in people's lives.

"Life passes so quickly, and it's an honor to be part of these celebrations, to leave a little mark on the lives of my customers," said the 32-year-old Gardnerville resident.

Auchenbach's Bebe Cakes, which she opened about two weeks ago, makes custom cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other events.

On Friday, Auchenbach was mixing her special Italian butter cream from inside a kitchen in the old Minden Butter building on Water Street. It's the same kitchen that Cookie Girl and Grace & Ida's Custom Cookies uses.

"Anita and Holly (of Cookie Girl) offered to let me use the kitchen until I get off the ground," Auchenbach said. "It's working out well. We all have certain days we come in. This a unique community where people come together for a cause."

Working beside Auchenbach on Friday was her husband Brian and their 1-year-old daughter Lily. Sporting a pink Bebe Cakes T-shirt and a perpetual smile, Lily seemed the youthful embodiment of celebration and sweetness.

"When I had Lily, I was in the real estate industry," Auchenbach said. "But I wanted to go bake, something I could do with my daughter. I've always loved to cook, to taste a thing and try to make it myself."

Bebe Cakes is Auchenbach's first business.

"It's trickling in. I'm getting enough business, and I like the pace," she said. "We'll see where it goes. I'm starting out small and just getting the hang of it. I'd really like to offer a bakery in the future. Right now, I'm limited to selling by the dozen."

But even with limited means, Bebe Cakes still offers a virtual rainbow of flavors, from basic vanilla and chocolate topped with butter cream to specialty cupcakes like lil' miss Scarlett (red velvet topped with cream cheese frosting) or Mr. Banana hands (banana cupcake filled with vanilla cream topped with caramel butter cream).

"I like to do cupcake bars, where there is a variety," Auchenbach said.

Bebe Cake is available by appointment. For more information, call 781-6167 or visit www.bebe-cakes.net.