White Rabbit Cakes

About White Rabbit Cakes

White Rabbit Cakes is a boutique cake studio and espresso bar nestled in Albert Town, Wanaka. Founded in 2018 by trained cake artist Brittany Thurston, the studio brings together a talented team of bakers, cake artists, and baristas dedicated to quality craft and genuine hospitality. Everything is made from scratch using wholesome, premium ingredients, avoiding unnecessary complications in favour of honest baking designed to bring people together.

From grand milestone celebrations to casual morning pick-me-ups, White Rabbit Cakes offers an extensive sweet repertoire. Visitors stopping by the Albert Town location can enjoy artisan coffee from the daily espresso cart alongside freshly baked cabinet goods, or arrange bespoke centerpieces ranging from custom wedding cakes and themed kids' creations to handcrafted donuts, macarons, and curated dessert boxes.

White Rabbit Cakes: Scratch Baking and Sweet Artistry in Albert Town

Nestled in Albert Town near Wanaka, White Rabbit Cakes has evolved into one of the region’s premier boutique bakeries and celebration cake studios. What began in 2018 as a dedicated custom cake enterprise in Lake Hawea has matured into a bustling kitchen and espresso bar situated at the former Double Black Cafe location. Built on the belief that great baking should never be overcomplicated, the studio focuses on honest, memorable treats made with quality ingredients and genuine hospitality.

The Story Behind the Studio

White Rabbit Cakes was founded by Brittany Thurston, a trained cake artist originally from San Diego, California. Brittany’s passion for baking began in childhood, rolling holiday sugar cookies with her mother and spending summers in Seattle learning to bake loaves, crisps, and pies with fresh produce harvested from her grandparents' garden. These early memories shaped a culinary philosophy centered on nostalgia and comfort.

After completing her university studies and earning a professional diploma in Baking and Pastry at the Art Institute of San Diego, Brittany moved to New Zealand in 2014. She honed her craft across local establishments—including Queenstown's Cup and Cake and Aspiring Catering—before launching White Rabbit Cakes. Brittany continuously advances her confectionery skill by studying under acclaimed international cake artists, bringing world-class finishing techniques home to the Southern Lakes.

Bespoke Milestones and Modern Dessert Concepts

White Rabbit Cakes is known throughout Wanaka and surrounding venues for taking an adaptable, open approach to wedding cakes and party centerpieces. Rather than enforcing rigid templates, the team designs to each client’s exact specifications, matching custom palettes, floral accents, and venue aesthetics. For celebrations looking beyond traditional tiered cakes, the studio constructs elaborate donut walls, towering donut displays, and customized dessert tables laden with macarons, cake truffles, and dessert boxes.

Celebrations of all sizes are catered for, from vibrant kids' themed birthday cakes to express cakes for last-minute gatherings. The kitchen also accommodates dietary requirements with tailored recipes, including popular gluten-free options like their signature gluten-free Black Forest cake.

The Albert Town Coffee Cart Experience

The bakery's location at 47 Kingfisher Crescent brings their craft directly to the morning community. Operating seven days a week, the on-site coffee cart serves expertly poured espresso drinks alongside a rotating cabinet filled with pastries, slices, and fresh sweet treats. Whether collecting a pre-ordered celebration centerpiece or stopping by on a morning stroll for coffee and a homemade treat, visitors experience a relaxed, welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere.

Signature items

• Bespoke Wedding Cakes
• Cake Tastings Box
• Handmade Donuts
• Classic Macarons
• Cake Truffles
• Decorative Sugar Cookies

Menu

Cakes & Slices

• Express Cakes — Ready-to-order celebration cakes prepared with signature finishes.
• Kids Cakes — Custom decorated birthday cakes designed specifically for children's celebrations.
• Custom Celebration Cakes — One-of-a-kind cakes customized to exact design specifications and event themes.
• Cheesecakes — Rich and creamy baked cheesecakes crafted from scratch.

Beverages & Cabinet

• Espresso & Coffee Cart Drinks — Full barista coffee service prepared daily using quality espresso roasts.
• Daily Fresh Cabinet Selection — Freshly baked morning pastries, slices, and sweet goods available at the counter.

Weddings & Celebrations

• Bespoke Wedding Cakes — Custom-designed centerpiece cakes tailored to your theme, color scheme, and venue.
• Wedding Donut Tower — Tiered presentation of handcrafted celebration donuts for event dessert tables.
• Wedding Donut Wall — Decorative wall display loaded with fresh artisan donuts for weddings and parties.
• Wedding Favours — Individually packaged sweet treats based on traditional family sugar cookie recipes.
• Cake Tastings — Tasting sampler cups allowing couples to sample cake flavours and pairings before ordering.

Bite-Sized & Dessert Boxes

• Handmade Donuts — Homemade celebration donuts crafted with gourmet glazes and toppings.
• Cake Truffles — Bite-sized confection spheres rolled from rich cake and coatings.
• Classic Macarons Box — Delicate French meringue shells filled with assorted flavoured ganaches and buttercreams.
• Cupcakes — Handcrafted single-serve cupcakes finished with signature swirls.
• Cake Cups — Layered sponge, fillings, and frosting served in portable individual cups.
• Curated Dessert Boxes — Assorted collections of handcrafted treats, macarons, truffles, and small bites.

Frequently asked questions

Where is White Rabbit Cakes located?

The studio and coffee cart are located at 47 Kingfisher Crescent in Albert Town, Wanaka, on the site of the former Double Black Cafe.

What hours is the coffee cart open?

The coffee cart operates every day of the week from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

What are the pick-up hours for online orders?

Online order pick-ups are available daily between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Customers should specify their intended collection time during checkout.

Does White Rabbit Cakes offer delivery?

Yes, local deliveries are completed daily between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Do you make gluten-free cakes?

Yes, gluten-free options are available upon order. Because gluten-free cakes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, collection is recommended between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm on the event day.

Can I order wedding cake tasting samples before booking?

Yes, cake tasting samplers (cake cups) can be purchased online to sample various flavours prior to choosing a wedding cake.

How can I inquire about custom birthday or wedding cakes?

Inquiries can be submitted directly through the specialized wedding and custom cake enquiry forms available on the White Rabbit Cakes website, or via email.

Tips

• {"body":"The coffee cart operates daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, making it a great morning stop for freshly baked daily cabinet sweets and espresso.","title":"Pair Morning Coffee with Cabinet Treats"}
• {"body":"If you ordered a gluten-free cake, schedule your collection between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm so you can enjoy it fresh on the day of baking.","title":"Time Your Gluten-Free Pickups"}
• {"body":"Couples planning a wedding can sample flavours in advance by ordering the studio's cake cups tasting box online.","title":"Book Weddings with a Tasting Cup Set"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Custom themed kids' birthday cakes and sweet treats available.","dietary":"Gluten-free cake options available; same-day pickup recommended."}