Just Desserts

cake shop — Sydenham · Christchurch

About Just Desserts

Established in 1994, Just Desserts is a Christchurch institution founded by Andrew Clarke and his team of specialist bakers. Based in Sydenham, the bakery, showroom, and dessert cafe produce a comprehensive range of handcrafted celebration cakes, wedding cakes, corporate designs, gateaux, and bite-sized sweet treats.

The workshop balances traditional baking expertise with custom cake artistry, catering to everything from milestones like baby showers, christenings, and birthdays to corporate gatherings and intimate high teas. Visitors can browse display cakes in the showroom, pick up grab-and-go sweet treats, or order custom-designed centrepieces made to measure.

Crafting Sweet Centrepieces in Christchurch: The Just Desserts Story

Since 1994, Just Desserts has been crafting specialty cakes, delicate gateaux, and bite-sized confectionery from its home on Wordsworth Street in Sydenham. Founded by Andrew Clarke, the bakery and showroom have grown alongside Christchurch's celebratory milestones, designing memorable centrepieces for weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate events, and family arrivals.

The philosophy behind the bakery is simple yet exacting: a cake should command the room visually while tasting extraordinary enough to bring people back for every subsequent milestone. Across three decades, the team of specialty bakers and decorators has refined a broad catalogue that encompasses elaborate multi-tiered wedding cakes, corporate designs, and spontaneous sweet treats.

Custom Artistry Meets Everyday Indulgence

Just Desserts is widely recognised for its bespoke celebration cakes, particularly its showroom ranges dedicated to birthdays, kids' parties, and baby milestones. Options like the Baby Moon, Teddy Love, and intricate rosette cakes showcase the studio's piping and sugarcraft skills. For those organising baptisms or christenings, traditional gold and pink cross motifs provide timeless, elegant options.

Alongside bespoke showstoppers, the counter and online store offer accessible everyday treats. Cupcake assortments—ranging from floral buttercream bouquets with red rosebuds to Triple Chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate curls—provide an easy way to elevate afternoon teas, corporate meetings, or weekend gatherings.

The Sydenham Showroom Experience

Visiting 33 Wordsworth Street offers customers a chance to explore cake design possibilities in person. The showroom displays wedding, corporate, and milestone styles, giving clients a tangible look at finishing techniques, tiers, and decorative possibilities. Staff are on hand to advise on required notice periods and custom requests.

Whether dropping by during the week for fresh sweet treats or planning a large-scale wedding cake months in advance, Just Desserts continues to anchor Sydenham's specialty baking scene with classic craftsmanship and creative design.

Signature items

  • Triple Chocolate Cupcakes
  • Petit Fours
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
  • Red Bouquet Cupcakes
  • Pink Swirl Rosette Cake

Menu

Cakes & Gateaux

  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake — Rich chocolate cake layered and finished with salted caramel.
  • Lemon Preserve — Zesty lemon express cake.

Baby Celebration Cakes

  • Teddy Love — Custom decorated celebration cake featuring a teddy bear motif.
  • Pink Cross — Christening and baptism celebration cake with pink cross detailing.
  • Baby Girl Rosette — Textured rosette piped cake designed for baby showers.
  • Gold Cross — Elegant celebration cake accented with gold cross detailing.
  • Pink Bootees — Baby shower and gender reveal cake adorned with miniature pink booties.
  • Baby Girl Cupcakes — Themed cupcakes designed for gender reveals and baby showers.
  • Blue Baby Feet Cupcakes — Themed celebration cupcakes decorated with blue baby footprints.
  • Oh Baby! — Celebration cake styled for baby showers and gender reveal parties.
  • Baby Moon — Night sky and celestial-themed celebration cake for welcoming a baby.

Sweet Treats & Cupcakes

  • Petit Fours — Bite-sized mini dessert cakes perfect for events and high tea.
  • Chocolate Truffles — Rich handcrafted bite-sized chocolate truffles.
  • Corporate Cupcakes — Custom-branded cupcakes designed for company events and launches.
  • Star Cupcake — Individual decorative star-topped cupcakes.
  • Triple Chocolate Cupcakes — Moist chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and swirls.
  • Sunshine Sprinkles Cupcakes — Brightly decorated cupcakes topped with celebratory sprinkles.
  • Rainbow Pink Cupcakes — Cupcakes topped with pink frosting and colorful rainbow accents.
  • Rainbow Blue Cupcakes — Sweet cupcakes topped with blue frosting and vibrant rainbow details.
  • Green and Pink Birthday Cupcakes — Celebratory themed birthday cupcakes decorated in green and pink tones.
  • White Bouquet Cupcakes — Cupcakes piped with elegant white buttercream floral motifs.
  • Lavender Bouquet Cupcakes — Decorated cupcakes featuring delicate lavender-toned floral piping.
  • Red Bouquet Cupcakes — Cupcakes decorated with white buttercream roses and red rose buds.
  • It’s a Boy Cupcakes — Themed cupcakes tailored for baby showers and arrival announcements.
  • It’s a Girl Cupcakes — Pastel-styled cupcakes crafted for baby celebrations.
  • Sage Oh Baby Cupcakes — Baby celebration cupcakes styled with soft sage frosting accents.
  • Butterfly Cupcakes — Whimsical cupcakes finished with delicate butterfly toppers.
  • Corporate Christmas Cupcakes — Seasonal festive cupcakes designed for corporate holiday functions.

Celebration & Showroom Cakes

  • Pink Swirl Rosette — Showroom celebration cake decorated with piped pink swirl rosettes.
  • Smith City Cake — Custom corporate showcase cake.
  • 3 Tier White Wedding Cake — Tiered white celebration wedding cake decorated with cascading flowers.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Just Desserts located?
Just Desserts is located at 33 Wordsworth Street, Sydenham, Christchurch.
What are the showroom opening hours?
The showroom is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Do they accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes, select items like the Triple Chocolate Cupcakes are available in gluten-free and vegan chocolate options.
How do I enquire about a custom cake?
You can contact the bakery directly on (03) 379 3754 or submit an enquiry through the online showroom cake pages.
Do they make corporate and branded cakes?
Yes, Just Desserts produces corporate cakes and logo cupcakes tailored for business functions, brand milestones, and Christmas events.
Can I purchase gift vouchers?
Yes, digital gift vouchers can be purchased directly through their online portal.

Tips

  • {"body":"Visit the Wordsworth Street showroom to inspect full-sized celebration and wedding cake designs before placing a custom order.","title":"Browse the Sydenham showroom"}
  • {"body":"Bespoke and celebration cakes require advance notice, so check lead times early when ordering for an upcoming event.","title":"Plan notice periods in advance"}
  • {"body":"Items like Petit Fours and assorted cupcake boxes can be ordered online for quick event catering and high teas.","title":"Pick up bite-sized treats for gatherings"}

Good to know

  • {"dietary":"Gluten-free and vegan chocolate options available for select cupcake varieties."}