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From classic tiered confections to intricate edible sculptures, our small team specializes in producing bespoke cakes for high-touch weddings and events across Texas and beyond.

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Led by renowned culinary artist Lauren Kitchens, Fancy Cakes is a boutique cake studio in Dallas, Texas.

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fancy

We're So

About Our Team

–and it changed my

life.

Let’s start at the beginning. I’ve always been driven by service and entrepreneurship. (Just ask any of the Lakewood residents who bought repackaged Sam’s Club candy from me as a child. Seriously.) I graduated from Ursuline in 1993 and went on to obtain a degree in film theory from SMU. Cake making found me in the middle of that. Before too Iong, my college baking hobby led to a request for a wedding cake—

Lifelong Dallas girl, Food Network champion, international instructor, and creator of iconic wedding cakes

I'm Lauren Kitchens.

Hello and Welcome!

TEAM

MEET the TEAM

the

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WITH AN EYE FOR CAKE DESIGN AND THE UNCANNY ABILITY TO REALIZE A CLIENT’S VISION WITHOUT EXCEEDING THEIR BUDGET, MELINDA IS A HUGE ASSET TO OUR FANCY CAKES TEAM!

Hailing from Garland, Texas (Gig em' owls!), Melinda harbors a deep love for Harry Potter, husky dogs, cozy date nights in, and afternoon naps. After leaving Stephen F. Austin University in 2009, Melinda wasn’t quite sure what to do next—but decided to sign up for a cake decorating class after watching Lauren and others compete on Food Network Challenge. Over the next five years, she immersed herself in every available class, internship, and job opportunity related to cake decorating. When “THE Lauren Kitchens” reached out via Facebook messenger in 2015 to ask if Melinda was looking for a job, her answer was an immediate YES! After beginning as a part-time baker, Melinda’s dedication and talent quickly propelled her from baker, to lead wedding cake decorator, and eventually to managing all communications for Fancy Cakes.

Melinda Fritz

After graduating from The University of Colorado at Boulder, Jesse furthered her studies at The Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated first in her class. In 2012, after following Lauren’s competitive journey on Food Network Challenge, Jesse sent over her resume and cake portfolio and asked Lauren for a job—a bold move that ultimately resulted in a cross-country relocation and role as the Kitchen Manager and Lead Decorator at Fancy Cakes!

Outside the kitchen, Jesse's interests are as diverse as her decorating skills. She's an avid traveler, movie-goer, jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and cosplayer, with a deep love for all things nerdy like Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter. We’re lucky to have her and so thankful she went through with that cold call!

Jesse’s first step in the world of pastry arts took place in the kitchen of her childhood home, where early attempts at assisting her mother with cake decorating sparked a lifelong love for the craft.

Jesse Lesser

CANDACE FEELS THAT SHE’S FOUND A TRUE HOME AT FANCY CAKES, WHERE SHE HAS BROUGHT EXCEPTIONAL CREATIONS TO LIFE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE FEELING IS MOST DEFINITELY MUTUAL—AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH HER CONTINUE TO SHINE!

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin with a BA in Environmental Science, Candace has been passionate about baking since childhood. She’s always found joy in working with her hands, and appreciates that food has the ability to bring people together while providing both physical and emotional nourishment. After graduating from the French Pastry School in Chicago in 2018, Candace officially began her professional journey as a culinary artist.

Candace Wilson

In this industry you’re only as good as your last cake, and I remain incredibly invested in every single one of the 500+ creations our small team of artists produces each year.

In a million years, I never would have guessed that a Barbie bundt cake and minor obsession with piping bags would lead to competing on Food Network, hosting an international cake decorating class, and crafting celebrity wedding cakes featured by People magazine. But the journey sure has been—you guessed it—sweet.

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can't wait to see what we’ll create together!

I officially founded Fancy Cakes in 2002, which has since grown into one of the most sought-after wedding and special event cake studios in North Texas.

-Katherine, bride

“It's been 2 months now since the wedding and our friends are still talking about how great that cake was! From that first tasting, [Lauren] was just a little powerhouse ball of happy sunshine and was so much fun to work with. She also got the aesthetic we were going for and executed it perfectly. I truly couldn't have asked for anything more from them and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone in need of cake!”

Powerhouse ball of happy sunshine

10 ground-breakers from the Fancy Cakes archives

firsts and favorites

Fancy Cakes:

“It was the summer between high school and college. My best friend, Danna, was turning 18, and I was tasked with making the cake. My creation: a half-Barbie in the center of a bundt cake, which served as her gown. It was the first time I ever used a piping bag. A little cringe-worthy now, but 30 years ago it was a triumph!”

Lauren’s first cake, circa 1993: Barbie Bundt Cake

hey Barbie

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“This cake turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I told the wedding planner, Rachel Burrow of Sarabeth Events, that this was one of the cakes of my career. I still stand by that.”

Most “That’s not a cake” reactions: Pinball Machine

high score

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“Cabo San Juan in Mexico was the final destination for this hanging edible piñata cake, which we created for Julian Leaver Events. We’ve taken cakes all over the country, and to Canada too. It’s not an easy task, but it sure is fun!”

Farthest delivery: Cabo Piñata