Don’t go into SmallCakes expecting to find your run of the mill cupcakes. Instead, expect to be greeted with the aromas of grandma’s kitchen, the vibrant colors of a rainbow and the excitement of so many choices all wrapped up in a confectionary delight that will soon become your new guilty pleasure.
Nestled in the Tara Plaza shopping district is the sweet shop owned and operated by Laura Ashenfelter and her husband, Devon. The two met in college and since that time have had the dream of owning their own bakery. That dream became a reality in February 2023.
Matt Elsasser and his daughter, Avery, have made SmallCakes a part of a very special tradition for the father-daughter team. When Avery was two years old her father invited her to Papillion’s annual Father-Daughter dance, and that evening he gifted her with a cupcake from SmallCakes and a rose. Avery is now 10 years old and their dance tradition has carried on every year and always begins with a cupcake from SmallCakes.
With their creativity, secondary education in baking and restaurant hospitality and management as well as a long history of baking with Laura’s family, Laura and Devon have created and enjoyed hundreds of flavors and designs for SmallCakes. She said the shop’s signature flavors are butter beer, butterscotch and cream soda cake.
“My personal favorite is strawberry cheesecake. And it’s extra special when we turn it into a milkshake.” Laura Said. “We can turn anyone’s flavor into a milkshake. Just use your creativity.”
However, many customers love to savor the sweetness of caramel and pecan in the fall. Or maybe they stopped in at Easter for a dozen of the beautifully decorated pastel delights. Perhaps they come for Cocoa Bombs or Cake Pops or even stunning Wedding Bouquets.
“Before the dance this year I wanted to try the limited-edition Orange Dreamsicle,” Avery said, “but I decided to go with the raspberry instead. It was so good. The lemon drop is great too.”
Not normally much of a sweets guy, Matt said he couldn’t resist a Cookies & Cream cupcake.
“Their cupcakes really are great,” he said.
As a small business owner, Matt said he thinks it’s important to support our local businesses. “And we’ll keep going back to SmallCakes for many years,” he said.
Avery said she is certain she wants their special tradition to continue.
“I want to go to SmallCakes and the Father-Daughter dance even after I’m married,” she said.