Cake In A Cup: Toledo’s Cupcake Success Story

What started with a single Valentine’s Day batch of cupcakes has grown into one of Toledo’s sweetest success stories. Cake in a Cup, has been delighting the community for nearly two decades with its whimsical treats, warm atmosphere, and now, expanded offerings.

From Kitchen Experiment to Local Favorite
The idea sparked when Lori Jacobs was living in New York, where she was inspired by the thriving East Coast cupcake scene. Upon returning to Ohio, she stumbled across a cupcake recipe book at TJ Maxx and decided to give baking a try. On Valentine’s Day, she baked cupcakes for her family, with extras sent by her mother to share at her workplace at Hospice. The response was overwhelming—soon hospice staff were asking Lori to bake for their special events. That early demand laid the foundation for what would become Cake in a Cup.

Lori teamed up with friend and business partner, Dana Iliev, and the pair officially launched Cake in a Cup with a soft opening in 2007. Their grand opening, fittingly, was on Valentine’s Day 2008.

A Bright, Welcoming Space
For the past three years, Cake in a Cup has called 6511 Central Avenue, Toledo home. Their current location is an airy, glass-filled shop where customers can get an up-close look at the baking process. The transparency of the space matches the brand’s philosophy—fun, fresh, and always customer-focused.

Sweet Expansion and National Recognition
In 2011, Cake in a Cup took its talents to national television, competing on and winning Cupcake Wars on Food Network. That victory cemented their reputation as one of the premier cupcake bakeries in the country.

But the bakery hasn’t stopped at cupcakes. Today, Cake in a Cup offers:
– Signature Cupcakes (their original claim to fame)
– Lattes for coffee lovers
– Cookie Bars and 6-inch cut-out cakes
– Their famous frosting, sold on its own

Parties, Catering, and Community Fun
Cake in a Cup caters to all kinds of special occasions, from weddings to birthdays. Their Central Avenue location also doubles as a party venue, where children and adults alike can decorate cupcakes during interactive events. One popular option is the “decorating plates”—two unfrosted cupcakes paired with sprinkles and frosting for guests to decorate themselves.

A Toledo Tradition, 18 Years Strong
Eighteen years after Lori’s first batch of Valentine’s cupcakes, Cake in a Cup continues to thrive by mixing creativity with community. What began as a family treat has become a beloved Toledo staple, where every visit feels like a celebration.