Published August 31st, 2026

Pre-ordering a custom cheesecake at Kitty's Cheesecakes & More offers a reliable way to secure your preferred dessert for any special occasion. By reserving your cheesecake in advance, you ensure that each detail-from flavor and size to toppings and design-meets your expectations exactly. This approach is particularly valuable for celebrations where timing and presentation are crucial, such as birthdays, showers, or corporate events. Planning ahead allows us to prepare your cheesecake with the care and precision it deserves, avoiding last-minute compromises and guaranteeing freshness. Understanding the steps involved in the pre-order process helps you navigate your options confidently and simplifies the experience. The following guide breaks down each stage, making it easier to customize and schedule your perfect slice at our Ferndale bakery.

Overview of Kitty's Cheesecakes & More and Dessert Offerings

Kitty's Cheesecakes & More is a family-owned, Black- and woman-owned bakery in Ferndale, Michigan, built around one clear idea: every guest deserves a "Purrfect" Slice. Our team is led by owner and chief baker LaDawn Morris-Daniels, whose years of study, hands-on experience, and careful recipe development shape everything we serve.

Our bakery specializes in cheesecakes, with a menu of more than 40 flavors that range from classic styles to inventive combinations. We prepare full cheesecakes and individual slices, along with custom cheesecakes designed for birthdays, showers, graduations, and other milestones. Those custom orders often start with a base flavor, then layer in toppings, crust choices, and finishes that match the event theme.

Cheesecake is the heart of the menu, but not the whole story. We also bake custom cakes in a variety of flavors and sizes, peach cobbler, cookies, and other rotating desserts. These options let one dessert table carry everything from a signature cheesecake to a tray of cobbler and a mix of cookies for guests who prefer something lighter.

Food safety and consistency matter as much as flavor. Our ServSafe Food Handler Certification and Food Establishment License guide how we handle ingredients, prepare batters, and store finished desserts. That structure supports the pre-ordering process: when orders come in ahead of time, we can schedule production, reserve oven space, and confirm that each cheesecake, cake, or cobbler has the right flavor, size, and decoration for the event. Pre-ordering custom cheesecakes or mixed dessert spreads with us reduces last-minute stress and helps ensure that every slice reaches the table fresh, balanced, and ready to serve.

Step-By-Step Guide to Pre-Ordering Custom Cheesecakes

Pre-ordering a custom cheesecake works best when each detail is clear from the start. We think in stages: what the event needs, which cheesecake fits, and how much time production and chilling will require.

1. Clarify The Occasion And Guest Count

Begin with the reason for the order and the number of guests. Note whether the cheesecake is the centerpiece or one dessert among many. This helps us recommend an appropriate size and portion estimate.

Occasion: birthday, shower, graduation, office gathering, or quiet celebration at home.
Serving style: plated slices, dessert table display, or self-serve buffet.
Portions: whether guests prefer generous slices or smaller tastes alongside other desserts.

2. Choose Flavor And Cheesecake Style

Next, select the base cheesecake flavor. With more than 40 options in regular rotation plus seasonal varieties, it helps to decide whether the event calls for a classic flavor or a bolder profile.

Start with a base such as plain, fruit-topped, chocolate, or a flavor that matches the event theme.
Consider pairing one familiar flavor with one adventurous choice for larger gatherings.
Note any strong dislikes or preferences so we avoid flavors that conflict with the menu.

3. Select Size And Portion Plan

After the flavor, decide on size. Different pan sizes yield different slice counts, so a realistic portion plan keeps guests satisfied and reduces waste.

Estimate the number of slices needed, then add a small buffer for unexpected guests.
Confirm whether the cheesecake will be pre-sliced or sliced on-site.
If ordering multiple cheesecakes or pairing with cakes, specify how many servings from each dessert.

4. Add Toppings, Crusts, And Custom Details

Custom cheesecakes often rely on small details. Think through these elements before placing the order so nothing is missed.

Crust: traditional graham, cookie-based crusts, or other available styles.
Toppings and finishes: sauces, fruit, whipped cream, drizzles, or crumbs.
Decoration: color accents, simple piping, or wording on an accompanying piece such as a plaque or card when appropriate.
Dietary considerations: note any allergies or strong sensitivities so we can guide flavor and topping choices within our standard menu.

5. Confirm Lead Time Before Finalizing

Custom cheesecakes require time to mix, bake, cool, and set. To protect quality, we schedule production so each dessert rests properly before pickup.

Place orders for standard custom flavors several days in advance whenever possible.
For peak periods such as holidays and graduation season, allow extra lead time to secure a spot on the schedule.
If the order date is close, be ready with a second-choice flavor or size in case certain options are already booked.

6. Place The Order And Review All Details

When placing the order in person or by phone, we walk through each detail together. Having notes in front of you keeps the conversation focused and accurate.

State the occasion, event date, and time you plan to serve the cheesecake.
List flavor, size, crust, toppings, and decoration requests in a clear order.
Spell names or short messages slowly if any writing is involved on a related dessert or sign.
Repeat key details back and listen as we read the order summary so any errors surface immediately.

7. Set Pickup Day And Time

The last step is to agree on pickup timing. Cheesecakes need proper refrigeration, and timing affects texture at serving.

Choose a pickup window that leaves enough time to travel, chill if needed, and plate the dessert before guests arrive.
Tell us if the cheesecake will travel a long distance or wait before serving so we can advise on handling.
Note the pickup date and time in your calendar along with the order details so everything stays aligned.

This structured pre-order process gives our team a clear blueprint for production and sets up the next stage: storing, transporting, and presenting the cheesecake so each slice reaches the plate in ideal condition.

Customization Options and Special Event Ordering

Once flavor and size are set, customization turns a cheesecake into a true event dessert. We start with our core menu of more than 40 flavors, then adjust details so the cheesecake fits the theme, guest list, and serving style.

Flavor, Finish, And Decoration

Flavor combinations often begin with a base such as classic, chocolate, caramel, or fruit-forward styles, then layer in toppings and textures. Swirls, sauces, and crumbles create contrast, while fresh or preserved fruit adds color and structure. We match these choices to the occasion: brighter finishes for birthdays and showers, more restrained designs for corporate events or formal gatherings.

Decorative elements stay focused and clean. Piped borders, simple rosettes, color accents, and chocolate or cookie garnishes frame the cheesecake without overwhelming it. For messages or logos, we may pair the cheesecake with a separate plaque, card, or companion piece so the surface stays stable and slices remain neat.

Size, Format, And Packaging

Portion planning goes beyond a single round cheesecake. For larger guest counts, multiple cakes in coordinating flavors or a mix of cheesecake, cake, and cobbler often works better than one oversized piece. We talk through whether the dessert will sit on a central display table, at a buffet, or in a break room, then suggest formats that plate efficiently.

Packaging reflects how far the dessert will travel and who will handle it. Sturdy boxes support the base, leave room for toppings, and protect decorations. For events that require quick setup, we discuss pre-slicing, separator papers, and how the cheesecake will move from box to stand so service stays orderly.

Pre-Ordering For Events And Fundraisers

Special events place pressure on timing. Pre-ordering custom cheesecakes for birthdays, weddings, corporate gatherings, and fundraising activities gives us the lead time to schedule baking, chilling, decorating, and boxing in a controlled sequence. That planning reduces last-minute compromises on flavor, design, or quantity.

During the ordering conversation, we ask targeted questions about the program: when desserts appear on the agenda, how guests will approach the table, and whether other treats will share the spotlight. That collaboration lets us align flavor profiles, decoration style, and packaging with the broader event plan, so the cheesecake looks deliberate rather than added at the last minute.

For fundraisers in particular, we focus on consistency and repeatability. Clear portion sizes, reliable flavors, and packaging that supports quick distribution keep the emphasis on the cause while still delivering what guests remember as a carefully prepared, custom dessert.

In-Store Pickup Process and Tips for a Smooth Experience

Once a custom cheesecake is baked, chilled, and boxed, our focus shifts to getting it from our refrigerator to your table in the same condition. The in-store pickup process ties together all the planning from the pre-order conversation and keeps the handoff steady and predictable.

On pickup day, arrive within the agreed time window and check in with the counter team. We verify the order name, flavor, size, and any custom features before bringing the cheesecake from cold storage. That brief pause protects against mix-ups and confirms that the dessert leaving the bakery matches the original request.

Our Ferndale location offers on-site parking, including accessible spaces near the entrance. The main entrance is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible, with no steps or stairs, so guests using mobility devices can come straight to the counter. Inside, we keep the path between the door and pickup area clear to make carrying boxes easier.

For payment, we accept debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and cash. Settling the balance before the box comes to the counter reduces handling time and lets us focus on explaining storage and transport once the cheesecake is in front of you.

Timing pickup affects texture and serving ease. For events later in the day, schedule pickup early enough to allow for travel and any final setup, but avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for long stretches. For evening events, early afternoon often strikes the right balance between chill time and convenience.

At the counter, we review how the cheesecake is packed and how long it should stay refrigerated before serving. Boxes are sized to support the base and protect toppings, with lids that close fully. We recommend clearing a flat space in your vehicle before arrival, then placing the box on a level surface away from direct sun or active air vents. For longer drives, bringing an insulated bag or cooler space adds another layer of protection.

The handoff ends with one final check: order name, event date, and serving plan. That quick review links the ordering process to the moment the first slice is plated, so the cheesecake that leaves our bakery reaches guests with its structure, flavor, and appearance intact.

Family Business Story and Community Engagement

Every cheesecake that leaves our bakery traces back to LaDawn "Kitty" Morris-Daniels and the path she carved long before the ovens were installed. As an only child who lost her mother early and was raised by her grandmother, she learned quickly that progress would rest on preparation, work ethic, and self-discipline. Those habits carried her through a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University, a master's degree from Lawrence Technological University, and a move from the Chrysler production line into supervision.

That same approach shapes how we run a family-owned cheesecake bakery. Kitty learned baking from an associate who took time to show her the craft, and she treated it like any serious course of study: experiment, refine, repeat. As she developed new flavor combinations, she watched how people reacted to each bite, then adjusted until the texture, sweetness, and finish matched what she calls the "Purrfect Slice."

Our family and close friends stand inside that story, not on the sidelines. Kitty's husband, Ed, and her daughter, Diane, support daily operations and long-term planning, while extended family helps with everything from production days to event packaging. That presence in the kitchen and at the counter affects how guests are received. Questions about pre-ordering a custom cheesecake, planning portions, or choosing flavors for a fundraiser are handled by people who know the recipes, the schedule, and the stakes for the event.

Community ties extend beyond individual celebrations. Over time, we have formed steady relationships with local businesses and organizers who rely on our desserts for special events, office gatherings, and fundraising projects. Those partnerships demand reliability: consistent portions, predictable flavors, and packaging that keeps distribution orderly. The trust built through these recurring projects feeds back into everyday orders, reinforcing the idea that our cheesecake pre-order tips are grounded not just in theory, but in what has worked across many real tables in Ferndale.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials on Pre-Ordering Experience

Feedback on the pre-ordering process tends to center on three themes: clarity, consistency, and calm. Guests describe the initial conversation as structured rather than rushed. Questions about flavor, size, and timing are addressed in a straightforward way, which reduces uncertainty before money changes hands.

Many comments highlight communication between order placement and pickup. When details need confirmation, guests note that we reach out early, not at the last minute. That habit builds confidence that the cheesecake customization options discussed at the counter or over the phone will match what appears in the box.

On event days, guests often mention how closely the finished dessert aligns with the original request. Crust choices, toppings, and simple decorative touches are described as accurate, with no surprise changes in flavor or size. Reviews point out that pre-sliced orders arrive cleanly cut and boxed in a way that supports quick plating.

Pickup receives its own share of comments. Guests appreciate organized handoffs, clear guidance on transport and storage, and a payment process that does not interfere with checking the order. Many notes from returning guests mention that once they have pre-ordered for one milestone, they come back for later birthdays, showers, and office gatherings because the experience stays steady from visit to visit.

Pre-ordering your custom cheesecake at Kitty's Cheesecakes & More ensures that your dessert is crafted exactly to your specifications and arrives fresh for your special occasion. Planning ahead allows us to reserve oven space, schedule production, and accommodate your flavor, size, and decoration preferences without compromise. As a family-owned, Black- and woman-owned bakery with ServSafe Food Handler Certification and a Food Establishment License, we take pride in our local Ferndale roots and the trust our community places in us. Using the step-by-step guide to place your order helps you confidently select the "Purrfect Slice" for birthdays, fundraisers, or any celebration. We invite you to experience the care and quality that define our bakery by ordering for in-store pickup, so your custom cheesecake arrives ready to delight every guest at your event.

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