The Cake Bake Shop Broad Ripple Village Afternoon Tea

Three years ago, I read about The Cake Bake Shop in a Tea Time Magazine article featuring the best tea houses in Indiana. I was still living in Boise, Idaho at the time, and was preparing for our move to Indiana, which would put me just an hour away. I immediately added it to my list of tea houses to visit and finally made it up there for their afternoon tea in September 2020.

When I called to make our reservation, the woman who answered the phone explained their comprehensive COVID-19 cleaning and mitigation protocols to keep their staff and guests safe. I was told that we would be seated in their private room with the ability to shut the glass doors from the main dining area. Masks are required for all staff and guests.

The Cake Bake Shop at Broad Ripple Village is located in a quaint tree-lined neighborhood on the north side of Indianapolis. The restaurant is a converted charming older home. The restaurant is not large but does have outdoor patio dining when weather permits.

 

Arriving right on time for our reservation, we were immediately greeted by a friendly young gentleman, impeccably dressed. After checking in, we were brought back to the private dining room. The table was set with a mix match of beautiful china pieces. The private room looks like it could comfortably seat ten guests.

Our server asked us if we were okay with Earl Grey tea and quickly returned with a piping hot pot for the table. We were surprised to note that our server controlled pouring our tea. She checked back about three times to refill our cups. At other tea shops, the tea pots are typically kept at the table and the guests choose when it is time to replenish the tea. It wasn't an issue for us but we did think it was worth noting if you have a preference.

The first course was a warm and freshly baked blueberry scone. The table included a choice of clotted cream, house made strawberry and apricot preserves. The scone was flaky, buttery and full of fresh blueberry flavor. A nice touch, and something you will find a lot of at the shop, is glitter dust sprinkled on the scones and baked goods.

Next out was the tower of finger sandwiches and desserts. This is where being a noted scratch bakery really allows the afternoon tea service to shine. The sandwiches were a trio of chicken salad, egg salad, and a tomato basil cream cheese all served on white bread. We each received one of each type of sandwich. All of the sandwiches were delicious, but the tomato basil cream cheese was the star of the show. The cream cheese spread was seasoned with garlic and onion and really elevated the basic tomato sandwich to a new level.

The desserts were divided between two tea towers. Our selection included two seasonal macarons (pumpkin and salted caramel apple), cheesecake turtle bar, magic bar, and a honey pecan bar. All of the bars were a couple of bite sized treats -- a perfect amount of sweetness to end our afternoon tea.

As we were leaving, we spoke with the owner Gwendolyn Rogers, who was decorating the outdoors of the restaurant for Christmas. We chatted for a few minutes and I was impressed how down to earth and friendly she was. She asked us if we enjoyed our visit and she was very gracious after we told her that this was the first sit down restaurant we had visited in the last six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will definitely be back for afternoon tea and hope to get to her new Carmel location in the near future.

Afternoon Tea Information

Reservations required

Afternoon Tea is served M-F 10:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $65 for adults(includes champagne) or $55 adults(without champagne) $35 Children under 10