Sisters Erin Erler and Kelly Mackin opened Cakes by Erin in Haverhill at the end of 2010 after working out of Erler's home kitchen for more than two years. The bakery's sculptural, lifelike designs range from whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed confections, with fondant-covered teacups teetering atop one another, to the guitar-shaped cake that won the Cake Boss's stamp of approval in an online contest of 20,000 entries. All cakes are completely nut-free. Cakes by Erin creates cakes for social, nonprofit, and corporate events, and their client list includes the Ellie Fund's Oscar gala, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, and Children's Hospital Boston. Prices range from $2 to $10 per serving, depending on size, detail, and design. Delivery is available for 75 cents per mile, round-trip, and orders should be placed three to six months in advance.
