Sheri B.
7/10/2008
5:37 PM
9 Posts

Hi Everyone, I am new here. My name is Sheri and my 10 1/2 month old son has a severe peanut allergy. We found out the scary way when we got a call from his daycare saying his face was swelling up while eating a peanut butter cracker. (another story in itself!) Anyways, my little man's 1st birthday is at the end of August. Does anyone know of a peanut free bakery where I can have his 1st birthday cake made? I would love suggestions from all you experienced mom and dad's. Do you make your own cakes, sweets, etc?

Thanks in advance for your help, I am so glad there is a support system out there.

~Sheri

Sheri B.
7/10/2008
5:38 PM
9 Posts

:) It helps a little if I can spell Peanut correctly.

Sorry all!! I am so new to this!! :)

Debbie B.
Moderator
7/11/2008
12:52 PM
120 Posts

Hi, Sheri! So glad you posted! This is a great question and I hope we'll have some other parents chime in. If not, please keep posting- I hope that the more members start using the message boards, the more likely parents will periodically check here and post!

Sorry to hear about your son's scary reaction - many of us have found out about our children's allergies in a silimar way. I'm glad he's ok!

Birthday cakes! Bakery goods in general are tough because of potential cross contamination(sigh...)

A few ideas to research:

Nothing Bundt Cakes uses only pecans in their facility. They say that the cakes there should be safe for peanut allergy. They do not say this of any cake for tree nut allergy and warn of possible cross contamination.

A few families I know who manage peanut allergy have bought from Albertson's bakery. I tried tracking down the process there once (which was a lengthy process) and the cake mix itself, to my understanding, does have a warning of possible cross contamination. Some families feel comfortable with this bakery's cakes and some don't. The cakes, to my knowledge, are made at a different location and decorated at each Albertson's store. Last I checked their label does say "may contain..."

FYI that Krispy Kreame Doughnuts is not using any peanut or tree nut variety in there facility at this time. They say all doughnuts there should be safe, last I inquired. May not fit the bill for a birthday, but just FYI.

That's about all I know for bakery goods that MIGHT be ok in town (other than the Enjoy Life brand premade cookies available at Whole Foods). A lot of us are becoming experts at calling companies/bakeries directly and asking about cross contamination, etc.

Many of us rely on making our own cakes. You don't have to make from scratch- there are many brands that do not have cross contamination warnings- both for cake mix and frosting available at major grocery stores. Check Betty Crocker Super Moist mixes and Betty Crocker tub frostings (we love the Whipped Fluffy White when in a pinch) if you are interested.

I have turned over a new leaf in our family. For my twins last birthday, I bought the Betty Crocker As Seen On Tv - can you believe it?!- 100 piece cake decorating kit. My mom and I spent 2 hours the night before their party decorating their cakes. Oh my!

Best of luck to you and Happy 1st Birthday to your BIG boy!

Debbie

Duane & Dana G.
7/16/2008
1:30 PM
25 Posts

My husband had a Birthday in May, and his co-workers bought some cupcakes at Walmarts bakery. They all know he will not eat anything his kids can't eat(our boys have peanut & tree nut allergies). The cupcake container had an allergy warning label on it: NOT MADE IN A FACILITY THAT USES PEANUTS & TREE NUTS). He enjoyed his cupcake! :)
I would call first to see if the Walmart you shop at carries these cupcakes(some walmarts don't carry the same items) ~Dana

Debbie B.
Moderator
7/21/2008
12:06 PM
120 Posts

Seems that many of the cakes/cupcakes at Smith's may be safe for those with peanut/tree nut allergies...
I was in the store this weekend and noticed that the cake label said Contains: Wheat, egg, dairy but the label DID NOT have a "may contain" type of warning, like it had in the past (to my recollection). I noticed the cookies had the Contains wheat, egg, dairy, but DID have a "may contain" warning.
I was referred to Kroger for questions about the cakes b/c the cakes are made off site and shipped to Smith's frozen. Kroger assured me that they would put a warning on the label if there was any chance for cross contamination with peanuts/tree nuts.
Up to individual families to do your research and use your own judgment when providing any food product to your child- but that's FYI on what I found out.

FYI also that Kroger's chocolate chips label also clearly indicates allergens Contain: milk, soy and no warning is listed of possible cross-contamination with nuts. (for families who can't have dairy - be sure to check out enjoy life brand chocolate chips available from Whole Foods!)

Sheri B.
7/21/2008
2:43 PM
9 Posts

I was just at Smiths and found the Cherrybrook kitchen chocolate chip cookie mix there. They are fabulous. They do carry a small selection of the Cherrybrook Kitchen items. (the vanilla frosting mix is on clearance for $1.99!) I think I am going to play it safe for Jake's 1st birthday and make him a cake from Cherrybrook Kitchens selections. THANK YOU ALL so much for your input, there is SO MUCH I have to learn. I hope to meet all of you at the August meeting.

Rosalie B.
2/17/2009
3:32 PM
4 Posts

I had my daughter's birthday cake for her 3rd b-day made at Baskin Robbins. I chose vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake - they assured me that it didn't have any peanuts and we didn't have any problems with it. I have also made her cupcakes for her birthday and rice krispie treats (for snacks). I also think I am going to take a cake decorating class at Michaels this summer - for the future when cupcakes just won't cut it!

Lisa A.
9/5/2009
10:50 AM
3 Posts

The selection of Cherry Brook products is very limited at retail locations. Cherrybrookkitchen.com offers everything. The products are a bit pricey in comparison to the regular brands you can buy at the store, but they are free of all peanuts and dairy allergens. I constantly order the variety pack so whenever my daughter has a birtday party to attend I bring her her own special cupcake. It is worth the time and money to ensure your child is safe.