A Constellation of Cakes
This post – more than any other I believe – will demonstrate just how seriously I take DCF readers’ recommendations. And it will also show (embarrassingly enough) how many slices of cake I can polish off single-handedly.
By now, you know about my failed first attempt at getting to Cake Planet. DCF tipster RJ’s email to me aptly titled “Hidden Cake Spot” had me experiencing fever dreams about the “…best I’ve tried turtle pie, banoffee pie, and a new cake I just tried last night whose name I forget (fresh buttercream sandwiched by walnuts and meringue layers, then topped with a dark chocolate ganache)…” Alright, enough already!
Less than a week later on my second visit (ha, “attempt” is more like it!) I re-read RJ’s email again and proceed to wipe drool off my chin as I get into my car. “Okay RJ, last chance,” I mutter as I put my car into gear and take off.
But the dessert goddesses are on my side today and lo and behold, yellow lights glimmer from behind rain-spattered glass. Once inside Cake Planet, like a hunter perfectly attuned to her prey, my eyes zero in automatically to the display case. It’s a ravishing sight: 12 – oh my pounding heart – 12! desserts sit there, jutting out like gems on shelves.
I don’t notice it right away but while each cake has a caption, some have what I call “cheeky side comments.” The Turtle Pie trumpets, “This made us famous!!!” (All triple exclamation marks theirs). NY Style Blueberry Cheesecake proclaims, “Compare our version with Sugarhouse!!!” and the Banoffee Pie heralds, “Definitely better than Banapple and Contis!!!” I chuckle. I like cheeky.
The server doesn’t bat an eye at my order of four cakes and is even appropriately blasé when I inform her that this is just Round 1. It augurs well when bakeshop staff are unfazed by their clientele’s excessive dessert consumption; it can only mean that their desserts are repeatedly returned to.
I’m about to sink my fangs into the turtle pie when the server, who’s placing the last plate down on the table asks me what my name is. When I tell her, she looks alarmed and rushes to the back. I wonder what it is that I possibly could’ve said until she returns, several sheets of paper fluttering in her hand. In Tagalog she tells me, “If you were to come over, John wanted you to autograph this, please.” The paper is a printout – and in full color at that – of my article, (How To) Be One Of Manila’s Best Home Bakers. I’m quite flattered by the request and so I write out a short note.
John’s printout, my “autograph.”
But dessert time isn’t meant to be mine just yet. After I return the printout to the girl and I pick up my fork, the server points to the door this time and says excitedly, “Si Sir John, nandiyan na siya!” My back is to the door so I turn around and – through the glass – come face to face with a tall, youthful-looking man. When he sees me, his eyes widen and for the second time in less than ten minutes, I’m met with a truly genuine look of alarm. Lordy, what is wrong here!!! (Triple exclamation marks mine, now).
This is John Sta. Cruz the owner and baker of Cake Planet. “I can’t believe you’re here!” His excitement is palpable. “I’ve been trying to find a way to get you to taste my cakes!” Turns out John’s been a DCF reader for years, and one of the more regular ones at that. “That post, your travel one,” he remarks somewhat pensively, “that was deep!”
John has brought with him a delivery of cakes so I use the time that he’s puttering around in the back to (finally!) feed. It’s no wonder that the Turtle Pie is what made Cake Planet famous. Ensconced in a chocolate pâte sucrée (shortcrust), its bottom is gilded with caramel and a thick chocolate middle that’s punctured with walnuts. It’s a secret hidden beneath a chocolate shell coating that crackles under my fork’s weight. Mmm, good pie: I know it when I taste it.
Let’s talk about sansrival-type pastries, those with layers made from meringue and fillings made from a planet of possibilities. Here, John offers two: a Mango Empress which is suffused with mangoes and cream and the ingenious Chocolate Macadamia Sansrival. Now, I’ll make it known that I prefer my sansrivals to be crispy, an audible crunch surged with sweet imbues me with undeniable pleasure. However, there are those who prefer chewy, which is what these two aforementioned desserts are. Textural preferences aside, I appreciate the almost yema-like flavor and softness of the Mango Empress, and oh, is that a stray walnut that I bite into? It delights. The Chocolate Macadamia Sansrival is an imaginative combination of John’s and one that rewards the eater with an exploration of velvet chocolate roused with the characteristic butteriness of macadamias. And somewhere in the interplay, a coffee note subtly reveals itself.
Even after scraping off the excess, the Banoffee Pie still has so much ice clinging to it.
I can’t agree with Cake Planet’s claim that its Banoffee Pie is “better than Banapple…” It comes to table embarrassingly frozen – the server tells me that it’s meant to be that way (?!) – but if I need a sledgehammer just to eat the darn thing, then forget it. So I ask if the slice can be microwaved and it’s better afterwards but I’m not convinced. A barely-there crust teeters under sizable bananas, and no wonder, because they support a behemoth of cream. A dessert desires balance and this clearly doesn’t have it.
As I taste, John and I talk. He listens to my comments and suggestions and then he tells me his story. I’m impressed that he’s had no formal training, instead, honing his craft by baking and supplying to cafés, all names that are familiar to me. “[But] I really wanted to open my own store,” he avers. Cake Planet opened just last November, “… and when I did, it was a dream come true for me. But it’s a lot of hard work!” No wonder, since John holds down a full-time job, hence his store’s rather unusual hours of operation.
Brief mention is made of my own cheesecake business way back when and as if on cue, my Second Round of desserts arrive. John offers two types: the aforementioned NY Style Blueberry Cheesecake and a Cookies & Cream variant; no cheeky caption on the latter except for a self-described “… blend of Belgian white chocolate, cream cheese, and chocolate cookies.” John tells me that he makes the cookies that make up the crust and the marbling. I want this cheesecake to succeed but frankly, it’s too salty for me and I’ve been told my salt tolerance is almost too high. The Blueberry Cheesecake is better, it has a well-made shortcrust that crumbles on contact, the perfect base for a cheesecake that once tasted, disappears almost like a dream.
The Chocolate Walnut Temptation is the name of DCF tipster RJ’s unforgettable “… fresh buttercream sandwiched by walnuts and meringue layers, then topped with a dark chocolate ganache.” Yes RJ, it is very good, one of those edible examples that proves that chocolate is the quickest route to undiluted rapture; and if one chances upon a bite of walnut along the way, then so much the better.
Pass on the Moist Rhum Cake which is neither moist and nowhere near rummy. Opt instead for the Samba Dome, a confection that’s as fascinating as its name. Arresting in appearance, it is indeed shaped like a dome and makes eloquent use of three distinct chocolate textures. There’s the chocolate génoise base, whisper-like with the complexity of cocoa. Then there’s the mousse middle that exploits the seduction of chocolate and its deep complexities – “…lots of egg yolks, butter, the good stuff,” John tells me. Lastly, there’s the outer core, a chocolate glaze traced with its white chocolate counterpart – it’s simple, straightforward, and shiny. Ideally, I try to taste all three components together in one full forkful; then I try another, and then a third. I’m undecided about which is the most delicious and so I try the tasting all over again. Before I know it, my slice of Samba is gone, the Dome demolished. And to think that I don’t like mousse.
I’ve eaten 9 slices of cake … or is it 10? I’ve lost count. As I pay my bill I recognize the giddy feeling I get after ingesting way too much dessert. I could live on this kind of planet where cakes create their own constellation circling around a supernova of sweetness.
Cake Planet
91 Doña Soledad Ave., Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City
02 621.2857 | 0915 449.3119
Fan Page
Open 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM Monday-Saturday; 4pm – 12mn on Sundays.
From SLEX, turn right at SM Bicutan, follow the road until you see PNB-Bicutan branch on your right.
Pasta and coffee served here too.
Note: Special thanks to DCF reader RJ, who shared his “hidden cake spot” with me. I owe you a slice of cake and coffee, RJ. Email me.
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Hats off to you, Lori! 9 (or 10) slices of cake! I’ve never had that many, even at your DCF anniversary bash.
I can’t wait to visit the Cake Planet now. I’ll probably do it later. Oh, and I think I know RJ personally. He plays a mean keyboard and guitar.
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RJ Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
hahaha..hi joy!
yup, its me! although i play bass guitar and percussion..JS is the one who plays keyboards. have you tried the cakes here at cake planet? it isn’t too far from where we live.
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Joy Cruz Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
ooops, sorry about that. got a little confused, but at least i was right about the guitar.
i haven’t gone to the cake planet but i’ll pay it a visit… soon!
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RJ Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@joy: yes, you should try their cakes!
and i’d love to see how you would photograph them…i’m a fan of your food styling/shots. 
regards to caloy!
Lori Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
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RJ Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
their valrhona chocolate cake is quite good.
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Whoaa!! Looks really nice. This is something i will try..
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I visited cake planet after reading your blog. I ordered their macadamia sansrival, because of my curiosity that comes with the captions “Next Best Dessert”.
I was not disappointed. Best sansrival I ever had next to my all time favorite sansrival from Dumaguete.
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Lori Baltazar – prolific writer, voracious eater (compliment) and cake monster.
Love the post above! In my point of view, excessive indulgences every now and then are a real boost to one’s spirit. Imagine all the endorphins all those cakes eaten in succession created? I think there may be a cure for pms, the ups and downs of menopause, moodiness or depression – multiple, heavenly cakes. 
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Lori Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
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hi Lori! i’m glad you enjoyed the cakes at Cake Planet. you’ve only been there once, but you’ve tried more cakes than i have! hahaha..
i have a few more hidden spots to share…which involve my favorite coffee spot (which is in an unexpected place) and i recently got a tip from a friend about some of the best ice cream in manila. i’ll let you know how it goes.
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Lori Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
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RJ Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
if you aren’t from the area, getting here can be quite an (ahem) adventure. especially if you try to brave the rush hour traffic on dona soledad.
so it is always best to make the most of your visit..thank you for trying out and writing about cake planet. it was a treat to see and read your take on one of my favorite cake spots.
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Oh my I can visit this place since I live near. I wonder if hubby will agree to explore for the sake of cake?
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Lori Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
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nice yummy cakes
============
non voice projects
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Hi! Do they sell whole cakes? It’s really cool that they close late.
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RJ Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Yes, they do sell whole cakes.
and i also appreciate the late closing hours because cake and coffee make an awesome midnight snack.
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Lori Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:34 am
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Lori, I know this is a really strange idea. But you should do a TV show on the Food Channel akin to Bobby Flay’s Showdown. Something like a “Cake-Off” where you challenge one of your home bakers with your own recipe. Be really cool! After all, you are a real pastry chef!
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Lori Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:36 am
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Lori, this is a strange idea but I will go ahead and share it anyway.
You should do a TV show on the Food Channel akin to Bobby Flay’s “Throwdown” wherein you challenge one of your home bakers with your own recipe. It will be a “Cake-Off”! After all, you are a learned pastry chef with extensive experience in eating pastries & many other fabulous eats! Be very cool to watch this, don’t you think? 
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RJ Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
that is such a cool idea.
i’d want to watch that! 
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I don’t know if you’re old enough to know this but Red Ribbon used to make the most amazing chocolate angel pie and even mango mousse. It’s been discontinued a little after the start of the 90′s, Oh Lori, you would have loved it!
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Lori Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:37 am
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Hi Lori,
I truly love the way you write! It’s as if I can taste the cakes myself which means I gain a few pounds just by reading your blog. Excuses, excuses! Will be heading to Cake Planet for cheesecake and chocolate walnut temptation ASAP.
More discoveries please….
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Lori Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:38 am
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Dear John,
if you come across this little note, I implore you to open shop in the Q.C area! Just looking at these photos have made me salivate at 3 in the morning. I love love love cake and I’m dying to try the ones from your shop. Please come to QC!
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Lori Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:38 am
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Lily Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Oh yay! Thank you for the update Lori
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What a great cake adventure, Lori! The turtle pie and chocolate walnut temptation sure look yummy. Will definitely go to Cake Planet one of these days and witness for myself this tasty kind of constellation. Thanks for this mouth-watering post!
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I love cake planet’s chocolate macadamia sansrival! A must try! Thanks for featuring them!
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i’m convinced… i should try this!
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Just chillin out here with my slice of delectable Chocolate Macademia Sansirival…so nice to have a dessert place near @ home..and now I’m tempted to try other cakes..Y-U-M-M-Y!
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Lordy, what is wrong here??? (Triple exclamation marks mine, now).
- it’s nitpicking but it’s triple question marks, he he
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Lori Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
–lori
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Tried Cake Planet Saturday night after reading Lori’s blog post. Boy, the cakes did not disappoint! We tried 6 cakes and all of them were very good. Coming back with some more friends after raving about the cakes. People from the South should make a beeline for Cake Planet! Oh, and we met and had a chat with the owner, John. Pleasant fellow and very passionate about cakes.
Randy B.
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Hi Lori,
I’m was so surprised with myself that I did not know about this place since we live in that area. So after reading your entry, I told my husband that we’re going to Cake Planet. We tried the Turtle Pie and the Chocolate Macadamia Sansrival and WOW – we were both happy with our orders. Definitely coming back for more.
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hi, lori! finally gave cake planet a visit. was planning to try the lemon walnut torte but it was not available so i had a slice of the chocolate macadamia sansrival instead. your DCF feature on cake planet is now proudly displayed near the cake shelf, printed on a poster-size photo paper.
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I just love Cake Planet’s Turtle Pie and Banoffee (you just have to let it thaw a bit)…and that’s coming from a cake person. Cake Planet may as well be called Dessert Heaven!!! (Triple exclamation marks mine. Hehe.)
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Hi lori, nice write up! I’m about to give up my food trip sessions, esp. for sweets ,even take hiatus from baking for 2 months just to concentrate on my workout, but after reading this, I’m having 2nd thoughts.. hehe.
And RJ? I think you are my college classmate (I’m Yeye).. hehe. Nice find. Will visit that place soon.
Getting ready to bake, again..
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Hi, Lori. I wrote a VERY long comment on this post last week, but it didn’t come out.
Did you receive it?
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I will be in Merville, Parañaque tomorrow evening. Kaie suggested I get my cake/s from Cake Planet.
I can’t choose from the ones you liked!
I was initially thinking of having Karen Young’s chocolate cake delivered to our house in Makati, but I am interested enough to go to Cake Planet and get dessert from there. (It’s a family gathering and I am – as usual – in charge of dessert.)
So, which one do you suggest I get? Wish I could get more than one or two.
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Lori Reply:
August 5th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
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Aina L. Reply:
August 5th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Will do!
They deliver, too (in Merville). As long as I get at least two, delivery is free.
Thanks for the suggestions, Lori, I nearly got the Turtle Pie and the Chocolate Walnut Temptation (it does look tempting). Here’s hoping the McKintosh isn’t too frozen when they deliver it. Teehee.
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yummm.. Lori, aside from their branch at paranaque, can you tell me other stores that serve their cakes? It’s so sad to note that I live quite far from there…
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Lori Reply:
August 8th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
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their pure almond sansrival is awesome as well! but nothing can beat their chocolate walnut for me!
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Hi Lori, I came upon your DCF site when an office staff held a birthday blowout in our office looking for Cake Planet’s telephone number. I’ve read some of your posting’s before and only after reading your Cake Planet’s – that i finally muster to share our cake planet experience. You can find us there – almost every Sunday night after the last mass in our parish. My teenage children sooooo love their cakes and we have tasted almost all of them! For Pasta, we love the one in front of Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park Village, Makati beside Mercury Drug. A bit expensive but worth your money.
God bless and more power!
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i believe each establishment has their own caption on their products, but definitely their caption are way off the limits. the other establishments mentioned on their captions never mentioned any other competitor’s establishment. i think this is not an example of a good, healthy and fair competition… the other establishments did not mention any competitors’ establishment because they give respect to their competitors so this establishment might as well or should give respect to their competitors as well.
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hi lori. im not a bit impressed with this store the product offerings seems to be a combination of bestsellers of different pastry shop and he claims that he read your article about how to be one of manila’s home bakers. there was not originality or nothing new about his line up. i wish new players would be more original in coming up with products. its done in bad taste too that he uses taglines such as better than banapple & conti’s when he just copied the banana toffeepie. everyone knows that only kitchens best serves that. tsk.tsk
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I am a regular of cake planet! I am glad that you’ve finally discovered this place! It’s great to find a quaint cafe inside Better Living with wide-selection of good desserts plus lavazza coffee. What I like are: Moist chocolate cake-its not so sweet, banoffie pie, turtle pie and chocolate macademia. yesterday, I tried their pecan pie – also good. Their coffee fraps are good too – if you like them creamy like shakes.
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Just read this post, terrific write up. I had to try the cakes myself so I went on a little trip to the south. Had a taste of the Turtle Pie, the Chocolate Macadamia Sansrival, Pistachio Macadamia Sansrival (just as good as the latter, but with a subtle minty difference from the pistachios) and the Mango Empress. All were very good. I ended up buying a whole Mango Empress cake to take home.
I’m more familiar with the cakes and cakemakers in the north (some good ones include the banoffee pie of Mozu in Ortigas,the chocolate cake from Purple Oven also in Ortigas, Estrel’s caramel cake and the blueberry cheese cake from Kitchen of Cakes and Coffee). This is my first drive to the south just to satisfy my dessert fix. It was worth the hour-long trip from where I live. Thanks for the recommendation!
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