Bake You Happy~ WINNERS OF CUPCAKE WARS!!!!!!!!!

An Article in The Signal

2011-02-27T21:46:00.000-08:00


	Posted: February 27, 2011 1:55 a.m. Updated: February 27, 2011 1:55 a.m.


	Jonathan Pobre/The Signal Kim Thurman, left, and Kim Aeck of Bake You Happy put the finishing touches on a batch of caramel apple cupcakes. The duo won $10,000 in the reality competition show “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network. The show was taped in November and shown in January. View Larger View More » 1 2 3

What do you do if you have 45 minutes to come up with a cupcake made from convenience store items?

If you’re Kim Thurman and Kim Aeck of Valencia’s Bake You Happy, you create a licorice cherry coke pretzel cupcake and take the top prize on Food Network’s popular “Cupcake Wars” TV show.

The high-pressure reality series pits four teams from bakeries across the country in three competitions, culminating in a 1,000 cupcake bake-off based on a specific theme, usually for an event held by a company or nonprofit organization.

“It was an awesome experience. We were lucky to be picked. We were fans before we got on the show,” Thurman said.

When it was revealed the final two bakers would create a display and cupcakes for the exclusive preview night of the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, held Nov. 18, Aeck and Thurman were thrilled.

“I’d been to the auto show a few times, so I could totally picture what our theme would look like,” Thurman said.

Decorated with clever car icons such as license plates and odometers, their vision impressed the judges and scored Bake You Happy the “Cupcake Wars” win.

Yin and yang
The Kims credit teamwork as key to their victory.

“She has good ideas, and we really work well together,” said Aeck.

“Her strengths are my weaknesses, and vice versa. We balance each other out,” said Thurman.

Not that it was by any means easy.

“‘Cupcake Wars’ is very stressful. Making a thousand cupcakes in two hours is intense and when that timer goes off, that’s it, you have throw your hands up,” Aeck said.

Along with the recognition, Aeck and Thurman received $10,000, which came in handy to open their brand new cupcakery on Valencia Boulevard, in the Barnes & Noble-anchored shopping center.

Launched on Jan. 28, shortly after their episode of “Cupcake Wars” aired, Bake You Happy offers more than a dozen cupcake flavors each day, including such favorites as Heavenly, a “grown up version of the Hostess cupcake,” with rich chocolate ganache on top and creamy marshmallow filling inside.

The Magic Mountain is a fun confetti cupcake topped with a peak of vanilla icing and sprinkles, while the Highway 126 appeals to citrus lovers with its lemon cake, curd and icing. There’s even a Cream Soda Toffee, described as “your favorite old time fountain drink made into a cupcake.”

There are also gluten-free and vegan choices. Each Bake You Happy Cupcake is $3 or $33 for a dozen.

Sweet success
So far, business has been sweet for Aeck and Thurman, with customers coming as far as Santa Monica, Palm Springs, Arizona and even New York to sample their cupcake creations.

“Some people from Idaho were visiting in the area, and told us they had seen us on TV. They were so excited,” Thurman said. “It’s crazy.”

Word of mouth and social media have also helped create a buzz about the business.

“Facebook has been a huge presence for us,” Thurman said.

“One lady told us, ‘I saw my friends talking about you on Facebook. I was in bed but I had to come out and get a cupcake,’” Aeck added.

When asked why cupcakes are currently such hot commodities, she didn’t hesitate.

“It’s your own little cake, you get to pick. The kids want sprinkles, but you can have red velvet. Everyone’s happy,” Aeck said.

“And they’re fun,” Thurman chimed in.

Baking buddies
The Kims, both Castaic residents, met in 2008 at a 5 a.m. kickboxing class at their gym. As mothers with young children, it was the only time they could fit in a workout.

Soon, they began exchanging e-mails and phone calls. Eventually, the conversation turned to baking. The Kims discovered the each had been baking for many years.

Two months later, Thurman, an aesthetician for 16 years, called Aeck with a question.

“She said, ‘Do you want to open a business?’ I said, ‘Um, OK ...’” Aeck recalled.

Bake You Happy was born, christened in a Castaic commercial kitchen. The duo specialized in cupcakes and also offered special occasion cakes to corporate and private clients around town.

When they got the call to appear on Cupcake Wars, the Kims decided to open a storefront.

Support poured in. Kelly Privett designed the charming interior at no charge, while Denise Ballard washes dishes or works the counter in her spare time. Thurman’s mother-in-law also frequently comes in to help.

“Our friends and family have been unbelievable,” Thurman said.

Daughters Jordan Aeck and Chloe Thurman want to be part of the action, too.

“When they saw us on TV, they just thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Thurman said.

However, the second-graders are just a little too young to help out at this point. Thurman isn’t ruling out a family dynasty, however.

“I tell them, you’re going to own Bake You Happy one day,” she said with a laugh.

In order to accommodate busy family schedules, Bake You Happy has a full-time employee, Nicole Call, who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, in addition to the owners.

“She’s an incredible baker,” Aeck said.

After conquering cable, the Kims are ready to bring Bake You Happy even more to the masses in the form of talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres.

“We would love to be on Ellen. We want to take her some cupcakes for her birthday,” Thurman said. “Oprah has her favorite cupcake. So should Ellen.”

Bake You Happy is located at 23628 Valencia Blvd., Valencia. For more information, call (661) 255-5100 andwww.bakeuhappy.com.

WINNERS OF CUPCAKE WARS!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-30T12:46:00.002-08:00

Cupcake Wars Wining Cupcakes

2011-01-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

2010-11-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

Are there any Toy Story fans out there?

Well this little girl had a Toy Story 3 viewing party with her friends.

Ham, Alien, Jessie the cowgirl, and Woody

Bullseye, Mr.Potato Head, Slinky, and Buzz Lightyear

The Toy Story 3 gang!!

Kickin' it on the nice leather couch

The Canyon Kids!

2010-11-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Are there any Harry Potter Fans out there?

These were made for a HP party. I hope they represent, cause I am a bit in the dark about Harry Potter!

Rock Climbing Wall

2010-11-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

Any rock climbers out there? You're crazy!!!

But for those who like to live on the wild side here is a cake you might like.

It was for a 19 year old rock climbing enthusiast.

2010-10-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

My sister in law threw her daughter a COWGIRL PARTY this past weekend. Complete with pony rides, a petting farm, and western town. I transported cupcakes from Santa Clarita to Palm Desert. It was too hot to have the cupcakes outside but they looked just as good in her kitchen!

Here are the flavors: the birthday girl specifically requested Strawberry, but mom chose the other flavors.

STRAWBERRY

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT

CARAMEL APPLE

THE COWGIRL TOWN

The town was obviously made from boxes but it came out so cute. We kept on adding little touches here and there. The silhouettes of the bottles in the background of the Soda Saloon, the wood grain to the doors, a wanted poster on the side of the jail with a face cut out, we had to finally stop ourselves and go on to our next task

COWGIRL AND COWBOY COOKIES

My sister in law got this idea from Bakerella.com. She is amazing, if you haven't already you need to check out her blog. She gives the instructions for these cowgirl cookies and she gives you a free pdf file for the labels. Love her!! Thank you Bakerella, say hi to PW for me. That's The Pioneer Woman for those of you who don't know, love her too!! Lots of love going on around here!

Here is the food table it consisted of fruit, corn puffs, beef jerky, and candy in colors of pink, brown and reds. But did you all see those cute pom poms hanging over the table? Yeah we made those!

Sioux City Sodas, I thought the labels on these would go so cute with the party so I had to get them. The things you can find at Home Goods, Hmmm! Love that store!

HAPPY 7 TH BIRTHDAY TESSA!!

LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES

THE BIRTHDAY COWGIRL

MASON ENJOYING A STRAWBERRY

JORDYN LOVES HER CHOCOLATE

WEDDING

2010-09-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

CUPCAKE WEDDING WITH SMALL CAKE DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE THE INVITATION

Noah's Ark Themed Baby Shower

2010-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

NOAH'S ARK BABY SHOWER FOR A MOM EXPECTING TWINS

Cupcake Tasting at It's A Grind

2010-09-20T21:49:00.001-07:00

Setting: It's A Grind-Castaic

Cupcakes: Heavenly, Banana, Caramel Apple, Lemon, Strawberry, and Snickerdoodle.

This was our second cupcake tasting organized by this client. We had both tastings at It's A Grind in Castaic who always give us a beautiful setting. Cupcakes and great drinks were enjoyed by all.

Fishing Cake

2010-09-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

For a Dad who love's fishing!

DUTCH OVEN AND VEGETABLES

2010-06-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

FOR A COOKING ENTHUSIAST

POTATOES

STRING BEANS

CARROTS

WUSTHOFF KNIFE AND CUT CARROT

PEAS

CORN

GOLDFISH CRACKER

2010-06-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

GOLDFISH CRACKER

HOT PINK GRADUATION CUPCAKES

2010-06-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARTY

Pink and green tiered 30th birthday

2010-06-20T10:01:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY NICOLE

2010-06-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

Zebra Print Cake with Cupcakes

2010-06-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Lakers Cake

Xbox 360 Cake with Controller

2010-05-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Wedding Cake and Cupcake with Gerber daisies on Cupcake Tower

2010-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

XBOX 360 Grooms Cake

2010-05-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Poker Cake with Poker Chips and Cards

2010-05-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tennis Themed Cupcakes on Cupcake Tower

2010-05-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Girly Cupcakes

2010-05-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Giant Cupcake Cake on Tiered cupcake stand

2010-05-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Basketball Smash Cake

2010-05-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Flip Flop Leopard Print Cake

Farm Cake

2010-03-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Full view of the Farm Cake. Close-ups to follow

The garden was my favorite part sorry it's dark.

Farm Cake close ups

2010-03-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

This was so much fun. My favorite part is the garden but I also love the chickens and their eggs and the feed bags by the barn. The client wanted the spider web near the barn door cause they just saw or read Charlottes web. A lot of work but a lot of fun to make!

Laker Basketball themed anniversary

2010-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

This was for a couples 1 year anniversary. I think they met at a Laker game. The frosting was Laker purple even though it doesn't look it in the picture.

80 Flower cake

2010-03-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

This was for a 80 years young lady and they wanted to celebrate her bright personality.

Zebra Print

2010-03-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Zebra stripes with lime green border

Nautical Theme

2010-03-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

These were for a Nautical themed Baby Shower!

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

2010-03-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Pink Zebra Striped Purse Cake

2010-02-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

This was for a little girls birthday.

She wanted pink and she wanted her name on it!

Flower topped cupcakes

2010-02-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

These were for a baby girl shower.

Pink, Yellow and Orange multiple shades and sizes.

Baby Shower Blocks

2010-02-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

These were mades for a friends baby shower.
They wanted the baby's name,Tallon, spelled out as well as the color theme and the pattern of the ribbon that was being used at the shower incorporated in the cake.

Custom Valentine Conversation Hearts

2010-02-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

These were custom made sayings for the couple.

A very fun gal contacted us from Egypt to make these for her boyfriend here in Castaic.

Valentine Conversation Hearts

2010-02-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

2009-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Twilight Series New Moon Book cake

2009-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Engagement cake with edible diamond ring

Megan and Adam's wedding

2009-11-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

Megan and Adam's Wedding

Cupcakes were chosen in four different flavors

Chocolate

Red Velvet

Pumpkin spice

Caramel Apple

A cake was made for them to cut into for pictures

Cupcakes were topped with 3 flowers in the shades of the wedding

and the cake was topped with real flowers.

What a beautiful couple! I'm so happy for you guys!

THE CANDY BAR

What a great idea! I think the adults enjoyed this as much as the kids!

Vintage Purse and Shoe

2009-11-24T23:19:00.001-08:00

Purse and Shoe made for the Assistance League of San Fernando Valley

the theme was Vintage Hollywood

2009-11-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Winnie the Pooh Birthday Cake

2009-11-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Thomas the Train Engine Cake

4 feet long and almost 1 foot tall

2009-11-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

Halloween Themed Birthday Cake

2009-11-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

Trash Truck Cake

2009-11-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

Baby Shower Cupcakes :)

2009-11-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Baseball Cap Cake

2009-11-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

All Edible...Picture Frame Cake

2009-11-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Framed picture Cake, Baseball Cap Cake, & Mac Apple Cake

2009-11-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Princess Cake, Sleeping Beauty, Aurora

2009-11-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Military Themed cake

2009-10-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Pink and Black Casino Birthday Cake

2009-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Fortune Cookie Cake

Sweet 16 Birthday Cake with Skulls, Purple, Green and Stripes

2009-09-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

Car Birthday Cake

2009-09-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Vintage Inspired Birthday Cake with Bow

2009-09-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Laker Jersey Cake

Yellow flower banana cupcakes

2009-09-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yellow flowers.

I thought these were so pretty, I Love Yellow!

2009-09-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Treasure Chest

The Elmo Craze

2009-09-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

The ELMO Craze!

I did an Elmo cake a few months ago and

ever since then it seems like everyone loves the Elmo cake.

Elmo #1

This is a small personal cake for the birthday boy.

Elmo #2

These two are the same cake just at different angles.
The bottom is a two layer 8" cake and the face is a one layer 6"cake.

2009-09-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Fall Flowers Bridal Shower Cake

A Wedding Cake with Fall Colored Fresh Flowers

2009-09-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

Super Hero Cake

Superman, Batman, and Spiderman Cake

2009-09-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Super Hero Cupcakes

Spiderman, Batman and Superman Cupcakes

2009-09-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

Pink Bow Vintage Birthday Cake

2009-09-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman & Firestar Cakes

Super Hero Cakes

2009-09-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Lady Bug Birthday Cake

2009-09-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Anniversary Cupcakes

Timeline cake

2009-09-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

This wasa timeline for a 50 year old birthday party. The client gave me pictures of the birthday boy throughout his 50 years which were laminated and placed on and around the cake.

2009-08-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Wedding Cake with real Flowers

2009-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Belly Cake!

2009-08-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Anniversary Cake with Pearls and White Flowers

Sweet Charity fundraiser/cake auction

2009-08-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

We recently entered a local charity fundraiser/cake auction. The cakes that were entered were amazing! Check out the link to view all the cakes entered. Our cakes were paired with some designer childrens shirts donated by Crystal Rock Kids.

http://hometownstation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17392:sweet-charity-cake-auction-&catid=26:local-news&Itemid=97

Bridal shower cupcakes-California/ocean theme

2009-08-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Color theme: turquoises and black

Clockwise from the top: Vanilla cupcake with white chocolate pistachio buttercream, Banana cupcake with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting, and Spiced Chai cupcake with cinnamon swiss meringue buttercream.

Special sea creatures for the 4 little girls at the shower.

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers.

Farm Animal Party Cupcakes

2009-08-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

Cows, pigs, chicken, sheep...Yeehaw!

Birthday boy gets a special horsey

More Pupcakes

2009-08-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

My favorite was the grey dog in the top right corner.

The adults got paws and bones.

Landscape company advertising cookies

2009-08-12T21:15:00.001-07:00

2009-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

My Dear Friend Sherri's Birthday Cake

Pink and Black zebra print with flowers

2009-08-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

2009-08-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Vintage, Western, Cowboy Cupcakes

2009-07-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl Cake for my sister Tricia :)

2009-07-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

YUMMY!!!!

2009-07-19T19:05:00.001-07:00

Enjoying our cupcakes :)

2009-07-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Drum stick,Drum cake :)

Piston's Basketball,Sports Jersey Cake

2009-07-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Hamburger CUPCAKES :)

Vanilla cake, brownie, cream cheese frosting and fondant for cheese!

2009-07-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

Kim & Kim Having fun baking!!

Our huge oven we use!!

Baking our yummy cupcakes!!!

2009-07-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Graduation Cake with Stars

2009-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Graduation Book and Cap Cake

Princess Toadstool Fairy Cake

Western Horseshoe Cowboy Cake

Monster Truck Cake

Diego Cake

CUPCAKE NAME CARD HOLDERS

2009-06-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

OH SOOO CUTE!

CUPCAKE NAME/PLACE CARD HOLDERS

TEACUP COOKIES

2009-06-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

TEACUP COOKIES COVERED IN FONDANT

AND PACKAGED FOR THE BRIDAL SHOWER TEA

CAUGHT RED HANDED

2009-06-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

I had to use a LOT of red to get Maroon!

Pink and Turquoise bridal shower

2009-06-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

PINK and TURQUOISE cupcakes; stars, hearts, and flowers

Blue farewell cake with flowers

2009-05-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

For a mother and daughter moving away

Sage green and Lavender wedding

2009-05-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sage and Lavender 3 tier wedding cake

ULV Graduation Cake

2009-05-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

ULV graduation; green and orange.

2009-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lady Bug Cupcakes

2009-05-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower Clothesline Cake

2009-05-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Fun Cupcakes

2009-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

Lucy's Ladybug Giant Cupcake Cake

2009-04-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Blue Lace applique Wedding Cake

ELMO CAKE

2009-04-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

ELMO CAKE WITH SESAME STREET SIGN

2009-04-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is for Brees first Birthday...isn't the table beautiful!

Bake You Happy~ WINNERS OF CUPCAKE WARS!!!!!!!!!

An Article in The Signal

Kim Thurman, left, and Kim Aeck of Bake You Happy put the finishing touches on a batch of caramel apple cupcakes. The duo won $10,000 in the reality competition show “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network. The show was taped in November and shown in January.

WINNERS OF CUPCAKE WARS!!!!!!!!!

Cupcake Wars Wining Cupcakes

Rock Climbing Wall

WEDDING

Noah's Ark Themed Baby Shower

Cupcake Tasting at It's A Grind

Fishing Cake

DUTCH OVEN AND VEGETABLES

GOLDFISH CRACKER

HOT PINK GRADUATION CUPCAKES

Pink and green tiered 30th birthday

Farm Cake

Farm Cake close ups

Laker Basketball themed anniversary

80 Flower cake

Zebra Print

Nautical Theme

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Pink Zebra Striped Purse Cake

Flower topped cupcakes

Baby Shower Blocks

Custom Valentine Conversation Hearts

Valentine Conversation Hearts

Megan and Adam's wedding

Vintage Purse and Shoe

Yellow flower banana cupcakes

The Elmo Craze

Timeline cake

Sweet Charity fundraiser/cake auction

Bridal shower cupcakes-California/ocean theme

Farm Animal Party Cupcakes

More Pupcakes

Landscape company advertising cookies

CUPCAKE NAME CARD HOLDERS

TEACUP COOKIES

CAUGHT RED HANDED

Pink and Turquoise bridal shower

Blue farewell cake with flowers

Sage green and Lavender wedding

ULV Graduation Cake

ELMO CAKE