The early months of the year can be a bit of a slog for many of us! The fun of the festive period is behind us and we are immersed in Winter with the dark nights and dreary weather that entails. Spring is still some way off … and yet, in the midst of this dull and dreary season, a little ray of light shines! A celebration that is just for fun. Light-hearted, slightly mischievous, unadulterated fun! Yes, we are talking about Valentine’s Day!

Whether you are a cynic or the original romantic who loves nothing more than expressing your love with grand gestures, Valentine’s Day is an ever-popular holiday which cannot be ignored, so get on board, join in the fun and show that special person in your life how much they mean to you with a delicious Valentines cake from the Brilliant Bakers.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the shortest month of the year is packed with carnivalesque fun and frolics! Think of Mardi Gras and the many other colourful parties which take place across the world in February, which have traditionally provided a little respite from the everyday in the run up to lent.

Valentine’s Day is thought to have its roots in the pagan festival of Lupercalia when the young men of ancient Rome would celebrate by running naked through the streets and slapping young women with strips of leather made from the skin of sacrificed goats, which was thought to make them fertile in the coming year!

In the 5^th century the church Christianised this pagan festival by declaring February 14^th a day to remember St Valentine, a roman priest from the 3^rd century AD who had been sentenced to death for secretly marrying soldiers after Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage, believing that single men made better soldiers.

The party itself is nothing new, though originally it had little to do with romantic love or sweet treats and gifts! These are modern developments and we at the Brilliant Bakers believe that nothing says “I love you” better than a delicious slice of cake!

It wasn’t until the late 18^th and 19^th centuries that the festival of St Valentine became associated with romantic love. With developments in printing techniques, the first mass produced Valentines cards appeared. They were elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colourful pictures, typically of flowers, kittens, love knots and Cupid. The fact that cards were often sent anonymously allowed a greater sense of playfulness! Valentines were never to be taken too seriously!

When it comes to romance however, cake is way tastier than paper! At the Brilliant Bakers we pride ourselves on the quality of our cakes, baking each cake using traditional methods and fresh to order so that every tasty morsel is as tempting and decadent as it should be. All our brilliant cakes are designed and created in-house which ensures that we can really go to town on the creative concepts we come up with and deliver our customers the best-looking, as well as the most delicious, cakes around.

Our Valentines creations are no exception! We offer a large selection of square and round cakes in 8, 10 or 12 inches with a range of flavours and fillings to suit every taste including red velvet cream cheese, chocolate fudge and vanilla sponge jam (of which there is also a gluten free version). Our Valentines Cakes are available in a range of fabulous flirty designs from hearts and kisses to photo cakes for that extra personal touch. 

If the one you love is the caring and sharing type, why not send a box of 12 delicious Valentines Cupcakes for them to share with neighbours, family or colleagues. Easy and quick to handle and eat, they are the perfect way to spread the Valentine’s love! 

Our Valentines Fondant Fancies are light and delicious. Made from vanilla sponge, buttercream and soft fondant icing, they come as a box of 4 fancies hand decorated with sugar motifs from Hearts to Be Mine and more.

If cookies are what your heart desires, a selection of 12 handmade Valentines Love Biscuits or one 7 inch cookie will be just the ticket! They are available as a delicious buttery shortbread or comforting gingerbread biscuit and lovingly decorated with hearts, roses and a heartfelt message of your choice.

We require at least 2 working days notice in order to ensure the timely delivery of Valentines cakes. Our free delivery service operates Monday-Friday and we will text you in advance to give you notice so you can pop to the shops, or request delivery before 10am or 12 noon.

So this Valentine’s Day, get the kettle on and cut yourself a delicious slice of romance with a simply Brilliant Cake from the Brilliant Bakers.