Life is short. Make it sweet! Cake & Crumb

In a world where life’s challenges often feel overwhelming, one local entrepreneur has turned her love for baking into a thriving business that’s become a sweet escape for the Brantford community. Meet Katherine “Kat” Dougherty, the founder of Cake & Crumb, whose story of resilience and passion for baking resonates far beyond the sweet treats she creates.

Kat’s journey to becoming the proud owner of Cake & Crumb began in the midst of the pandemic. A Detective Constable with the Hamilton Police Service, Kat had dedicated herself to a demanding career, balancing long shifts with her family life. However, in early 2020, as the pandemic shut down the world and her youngest son battled illness, Kat made the decision to step away from policing to care for her family. During this difficult time, one thing kept her grounded: baking.

Having taken a cake decorating class before her career in law enforcement, Kat’s love for baking grew during her time at home. What began as a comforting hobby soon turned into an all-consuming passion. By the fall of 2020, with her son’s health improving, Kat took a leap of faith and opened Cake & Crumb in the Wincey Mills Market in Paris, Ontario. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers flocking to buy her made-from-scratch cakes. The demand was so high that, within just a year, Cake & Crumb outgrew its humble market space.

Today, Cake & Crumb has found its forever home at the Artisan Village in Brantford, Ontario, where Kat and her expanding team bake hundreds of custom cakes each month. From weddings to birthdays and everything in between, Cake & Crumb’s cakes have become a beloved fixture in the community. Kat’s commitment to quality is evident in every slice, and the business has earned accolades such as Brantford’s Best Bakery and Brantford’s Best Cakes for two years running.

Open five days a week, Cake & Crumb offers a wide selection of cakes, cupcakes, and baked goods. Custom orders, including wedding cakes, can be placed with as little as one to two weeks’ notice, ensuring that each customer’s unique vision is brought to life with care and precision. But it’s not just about the cakes—Kat and her team are dedicated to giving back, having donated baked goods and services to more than 20 local organizations, schools, and families in need over the last three years.

As Cake & Crumb continues to grow, Kat remains focused on her mission: to spread sweetness and joy through every cake she creates. Whether you’re picking up a treat for yourself or ordering a custom cake for a special occasion, Cake & Crumb is a place where you’ll find quality, creativity, and heart in every bite.