Cake Girlz Bakery, Maryville

"My mom has always be a wonderful cook and baker, we use some of her recipes," Brenda Henkel told The Daily Times. Herself a mother, Brenda and daughter Jennifer Wilder opened Cake Girlz Bakery after outgrowing a basement-based operation. But the family line doesn't end there. Jennifer's 7-year-old daughter Isabella lends a fourth-generation hand from time to time, presumably measuring out scoops of flour and taste-tasting new frostings. Not all of the inventive flavor combinations are for young ones though, such as in the Mr. Daniels cupcake with Jack Daniels–infused buttercream frosting.

Alongside the impressive array of cupcake varieties, the team whips up gourmet scones, chocolaty brownies, and creamy cannoli made from gourmet ingredients such as Ghirardelli chocolates. But their culinary expertise truly shines in intricate cakes for weddings and other special occasions. Versatile fondant frostings can be molded into sculptural masterworks shaped like gift boxes, peacocks, or a healthy bushel of asparagus.