Sprinkle This Cakery: A Sweet Legacy of Love, Friendship, and Community

Hornell “haven of homemade treats” is loving life on Park Drive

By: Johanna Elattar

In Hornell, Sprinkle This Cakery has quickly become a beloved spot for locals seeking freshly baked delights and heartfelt community spirit. Owned and operated by Danielle Blankenship, this charming cakery opened its doors in October 2023, transforming what was once an ice cream shop into a haven of homemade treats and personalized confections.

The journey to opening Sprinkle This Cakery wasn’t without its helping hands. Danielle Blankenship credits Val from Hornell Partners for Growth for aiding in finding the perfect location at 50 Park Drive, where locals once enjoyed scoops of ice cream. “Val was instrumental in helping us secure this spot,” Danielle recalls. “We wanted a place that felt cozy and welcoming, and 50 Park Drive was just perfect.”

Danielle’s expertise in baking comes from her years of experience working in the baking department at Tops, a local grocery store, where she honed her skills in cake decoration. “I spent many years at Tops, learning the intricacies of baking and decorating cakes. It was a wonderful experience that prepared me for this journey,” she says. This foundation has allowed her to create stunning custom orders that have become a hallmark of her business.

The name “Sprinkle This Cakery” isn’t just a playful pun; it’s a reflection of Danielle’s personality and love for baking, which she’s nurtured since childhood. “It’s my little ‘mom joke’,” Danielle laughs. “I’ve always loved to bake, and my family and friends were always the lucky recipients of my experiments in the kitchen.”

Her passion for baking stems from fond memories of her grandmother, who at 89 still bakes daily, echoing the warm cookies she once lovingly prepared for Danielle and her friends. “My grandmother was my biggest inspiration. I remember the plates of fresh-baked cookies she would have ready for us kids. It was those moments that sparked my love for baking,” Danielle reminisces.

The cakery itself is painted in a striking purple hue, a tribute to Danielle’s best friend, Amethyst, whose memory she honors with every batch of treats. “Amethyst was more than a friend; she was family. The purple color is a way to keep her spirit alive in everything I do here,” Danielle explains. The vibrant color not only adds a unique charm to the cakery but also serves as a constant reminder of the deep bond they shared.

Beyond the heartfelt decor, Danielle’s husband plays a crucial role behind the scenes, fixing whatever needs fixing to ensure the cakery runs smoothly. “My husband is my rock. He’s always there to fix anything that goes wrong, from equipment malfunctions to general maintenance. I couldn’t do this without him,” she says gratefully.

Before Sprinkle This Cakery, Danielle honed her skills at Three Wishes Cafe in Bath, NY, owned by her in-laws, where her baking talents first flourished. “Three Wishes Cafe was where I truly found my footing in the baking world. My in-laws gave me the freedom to experiment and grow, and I’ll always be grateful for that,” she acknowledges.

Now, her focus is on crafting small batches of goodies, each featuring her unique flavor combinations that keep customers coming back for more. From mini bundt cakes exclusively for Brandy’s Cup of Joe to bestselling French Macarons, Danielle’s creations are a testament to her dedication to quality and creativity. “I love creating new flavor combinations and seeing the joy they bring to our customers. It’s the best part of my job,” she shares.

Reflecting on the warm reception from the Hornell community, Danielle expresses gratitude for their unwavering support of local businesses. She recognizes Hornell as a rare gem where residents prioritize shopping locally, fostering a thriving small business environment. “The support from the community has been overwhelming. Hornell is a special place where people genuinely care about supporting local businesses. It’s heartwarming,” she says.

Danielle’s commitment to community is evident in her wholesale accounts, such as baking mini bundt cakes for Brandy’s Cup of Joe. “Working with other local businesses like Brandy’s Cup of Joe has been wonderful. It’s all about supporting each other and growing together,” she explains. Her French Macarons, a bestseller, have also garnered a loyal following, showcasing her ability to create both traditional and innovative baked goods.

Danielle’s dedication to her customers goes beyond just baking. She is known for her willingness to work with clients’ budgets for custom orders. “Everyone deserves a beautiful cake for their special occasions, regardless of their budget. I’m happy to work with customers to create something perfect for them,” she says.

In addition to her baking talents, Danielle has embraced the digital age by conducting Facebook Live streams, where she showcases her latest creations and interacts with her customers. “The Facebook Live streams have been a fantastic way to connect with our community. It’s a fun way to show what we’re baking and get instant feedback,” she explains.

Looking ahead, Danielle dreams of keeping Sprinkle This Cakery a family-run affair, with her teenage son already lending a hand most days. “My son is a big help around the cakery. I hope to keep this business in the family for generations to come,” she says proudly. She envisions a future where the cakery remains a staple in the community, providing delicious treats and warm memories for years to come.

While Sprinkle This Cakery features delicious Bobas, Danielle prefers to leave the drinks to places like Brandy’s Cup of Joe. “We focus on what we do best – baking. There are amazing places like Brandy’s that excel in drinks, and we’re happy to complement each other’s offerings,” she states.

For those craving a taste of homemade goodness and a dash of local charm, Sprinkle This Cakery stands as a testament to Danielle Blankenship’s passion for baking and the bonds that make Hornell a truly special place. Each bite of her creations tells a story of love, friendship, and community, making Sprinkle This Cakery not just a bakery, but a cherished part of Hornell’s heart and soul.