Erika Gomez, the talented baker behind Yummy Creations by Erika, has been delighting customers with her homemade treats for nearly four years. Operating from her home under a cottage food permit, Erika’s business took root just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has steadily grown, offering a wide variety of custom desserts to the local community.
Erika’s passion for baking is deeply rooted in her childhood memories of watching her mother bake cakes for family and friends. As she recalls, her mom was the go-to “cake lady” for their Latino family and community in Pahrump. “Ever since I can remember, she made cakes and sold cakes,” Erika shares. Inspired by her mother’s talent, Erika didn’t initially plan to follow in her footsteps, but that changed when she made treats for her niece Jasmine’s quinceañera. The overwhelmingly positive response from guests convinced her to turn her hobby into a business, marking the beginning of Yummy Creations by Erika.
Specializing in an array of sweet treats, Erika’s most popular items include cake pops, cakesicles, and cupcakes, along with other festive favorites like pretzel rods, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and Oreos. Her offerings are ideal for birthday parties, weddings, and other celebrations. When asked about her approach to cake decorating, Erika notes that she works mainly with buttercream frosting, avoiding whipped cream due to cottage food regulations. While she can incorporate fondant for decorative touches, she prefers to steer clear of fully covering cakes in fondant, opting instead for the taste and texture of buttercream. “Fondant is so difficult to work with,” she admits, “but I’ll use it for certain decorations.”
Customers who wish to place an order are encouraged to contact Erika at least two weeks in advance, especially if special ingredients or designs are required. However, for simpler orders, she can sometimes accommodate requests with just a couple of days’ notice. “I’m fairly flexible,” she explains, adding that she stays busy most weekends with multiple orders.
Although Erika focuses primarily on traditional baked goods, she is mindful of dietary restrictions. However, due to the challenges of cross-contamination, she doesn’t offer gluten-free or dairy-free options. Instead, she directs customers to other bakers who specialize in those needs, ensuring they find the right fit for their requirements.
Of all the desserts she creates, Erika has found that making cakes has become her favorite. Initially hesitant to venture into cake design, she now relishes the creative process and the joy her cakes bring to her customers. “Seeing everyone’s reaction when they pick up or when I deliver just makes me so happy,” she says.
Speaking of delivery, Erika offers this service within the Pahrump area for a small fee, aiming to provide convenience for her clients. She’s no stranger to large-scale projects, having crafted cakes for weddings, quinceañeras, and other big events. Just recently, she received an order for a wedding cake to serve 200 people, highlighting her ability to handle substantial orders while maintaining high quality.
Affordability is also a key aspect of her business model. Erika is committed to offering delicious treats at reasonable prices. “I try to keep my prices something people can be happy with,” she notes, ensuring her clients receive value without sacrificing quality.
When it comes to guaranteeing freshness, Erika takes great care. She stores her baked goods in dedicated refrigerators—both in her home and in her parents’ garage next door—keeping them chilled until they’re ready for pick-up or delivery. This attention to detail helps ensure her cakes and treats remain fresh and ready for her customers to enjoy.
For aspiring bakers looking to follow in her footsteps, Erika offers some simple yet powerful advice: “Just go for it.” She encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace opportunities, even if it means starting small with pop-up events or promotional offers. Erika reflects on how she had to overcome her own shyness and fear of talking to people, but ultimately, she’s found success by being willing to take risks.
Erika has also enjoyed the support of the local community, participating in arts and crafts fairs hosted by Ashley Welch and others. These events have helped her connect with new customers and expand her clientele. Although she’s unsure if she’ll participate in the upcoming December show, she remains grateful for the opportunity these fairs have provided.
Erika credits much of her success to the unwavering support she has received along the way. “I couldn’t have done this without Jan Maher from Sprinkled with Love,” she shares. “She has been there to help and give me tips on anything cake-related.” Erika also emphasizes the vital role her family has played in her journey. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for their undying support since the beginning,” she says. Her husband Juan, sons Jr, Eric, and Tony, and daughter Abigail have been by her side every step of the way, cheering her on as she’s grown her business and followed her passion for baking. Their encouragement has given Erika the strength to pursue her dreams and turn Yummy Creations by Erika into a cherished part of the community.
For those looking to place an order with Erika, she can be reached through her Facebook and Instagram pages, both named Yummy Creations by Erika. Her social media presence allows potential customers to see examples of her work and connect with her directly for custom creations.
With her passion for baking, commitment to quality, and willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone, Erika Gomez is making a name for herself as a talented baker in Pahrump. As her business continues to grow, so does her impact on the community, one delicious treat at a time.
