Lorraine Dallas
Some family recipes are written on faded index cards. Others are written in memory, love, and tradition.
For Cole, founder of Cole’s Custom Cheesecakes, every cheesecake he bakes is a tribute to the woman who first taught him that food has the power to bring people together—his grandmother.
A gifted baker, Cole’s grandmother, was the centerpiece of countless family gatherings. Her cheesecakes and desserts became beloved traditions, eagerly anticipated at birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. But when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Cole realized that those treasured recipes—and the memories they carried—could easily be lost.
Determined to preserve her legacy, he set out to master every detail of her signature cheesecakes. What began as an act of love soon became a mission to honor her life through the desserts that had brought so much joy to family and friends.
Cole’s passion for baking began years earlier, standing beside his grandmother in the kitchen as a child. He watched carefully as she mixed ingredients, shared stories, and transformed simple recipes into unforgettable family traditions. Those moments planted the seeds for what would one day become his own business.
The turning point came in 2020. As the pandemic changed daily life, Cole became one of his grandmother’s caregivers. Spending that time together reinforced the importance of preserving not only her recipes but also the love, comfort, and connection they represented.
“Every cheesecake tells part of her story,” Cole says. “It’s my way of keeping her memory alive.”
What started as baking for family and friends quickly grew into something much larger. Drawing on his background in mentoring and food service, Cole founded Cole’s Custom Cheesecakes, transforming a personal passion into a business built on craftsmanship, quality, and community.
Today, every cheesecake is made fresh using premium ingredients and the same attention to detail that his grandmother demanded. Rather than relying on shortcuts, Cole believes that exceptional desserts begin with exceptional ingredients and time-honored techniques.
The company’s mission remains simple: bring people together through extraordinary desserts inspired by cherished family recipes. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or simply sharing dessert with friends, customers become part of a tradition that spans generations.
For Cole, success isn’t measured only by the number of cheesecakes sold. It’s measured by the smiles around the table, the memories created with loved ones, and the opportunity to share a small piece of his grandmother’s legacy with every customer.
In every slice of cheesecake, her influence lives on—proving that the sweetest family traditions are the ones worth sharing.