I like 'Big Bundts' and I cannot lie

Benkendorfer bakes bundts of all sizes – miniature bites (sold by the dozen), Bundtlettes (4-inch individual cakes), 7-inch and 10 inch cakes. But the focus is the same each time - moist, flavorful treats.

Why bundts? 

"Because we love them," Benkendorfer said this week. 

Bundts offer a lot of versatility - from size and shape (she has tons of cake pans in various shapes) to flavor (try the Chocolate Zucchini, Buttermilk Crumb, Almond Amaretto, Lotta Lemon or the Southern Buttermilk). 

A graphic designer turned stay at home mom, Benkendorfer started to indulge her baking interests once her sons were in school. The mother of three and her bundts have been a staple at the Chapel Hill Farmer's Market since 2009. 

She decided to focus on baking full time last spring and opened a shop in an old office building off of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard. The space used to house a hair salon and a palm reader. 

Benkendorfer and her contractor gutted the space and turned it into a cute 500 square-foot shop. 

When you walk in, the smell of freshly baked bundts, scones and brownies radiate from the large convection ovens in the relatively small kitchen. Benkendorfer said she mainly fills special orders and does wholesale, but she still gets to the Chapel Hill and Southern Village farmers markets.

If you are in the mood for something besides a bundt cake, she has fresh scones, homemade granola and makes brownie miniature bites. 

For Valentine's Day she is offering the "I Heart" Bundt Cake for $29. This 10-inch cake is heart-shaped and filled with either lemon honey raspberry or decadent dark chocolate. Another Valentine's Day option, the Chocolate Valentine Bundt Cake for $34. This 10-inch cake is dark chocolate topped with chocolate ganache and decorated with heart sprinkles. Benkendorfer said people should get their Valentine's Day orders in by Monday.