Bakery owner shares her island culture with unique cupcake flavors

One Northern California baker says she loves to share her island culture with customers in every bite of her cupcakes. It's all inspired by her favorite movie, "50 First Dates." "I was taught to love and accept and everyone is ohana," said Dena Lumbang, the owner of Kalani Kakes bakery in Elk Grove. "I feel like that resonated with me my whole life, especially when I meet new people, because of my business," Lumbang said. Her unique flavor cupcake combinations are topped with tropical favorites like lilikoi, guava, or 100% Kona coffee frosting. But you'll also find sweet surprises in each treat. "I think all cupcakes should be filled," said Lumbang, who also ships cakes in jars. "For cake flavors, we have a P.O.G. chiffon cake, which is (named) Endless Summer, which is lilikoi, orange and guava chiffon." Lumbang has roots that stretch from California to Hawai'i. During a trip to the islands in 2019, Lumbang searched for inspiration to find a theme for her bakery. Little did she realize it would come in the form of a movie, she's watched time and time again. "It all came rushing to me, a '50 First Dates' inspired bakery. All of the flavors (are) named after characters. All of the Hawaiian flavors that we love," she said. Her sweet epiphany led to the creation of "Kalani Kakes," where she names her sweet creations after characters in the movie. "My best-selling cupcake is the Henry Roth, which is inspired by the Adam Sandler character, it has guava," she said. "It's my personal favorite." The ultimate nod of approval for Kalani Kakes came when a star of "50 First Dates," Drew Barrymore, invited Lumbang on her show. "I cried. I screamed and I cried. I couldn't believe it," she said. "I thought, no way am I getting the opportunity to thank her for inspiring me." Kalani Kakes does not have a brick-and-mortar store just yet, but Lumbang's products can be found in a number of local businesses and at pop-up events.