Calling your husband or wife sweet cakes in public can be embarrassing if it is not Valentine’s Day. But many Kirkland residents know that visiting Sweet Cakes for Valentine’s Day might be the most delicious thing you can do for your significant other.

“Valentine’s Day is our biggest day of the year,” said Sweet Cakes owner Susanne Park. “We have heart cookies and we bring out our decadents. We package especially for Valentine’s Day … and we make all of them the old-fashioned way – by hand.”

The smell of baking, along with the sight of the gourmet cupcakes in the glass display case will make any customer salivate from the first time they open the front door located at 128 Park Lane in downtown Kirkland.

Sweet Cakes has been open for four years and started as a hobby for Park.

“I just have a love for baked goods,” said Park, who was an accountant before taking a bite as a business owner. “My mom was a baker and I love the art.”

That art has led to 12 different types of cupcakes, including Pink Champagne, Red Velvet, Macaroon, Triple Chocolate with chocolate butter cream and Snicker Doodle. Park’s favorite is the Ganache Chocolate cupcake that will be served for Valentine’s Day.

Sweet Cakes also has White, Snicker Doodle, Chocolate, Lemon and Coconut Cakes that are gluten free.

Park says that Kirkland’s hunger for cupcakes is very unpredictable.

“I can’t figure out the public,” said Park. “Valentine’s Day and the car show are pretty busy.”

Sweet Cakes is a creative family endeavor. Park and her sister-in-law, baker Hillary Ricci, take requests for new products as well.

“She is awesome,” said Park of Ricci’s talents. “… We dream (the flavors) up.”

Sweet Cakes also offers cookies, five different cheesecakes, dessert bars and wedding cakes.

The fact that the store opened at the height of the recession and does not advertise is encouraging for Park. Word, or taste, of mouth is the biggest way that the business develops new customers.

“We have a great location,” said Park. “Our tastings are the biggest way that we advertise.”

Despite the success, Park said that she has no desire to expand.

“I want to focus on the product,” said Park. “I don’t expect to get rich.”

But the sugary heart that may come atop a cupcake on Valentine’s Day is also representative of the business’ relationship with the community.

All the treats are made early in the morning and the store typically finishes the day with surplus cupcakes.

Park said that she will never hold a cake longer than one working day and will give away the surplus.

“I did a lot of volunteering and I love Kirkland,” said Park. “We donate to local food banks and other charities.”

Some of the local places that Sweet Cakes donates to are Tent City, Hopelink, churches and the Kirkland Teen Union Building.

So when the price of a dozen roses goes over $40 this weekend, try something that is pretty and sweet, like the sweet cake in your life.

For more information visit www.sweetcakeskirkland.com or call 425-821-6565.