The Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Taste-testing the decadent treats on offer at Sweetly Simple cake shop

Every now and again we need a sweet treat. Maybe for a birthday, Easter, a wedding, an anniversary or just for a Friday — we all need an indulgence once in a while. Friday was that day for us, but no one in the family had the energy or time to bake. So on this occasion we took a friend’s advice and headed to Sweetly Simple on Durlacher Street to see what they had to offer. Plenty of parking was available, but it is a bit tricky to get in and out of the angled spaces without reversing straight on to the busy road — perhaps this was my lack of parking skills. The shop was a bit busy but the lovely young lady served us within a few minutes and took time to take us through a few options and recommendations. If there is a cake to be made, Sweetly Simple seem to make it. Cheesecakes of multiple varieties, sponge cakes, gateaux, tea cakes and slices were all on offer. We were a little disappointed that we couldn’t get two halves of the cheesecakes we wanted, but this is an option on a few select offerings. We opted for the baked white chocolate cheesecake and a tray of caramel slices. At just over $50 this was pricey but the size was well above supermarket alternatives. First of all, the cheesecake. Yummy does not do it justice. It had a creamy and delicate cheesecake filling and a crunchy (but a little thin) biscuit base. The chocolate shavings on top were a lovely addition, the thick, sweet chocolate a pleasant contrast to the light filling. We normally would have cream with the cheesecake but the base on ours was so moist, there was no need. The caramel slices went within 10 minutes among our family of five. Moreish would be the best description. We would have liked a bit more caramel in the middle but whoever baked them needs to guard the recipe as it’s the best I have tasted in a long time. Just like the cheesecake, the biscuit base was the highlight, dense but moist. If you have a special occasion you need a cake or sweet treat for, I wholeheartedly recommend Sweetly Simple. Pricier than the supermarket, but you get what you pay for — decadent, well-made and good quality cakes.