Credit: The Indian Express

Whisperings of a unique habit of Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise have circulated throughout a variety of media outlets for years, but it’s only this year that the story really hit the mainstream in a major way. The story is not what one might think, however: every year, the action star orders more then 100 white chocolate coconut bundt cakes from Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California and gives them away.

That’s right. 100 cakes of white chocolate, cream cheese frosting, and toasted coconut. And he gives them all away.

It all started with Diane Keaton. Evidently, Keaton brought Cruise one of these white chocolate bundt cakes to prove that it was even better than his at-the-time wife’s favorite cake. Clearly, the cake made an impact, and he’s been returning the favor Keaton bestowed on him ever since.

Whether for a birthday, a holiday, or a major achievement, Tom Cruise finds a reason to send a cake to friends, former co-workers, and other industry professionals. Rosie O’Donnell, Henry Cavill, Barbra Walters, Jimmy Fallon, Angela Basset, and so many more. Kirsten Dunst, who he worked with on Interview with the Vampire 25 years ago, says she gets a “Cruise cake” every Christmas, something her family has grown to look forward to.

The cakes don’t come in fancy packaging from Doan’s Bakery, however. Cruise’s team sends gift boxes to the bakery, and then those boxed-cakes are sent to a second location where they are “spruced up.” Even without the fancy wrapping, however, the cake has become a best-seller.

But to Doan’s Bakery owner, Eric Doan, these cakes are more than a cool opportunity to see his creation in the hands of celebrities. Cruise’s buying habits have helped keep the business afloat. For a family-owned business, these regular purchases make all the difference.

Small businesses are the backbone of America. During this difficult time in the world, many small businesses have suffered insurmountable losses. Without Cruise’s purchases, Doan fears his bakery might have suffered a similar fate.

“This year has been a really rough ride,” says Doan. “In March and April, we wondered if we were even going to be able to stay open. Now, I’m spun like a top.” November and December are busy months for the bakery, but he says that Cruise’s purchases are “honestly one of the things that kept us alive [during the pandemic].” 

Cruise’s cake habit has not only brightened the lives of the celebrities he has it sent to, but the family-owned bakery in Southern California. The story reminds us to support our local businesses, because we may find a new favorite we can’t live without. 

PAGES

• PHILANTHROPY
• CULTURE
• THE SLOW LIFE
• INTERVIEWS
• IDEAS
• EVERYDAY HEROES

Follow Us