Elisa Knotts, Owner & Dessert Artist Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound

About Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound

What started as a mom’s heartfelt gesture has blossomed into one of Chicago’s most talked-about dessert brands. I’m Elisa, a self-taught baker and proud mom to Ella B., whose 4th birthday cake in 2014 sparked a passion that forever changed my life. From that very first cake, I realized baking wasn’t just about flour and sugar—it was about creating joy, connection, and unforgettable moments.

Word of mouth quickly transformed my hobby into a thriving business, and by 2020, I made the leap from paralegal to full-time baker. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of creating custom cakes for celebrities like Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Corey Calliet (celebrity trainer & TV personality), Lance Gross (actor & model), and Darius Miller (Oklahoma City Thunder). My dedication to quality and creativity earned Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound a spot on Travel Noire’s list of the 50 Best Black-Owned Bakeries in the U.S.—a recognition I hold close to my heart.

In 2022, I relocated to Chicago and expanded our offerings to include corporate dessert catering. Today, we proudly serve clients like Carvana, Compass Health Center, Digitas, HomeChef, Newberry Library, Paramount, Sterling Bay, UChicago Medicine, University of Chicago, and Wells Fargo, among others. Our work has also been featured on WGN, Fox32, Chicago Sun-Times, and WBEZ Chicago.

At Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound, every dessert is crafted with love, artistry, and intention. Whether it’s a custom cake that steals the show or a dessert spread that elevates a corporate event, my mission is simple: to create sweet experiences that leave lasting memories.

xoxo,
Elisa & Ella B.

Elisa’s Cake by the #Pound’s desserts, and cakes are currently available through private ordering.