My name is Marga Engelhardt

Marga’s Lil Cakes was born from a blend of legacy and love. The name is a nod to the old-fashioned nickname for cupcakes—“little cakes”—and my own nickname growing up, “Little Marga.” Though I’m not exactly little anymore, I was lovingly named after my beautiful grandmother, Marga Nordman. To tell us apart, she was “Marga,” and I became “Little Marga.” So when it came time to name my bakery, Marga’s Lil Cakes just made perfect sense.

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Why baking?
Because I’ve been baking since I could reach the oven door. My grandmothers passed down their kitchen magic to me—both through genes and generous hands-on lessons. But what truly sparked this journey was a family member with severe tree nut, peanut, and soy allergies. She’d show up to birthday parties with her own Ziploc bag of Oreos. That didn’t sit right with me. So I started making allergy-friendly cupcakes just for her—and it caught on. Neighbors ordered. Friends followed. I expanded into cakes, cake pops, and eventually macarons. Before I knew it, I was setting up at the Plainfield Farmers Market with a website and social media following to match.

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But life, as it tends to do, threw a few curveballs. Baking had to take the back burner for a while—but it never fully left. Fast forward to 2025. The world’s a little chaotic, the economy’s shaky, and life keeps life-ing. But this time, the shift brought me back to my oven. These days, Marga’s Lil Cakes isn’t just a side hustle—it’s the hustle. I work harder for my bakery than I ever have for a “day job.”

This is a family-owned, woman-led business built on passion, resilience, and buttercream. It’s my livelihood, my legacy, and my dream.

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What’s next?
I’m building more than just cakes—I’m building a future. My goal is to grow Marga’s Lil Cakes into a thriving, full-time operation that supports my family, celebrates inclusivity, and brings joy to every event we touch. I’m expanding into farmers markets, dreaming of a dessert studio, and pushing for accessibility in allergy-friendly baking. This isn’t just a business—it’s a movement, a mission, and a little bit of magic... one lil cake at a time.

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And to everyone who’s ever placed an order, told a friend, liked a post, or cheered me on from the sidelines—thank you. Your support means more than you know. You’re not just helping me build a business… you’re helping me build a dream.