There’s one dessert that’s the talk of Tinseltown around the holidays: the so-called “Tom Cruise cake.”
The white chocolate coconut Bundt cake from the family-owned Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California got its nickname because the “Mission Impossible” star famously gifts the dessert to his Hollywood friends at the end of every year.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE >Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are.
White Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake from Doan’s Bakery. (Doan’s Bakery & Goldbelly)
In 2018, Cruise said on “The Late Late Show with James Corden“ that he likes to send cakes to people because he doesn’t consume sugar while training.
Get updates on what’s happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our >News Headlines newsletter.
So, instead of treating himself during the holidays, he treats his costars and colleagues to the coconut cake with chunks of white chocolate covered in cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut shavings.
Who has received the Tom Cruise cake?
Cruise’s gift list reads like an awards show roll call: Renee Zellweger, Graham Norton, Rosie O’Donnell, Henry Cavill, Kirsten Dunst, Cobie Smulders, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Hamm and Angela Bassett are just a small selection of folks who have spoken publicly about receiving the cake.
Brooke Shields famously spoke about being removed from the list for reasons unknown to her, and Tom Hanks said his ideal “last meal” would include the cake.
This year is no different: On Dec. 13, Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick” costar Glen Powell shared a photo of the cake on his Instagram story, writing, “The Cruise Cake has arrived.”
On Dec. 19, Mindy Kaling shared a photo of the cake on her Instagram story with the caption “Iykyk” (an abbreviation for the phrase “If you know, you know”).
Singer Victoria Canal also got a Cruise cake this year and tried a bite of it on Instagram.
“It’s so rich,” Canal says in the video. “Like Tom Cruise.”
The pastry is so famous, it was immortalized in HBO comedy series “Hacks.” In the Season 3 premiere, fictional superstar comedian Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) is lucky enough to be sent one of the cakes, which is immediately clocked by her protege Ava (Hannah Einbinder).
Where does the Tom Cruise cake come from?
The cake was invented by Karen Doan, who established Doan’s Bakery in 1983 by baking desserts for restaurants, coffee houses, caterers and private events. According to the bakery’s website, 25 years ago, Karen, her son Eric and his wife Carrie opened the bakery to the public. Karen died in 2023, and Eric now runs the bakery.
“It’s amazing seeing it go from my grandma renting out kitchens, making wholesale cakes for her friend’s restaurant in ‘83 to now,” Alexis Doan, Eric’s daughter, tells TODAY.com. Alexis acts as the store manager and assists during the busy holiday season.
Alexis says that Cruise orders around 300 to 400 cakes from the bakery every year, adding that the bakery doesn’t ship them out, so they’re unaware who in Hollywood is actually receiving them.
How to get the cake for yourself
Doan’s Bakery also sells the dessert through Goldbelly for $129.95 including shipping. Alexis says if you pick it up in person, the cake, which has 12 to 16 servings, costs $59.
The bakery also sells a medium size that serves six to eight people for $39 and an individual portion for $9.
Although there’s a markup on Goldbelly, it’s proven super popular there and is sold out through late-February. The bakery ships out roughly 50 cakes per day, five days a week through the online marketplace.
“And that’s not including storefront, which totally varies, depending on the holiday,” Alexis says.
Goldbelly says it’s been working with Doan’s for more than five years.
“It’s one of the most loved cakes on our site and we’re thrilled to bring the magic of their white chocolate coconut cake to the world,” Joe Ariel, founder and CEO of Goldbelly, tells TODAY.com. “Now you no longer need to be a celebrity to order or gift someone the famous ‘Tom Cruise Cake.’”
If you want a celebrity coconut cake and can’t wait until after Valentine’s Day, Ina Garten has a get-it-sooner alternative on Goldbelly. Her coconut layer cake has a hint of almond and is layered with cream cheese icing and coated in shredded coconut, and will arrive at your door before the ball drops, for $99.95.
Why does Tom Cruise love this cake?
In a 2021 interview with Spectrum News, Karen recounts the story of how Cruise came to order so many cakes from their family-run business. As the story goes, Diane Keaton introduced the cake to Katie Holmes during the filming of “Mad Money” in 2008. Holmes was married to Cruise at the time.
“So when Tom and Katie had a big party at their new home in Beverly Hills, we did all the cakes,” Karen said. “They loved it.”
Ever since then, Cruise has given the cake out every year — and word gets around.
“People do call it that,” Alexis says, adding that while people come in asking for the Tom Cruise cake, they take special care to not advertise it that way. “We can’t control what they call it, but out of respect for him, we just call it the White Chocolate Coconut Cake. We don’t want to use him as publicity.”
How does it taste?
On Dec. 13, the TODAY anchors tried the iconic cake for themselves. During PopStart, TODAY cohost Carson Daly served up the treat, which is known to be moist, buttery and coconutty, to the group.
“How did you get this?” Al Roker asked Carson, who replied that he got the cake from Goldbelly — not from Cruise (this year, at least).
“Mmm,” Hoda Kotb says while taking multiple bites of cake. “I love it. Wow.”
The hosts all seemed to enjoy their slices, and Al said, “That’s good cake.”
This story originally appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY:
All about the ‘Tom Cruise cake’: Who gets it and how to order it
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer