In Rapid City’s Rushmore Crossing, a sweet new addition to the local food scene is making its mark: Nothing Bundt Cakes. Owned by Darcy Zanstra, along with her husband, brother and sister-in-law, the bakery has quickly become a go-to destination for cake lovers. But the story of how this beloved bakery found its home in the Black Hills is a tale of patience, community and a passion for spreading joy.
Darcy’s journey into the cake business is anything but conventional. With a background in marketing, she used her talents at the Rapid City Rush, and later worked alongside her husband in his construction business. After years in the corporate world, she found herself yearning for something new. During a trip to Sioux Falls, she shared a casual thought with her sister-in-law about the lack of a Nothing Bundt Cakes in Rapid City. “I was just comparing Sioux Falls and Rapid City,” Darcy recalled, “and I said something like, ‘We don’t even have a Nothing Bundt Cakes!’”
That seemingly simple comment sparked an idea. After some research, the family reached out to Nothing Bundt Cakes, only to receive an initial “no” from the franchise. However, a few months later, they received a call informing them that Rapid City was indeed a viable market. After an extensive interview process, Darcy and her family were given the green light to move forward. The planning process took time — there were lease negotiations, construction delays and countless challenges — but in January 2023, Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its doors at Rushmore Crossing.
For Darcy, the appeal of the brand was more than just the delicious cakes. “I think what drew me to it was their commitment to community,” she explained. “They really encourage you to be a part of the community, to get involved in events, participate in donations and fundraisers — it’s all about uplifting those around you.” The values of service and genuine connection are at the heart of the brand, and Darcy has made sure to carry those values into her own store.
The bakery offers a variety of signature cakes, gluten-free options and seasonal flavors. The most popular items are the Bundtinis — a dozen individual-sized cakes, perfect for a treat or a gift. “You think you don’t need a dozen, but trust me, you do!” Darcy explained. “They’re addictive!” Crowd favorite flavors include white chocolate raspberry and red velvet. For those looking for a unique flavor twist that matches the calendar, seasonal flavors like Andes Peppermint chocolate chip or pumpkin spice are sure to delight.
But Nothing Bundt Cakes isn’t just about the cakes. It’s an experience. The “Buntique” — the very fitting name for the bakery’s storefront — features everything from balloons to cake toppers and celebration supplies. Customers can place custom orders over the phone, online, with the handy app or swing by to pick up one of the many ready-to-go options. Darcy and her team of “Joy Creators” make it a point to ensure that every visit is an experience that brings happiness.
The community response has been overwhelming, with customers celebrating everything from birthdays to weddings with their cakes. In fact, weddings have become especially big for the bakery, with Darcy being particularly excited about the opportunity to be part of such an important day. “We offer free consultations and tastings, and we handle deliveries for weddings, too,” she said.
In addition to the cakes, Darcy is passionate about giving back. She encourages local organizations to use the bakery for fundraising efforts, offering a range of options to help groups raise money. “It’s important to give back to the community that’s supporting you,” she said.
For Darcy, it’s about more than sweet treats. “It’s all about spreading joy,” she said, smiling. “Whether we’re giving back to the community, offering great customer service, or simply making someone’s day a little sweeter, that’s what it’s all about.”
nothingbundtcakes.com
1612 Eglin Street, Suite 400
Rapid City, SD 57701