Kaitlyn Ekren has always had a knack for crafting and design. Growing up just outside Hershey, PA, in Palmyra, she was surrounded by sweet inspirations. Her mom and grandmother instilled in her a love for creativity, particularly in the kitchen, while her father’s career at the Hershey Chocolate Company gave her invaluable insights into working with chocolate.
“My dad was a huge influence—he gave me tips on tempering chocolate and troubleshooting in the kitchen, which helped refine my skills and build a foundation for creating beautifully designed treats,” she said.
After earning her cosmetology license in 2014, Kaitlyn worked at a salon before she moved to Bismarck in 2016. In 2019, Kaitlyn and her husband Matt officially launched Kate’s Poperella, a business that combines her love for sweets and her flair for design. “Cake pops and desserts were the perfect way for me to combine my creativity and design skills,” Kaitlyn said. “They offer endless possibilities for customization, and I love creating something beautiful and personalized for every occasion.”
The Perfect Treat For Any Event
“Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, baby shower, bridal shower, retirement, holiday or work party, corporate event, or something unique, we’re here to add a sweet touch. No celebration is too big or small!”
Did You Know?
In addition to cake pops, Kate’s Poperella offers cake balls, flavored puppy chow, and strawberry rhubarb lemonade.
Q&A with Kaitlyn Ekren of Kate’s Poperella
Q: You’re Originally From Pa—What Surprised You Most About Operating A Business In ND?
A: How supportive the community is here. The kindness and loyalty of the people in Bismarck-Mandan have made running a business so much more rewarding. Additionally, I didn’t expect such a strong local network of small businesses, where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed. It’s been a wonderful environment to grow in!
Q: What Do You Love Most About Running Your Business Here In Bismarck?
A: Hands down, it’s the community!
Bismarck is filled with the most genuine, kind, and supportive people. The loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals here are unmatched—it’s amazing to see how people rally behind small businesses. I love being part of a place where relationships matter and every connection feels personal. It’s truly special to know that what we’re creating brings joy to such a wonderful community!
Q: What’s Your Current Favorite Flavor?
A: Cotton candy—I loved this flavor so much that it inspired me to create cotton candy flavored puppy chow!
Q: How Many Puppy Chow Flavors Do You Currently Offer Year-Round?
A: Five flavors we have year-round: cotton candy, cookie butter, Nutella, lemon, and key lime. Along with other seasonal flavors around the holidays. Our top-selling flavors are cotton candy and cookie butter!
Where Can You Find Kate’s Poperella In 2025?
April 25 & 26: Dakota Garden Expo at the Bismarck Event Center
June 7-August 30: BisMarket at Kiwanis Park Every Saturday
Other events such as Art in the Park, the Bismarck Street Fair, Fargo Street Fair, The Big One, Pride of Dakota, and so many more!
3 Things To Know Before Ordering
- Plan Ahead: “We recommend placing custom orders at least 2–3 weeks in advance to ensure everything is perfect for your event. However, we know things can come up last minute, so please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll do our best to accommodate you!”
- Flavor Selection: “We allow one flavor per dozen ordered, so it’s easy to customize your treats to you and your guests’ tastes.”
- Event Details Are Key: “The most important information we need is your event date, theme, and the quantity you’d like. Once we have that, we can bring your vision to life!”
Q: What Do You Do To Stay Culinarily Inspired?
A: I’m always staying plugged in through research and online classes, whether it’s a design-focused course or a baking class. My custom work keeps me constantly inspired and on my toes, as I’m often diving into new designs or researching techniques to master the final product. Every project is a learning experience, and that continuous growth fuels my creativity!
Q: Everyone Who Starts A Business Believes Their Service Is Bringing Value To The Community—What Kind Of Lasting Impact Do You Want Kate’s Poperella To Have On The Bis-man Community?
A: We want every interaction with Kate’s Poperella to leave a positive, lasting impression—from the initial planning to the final sweet bite. Our goal is to create an experience so memorable and enjoyable that customers can’t wait to plan their next event just to have us be part of it again. It’s all about spreading joy and making every celebration feel extra special!
Q: What’s Your Favorite Way To Enjoy Kate’s Poperella Treats?
A: I love freezing our cake pops and then taking one out of the freezer and letting it sit for about five minutes. When you bite into it, the texture is like cookie dough—so doughy and satisfying! It’s a little secret I highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique twist on enjoying our treat!
Fun Fact
“Check out our sister business, Extra Balloons! We’ve got all your party needs covered, making us your one-stop shop for unforgettable celebrations and events!”
Ready For A Sweet Time? Connect Below To Get Started!
Visit katespoperella.com or call 717-202-5297
See all of our beautiful creations on our Instagram and Facebook!
Facebook | /katespoperella
Instagram | @katespoperella