Joe Manganiello celebrated his birthday this year with a delightful twist, as his girlfriend, Caitlin O’Connor, surprised him with cakes from a bakery that has a notable connection to his ex-wife, Sofía Vergara. This intriguing choice certainly caught the attention of many, showcasing Caitlin’s thoughtful approach to making Joe’s special day memorable, despite the past ties.

According to sources from the bakery, Caitlin ordered two stunning birthday cakes from the renowned Cake and Art bakery located in West Hollywood, California, just in time for Joe’s 48th birthday celebration. This choice raised eyebrows among fans and observers, considering Sofía‘s frequent visits to this beloved bakery, adding an extra layer of interest to the occasion.

The custom cakes, which totaled an impressive $400, were uniquely designed with special flavors that catered to Joe’s taste. One of the standout desserts was a remarkable 3D Steelers helmet crafted from rich chocolate cake filled with luscious mocha cream, embodying both creativity and indulgence.

The second cake was equally impressive, featuring a funfetti vanilla base with zesty lemon filling. This cake was designed in the shape of a jersey, with the name “Manganiello” beautifully etched on the back, making it a personalized treat that reflected Joe’s personality and love for sports.

As a proud native of Pittsburgh, Joe’s admiration for the Steelers is well-known, making this themed birthday celebration a perfect homage to his roots. His excitement was evident when the cakes were showcased on Instagram, highlighting how much he appreciated Caitlin’s thoughtful efforts.

Caitlin’s gesture seemed to mirror Sofía’s well-known affinity for the bakery, showcasing her ability to blend thoughtful celebration with a hint of nostalgia. It’s well-documented that the “Modern Family” star is a regular patron of this popular establishment, adding a layer of intrigue to Caitlin’s cake choice.

Insider sources revealed that Caitlin was aware of a photo depicting Joe’s ex-wife with her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, prominently displayed in the bakery. This detail made her selection even more significant, as it demonstrated her awareness of the past while focusing on celebrating Joe’s present.

Interestingly, the staff at the bakery chose to handle the situation with professionalism, avoiding any awkwardness despite the layered history. Their discretion allowed Caitlin to enjoy the moment without feeling uncomfortable, showing the bakery’s commitment to customer service.

Sources further noted that Caitlin remained poised throughout the entire experience, engaging warmly with the staff and radiating positivity as she picked up the custom cakes. This demeanor reflected her genuine happiness in celebrating Joe’s birthday, embodying the sentiment that a good meal is often the key to a man’s heart!

Joe and Caitlin took their relationship public in December 2023, shortly after Joe’s separation from his ex-wife was announced. Since then, they have appeared virtually inseparable, enjoying each other’s company and embarking on adventures together, including a recent vacation to the picturesque Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with Joe’s beloved dog.

This blossoming romance appears to be a perfect match, with both Joe and Caitlin seemingly enjoying each other’s company and building a strong bond.