LOCAL SWEET TOOTH
As we transition from the hot summer months into the fall and winter season our cravings for comfort foods tend to be at an all time high and nothing fills that void better than a sweet and savory treat. Those little moments of enjoyment and indulgence make the days a little brighter when the cold sets in and the sun sets earlier and earlier. Finding comfort in the rough is human nature and nothing satiates like a perfect cookie, a slice of pie or cake, or just about any baked good made with love and care. This month’s blog post will highlight four local Metro Detroit purveyors that specialize in a variety of desserts and snacks that’ll surely better anyone’s day.
wani cakes
We’re starting off with Wani Cakes, a cake company based in Detroit, MI that specialize in a variety of traditional Nigerian Cakes while also serving up classic favorites. Founded by husband and wife, Anwelli and Bola, in the process of planning their wedding, Anwelli took the leap to bake their wedding cake, from that moment on, the success of this endeavor sparked their business. Wani Cakes mantra from the beginning has been bringing people together and making life better with good food. Wani is committed to reimagining what dessert can be: delicious, wholesome, and accessible. Their belief that cake should not be just for special occasions, it can be something you enjoy everyday guilt free. All of Wani’s cake cups are made with wholesome ingredients, like whole fresh fruits and cream, nuts, and thoroughly crafted with less sugar resulting in fewer calories and inevitably more nutritious than your typical sweets. As the business expanded to local grocery stores and markets, Wani has found themselves building a brand rooted in the local community, connecting with their customers on a frequent basis. They’re proud to be Detroit based and believe the city's rich legacy of innovation, resilience and food craftsmanship inspires them to push the limits on what a cake can be.
bake treats
Our next feature is another wife and husband duo creating some amazing baked goods in the Metro area, BakeTreats founded by Rhonda and Paul are serving up an array of delicious sweets baked in Southfield, MI. A family owned and operated venture from day one, Paul and Rhonda’s story began in 2015, selling their goods at various Farmer’s Markets, eventually transitioning to a commercial kitchen in 2018 and now currently have their products in grocery stores. From cookies, cakes, and rolls to choose from, all of BakeTreats use natural wholesome ingredients, no preservatives, and of course, plenty of love and care. Their goods always start with good butter, quality dairy products, pure sugar, and well sourced vanilla and chocolate. Known for their cookies, especially their chocolate chip, BakeTreats offer individually packed sweets or bulk orders for most of their products. With a loyal following since the first day at the market, BakeTreats hopes to expand further and share their sweets with the Metro area.
for heaven’s cake
Our next feature comes from a line of cooks and bakers, making a big wave in the Detroit area and continuing her family’s legacy, Jacqueline Sanders, founder of For Heaven’s Cake shares her inherited deep passion for creating baked goods for our community. This story really begins back in the 1930’s with Jacqueline’s maternal grandmother selling legendary Sunday dinners and baking delightful and irresistible baked goods in Mobile, AL. Her hard work, dedication, and talent caught on and gained a renowned reputation for exceptional food. During the 60s and 70s, Jacqueline’s continued the success by crafting cakes and other desserts for her uncle’s restaurant. Here in the present day, Jacqueline is honored to continue her family’s legacy, pulling inspiration from her family traditions and blending it with her own creative flair to create an unforgettable product. For Heaven’s Cake offers an array of pies from apple to sweet potato, various puddings, and a large variety of cookies and cupcakes. Everything is made with wholesome ingredients and many recipes have stood the test of time proving they’re absolutely delicious.
grannie’s pound cake
Our final feature, similar to the other producers mentioned above, is renowned in the Metro area for products that tell a story when you take that first bite. Grannies Pound Cake, based in Detroit, is creating a cake that evokes a nostalgic emotion, that homemade quality that’s unbeatable. Patrice’s version of the classic dessert is known for her rich and buttery taste, a deep vanilla flavor, and importantly, a moist texture. Always made with quality ingredients and offering two sizes, mini and whole, Grannies offers a handful of varieties, with classic vanilla being the most popular and renowned. With a storefront on 8 mile road coming to fruition in very recent times, Grannie's is taking Detroit by storm and is expanding day by day. A perfect dessert for just about any special occasion or whenever the craving for something comforting rings, Grannies will certainly deliver.
We’re truly spoiled to have such amazing desserts locally made in our area, all of which have amazing products and even more amazing stories to tell. All of the products mentioned in this month's blog are available at Meijer’s Rivertown market, which proudly scours the local area for small businesses that are integral to our sweet tooth community.