At Stack’d Cake Studio in Ellenton, ‘It’s an experience like no other’ | From the Bradenton Herald

ELLENTON

At Stack’d Cake Studio, the customer directs how they want their cake built, much as they would a sub at a sandwich shop.

But instead of provolone or Swiss on rye or wheat, they have a menu of sweet options from which to choose.

Owner Nailah Browne and baker Selene Martinez start by asking what flavor cake and size would the customer would like? Vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, or one of the other offerings on the menu? Large (cake stack), medium (short stack) or small (baby stack)?

Next, they ask what flavor of buttercream? Choices include vanilla, chocolate, cream cheese, lemon, coconut, peanut butter, and, of course, more.

How about the filling? A few of the choices: chocolate ganache, white chocolate, fruit, banana pudding and cookie dough.

Lastly, pick your topping.

Browne, 28, says the cakes are uniquely crafted from beginning to end, right before your eyes at 6202 U.S. Highway 301 N . in the North River Village Shopping Center.

“It’s an experience like no other. When you walk in you get to make your own cake from start to finish,” Browne said.

Each cake has three layers, that are packed in a box, and placed into a bag for handy to-go carrying. Or, the cake can be enjoyed in the store.

In addition to its 3-inch cakes, Stack’d Cake Studio also makes full-size wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and other custom cakes as well as brownies, cookies, gourmet cereals and their own ice cream. The business also has a room that can be reserved for special events.

Browne, a native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been making and selling confections for five or six years, but just moved into her first brick-and-mortar bakery. She first became interested in baking from her grandmother, who had a side business. Browne later completed the bakery program at Manatee Technical College.

She worked up her business plan with the help of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.

Browne and Martinez met and became friends at IMG Academy, where Browne was the head baker.

“It’s fun working with your friend,” Martinez said of the new business.

Stack’d Cake Studio is located in a shopping center anchored by Beall’s Outlet, TJ Maxx and At Home across the street from Ellenton Premium Outlets.

Stack’d Cake Studio is open 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, visit https://www.stackdcakes.com/ or call 941-417-2251.

James A. Jones Jr. covers business news for the Bradenton Herald.