Bakery Featuring Signature Sweet Potato Cheesecake Opens Storefront

COLUMBIA, MD — After utilizing rented commercial kitchens in the area, AppleCore's Bake Shoppe CEO and founder Aisha Applewhite announced she will be opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in Columbia this summer.

Applewhite, who co-owns the business with her husband, Kevin, is offering a limited menu from their website from April 14 to May 2 while they settle in their new location at 6945 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia.

A Morgan State University alumna who first worked as an accountant, Applewhite officially sold her first cake in 2020 after baking for work events and family functions. She grew her business exponentially by setting up at local festivals and events.

"What started out as baking cakes and cookies in my Easy Bake Oven graduated to baking cakes and pies after graduating from college," she posted on her website. "As an adult, I still have a passion for enjoying dessert, really delicious dessert. And I still have a deep love of baking delicious desserts and sharing them with others. In fact, I’m convinced there’s an emotional satisfaction in baking, as well as enjoying desserts."

Specializing in vegan, gluten-free and classic desserts, the bakery is known for its signature sweet potato cheesecake, along with its lemon blueberry lavender pound cake, vegan apple brandy bread pudding and gluten-free hopscotch cookies.

The new store will feature display cases with baked goods, an observation area to watch decorating and a menu with breakfast items, beverages and ice cream from a local maker, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

"Thank you for your patience and support during this exciting transition—we can’t wait to welcome you into our new space," Applewhite posted on Facebook.