South Florida loves pastry. While some people may have a sweet tooth, others might enjoy more savory treats. Here you’ll find both as we explore local home-based bakers in the area. Whether you’re looking for cake or bread rolls, these ladies have you covered.
Made by Mederith
Hialeah
Instagram: @madebymederith
(786) 520-0475
Price: $18 to $60 (varies by order)
Made By Mederith is a local, small business run by Mederith Bolivar, who has been baking since she was 8-years-old. However, Bolivar did not begin to take baking seriously until last year, and since then, her business has grown steadily based on word of mouth. She specializes in crafting personalized sweet treats filled with “love,” she says. Her menu offers cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, mixed treat boxes and much more. Bolivar is always looking forward to a challenge and also fulfills custom orders for clients. Among her fan-favorites is the tres leches cupcake, which is infused with the Latin dessert and can be made in any flavor. ($18 for a pack of 6). Made By Mederith’s products are eligible for both pick-up and delivery and can also be found in farmers markets and other pop-up events, mostly in Kendall and Homestead.
Baked Goods?
Homestead
Instagram: @jesilienn
Prices: $4 to $10
Looking for a savory treat? Well, Baked Goods? has you covered. Business owner Jasilienn Lopez, a Florida International University graduate, makes both salty and sweet pastries. The 23-year-old Puerto Rican woman, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, combined her passion for baking and knowledge of marketing to begin her brand. Her most notable dessert is the raspberry-white chocolate cookie, but Baked Goods? also offers specialty bread buns, like the focaccia pizza muffin ($4). If you can think it, she’s eager to make it! The best way to contact Baked Goods? is through Lopez’s Instagram, and you can also find her in pop-up events such as White Rose Coffee Shop and Lucky 12.
Ladybug Bites
Cutler Bay
Instagram: @ladybugbitesbakery
Price: $4 to $10
If you’re looking for cookie variety, LadyBug Bites has just whgat you need. Business owner and FIU student Jadie Nieves offers fun and creative flavors you may not find anywhere else. The 21-year-old baker discovered her talent for making cookies at the age of 14, and decided to start promoting her gourmet creations after a five-year hiatus. Some of LadyBug Bites’ unique cookies include matcha vanilla bean, stuffed s’mores, and of course the bestseller, Cookie Monster. Nieves is also branching out her business into cakes, adding diversity to her growing business. Orders are open now!
Paola’s Creations
Doral
Instagram: @paolascreations
Email: paolascreations@gmail.com
Price: $14 to $50 (varies by order)
If you’re looking for the best custom cakes in South Florida, Paola’s Creations has got you covered for any occasion. With plenty of experience in weddings and baby showers, Maria Paola uses her background in graphic design to make custom confectioned sweets. When a customer has an idea, they transform it into a reality using both edible and non edible parts for more intricate design elements. Paola’s Creations offer cookies, macaroons, decorative brownies and donuts, and multiple different forms of cakes. Out of all menu items, the vanilla cookies and cream cake is by far the most popular. All orders can be placed through Paola’s Instagram and are available for both pick-up and delivery.
Xtsweets
Little Haiti
Instagram: @xtsweets_
Email: xtsweets@gmail.com
Price: $5 to $30 (prices may vary)
Finding a gift has never been this sweet! Stay at home mother of two boys, Xochilt Tinoco started Xtsweets as a side hustle that would allow her to dedicate more time to her kids. Now, Xtsweets has turned into Tinoco’s full time job. Xtsweets mainly focuses on churro cheesecakes, tres leches, brownies, chocolate covered sweets and candied fruits. Tinoco’s most popular items include candied fruits, chocolate covered strawberries and personalized treat boxes. Xtsweets can also be found on Instagram and Facebook, and orders may also be placed through the Uber app.
Corrections: An earlier version of this story misspelled Jasilienn Lopez’s name. Because of an editing error, it also included mentions of Valentine’s day though it was printed after the holiday.
