WHETHER YOU’RE CRAVING A sweet treat or a custom creation for a special occasion, the Aberdeen area has a number of local bakers who have built businesses from scratch. Most began their baking journey as a labor of love, crafting creative birthday cakes or intricately decorated cookies for friends and family before evolving into full-fledged businesses. Today, these bakers offer a variety of home-crafted goods with one major thing in common: each item is infused with the baker’s passion for goods that are both beautiful and delicious. Here are just a few of Aberdeen’s many home bakers.
Sweet Pea Cakery (Robin Niewenhuis) Launched in 2018
- What inspired you to launch the business?
My life’s journey had taken a sharp turn, giving me the opportunity to carve out a new future. Baking was a lifelong hobby, as well as being crafty in creative. I made my stepdaughter’s wedding cake and after that I remember asking myself if others would pay me to decorate cakes. I offered to make 10 free cakes to see if I could actually do it, and that’s how it all began. My grandma always grew beautiful sweet pea flowers in her backyard, which is how I came up with the name Sweet Pea Cakery.
- How has Sweet Pea Cakery grown over time?
At first I was a home-based business working out of my home kitchen, but very quickly it became evident I would need more space. In June 2018, my dad passed away. With the inheritance he left, I was able to build a full, state-inspected kitchen in the basement of my home. More space gave me the opportunity to accept more orders and growth came quickly. Shortly after launching, I began making decorated sugar cookies. I also started teaching cookie decorating classes and expanded into sourdough bread. I teach classes and created the Sourdough Bread Club, where I bake bread on a rotation for those who are part of it.
- Tell me about your Sweet Pea Cakery Cart?
The bakery cart was a very random idea that has become one of the best things I have ever done! It remains one of my favorite things to do. It gives me the opportunity to bake recipes that most people like but don’t get on a regular basis, like quick breads, muffins, drop cookies, cake pops, etc. They are mostly family recipes that I have baked most of my life. Aberdeen loves the bakery cart.
Rising Crust Bakery (Amber Brandt) Launched in 2025
- What inspired you to launch the business?
I had been baking sourdough for my family for the past year and was baking more than we could consume. In fall of 2024 I came across the concept of a microbakery on social media, where I saw other bakers selling their products out of their home. I was so eager to start my own microbakery that I began planning my menu and created a website. For me being new to South Dakota this has been a great way to meet new people who also value sourcing local food. The way this community has shown up for me is something I couldn’t have imagined.
- What are your most popular items
I can’t keep my soft sourdough sandwich loaves stocked. My customers love them, and so do I. They’re softened with avocado oil and honey, then long fermented which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities. That’s followed closely by my brown butter chocolate chip sourdough cookies. Hearing feedback from my customers that it’s the best chocolate chip cookie they’ve ever had is so incredible to hear.
- What do you love making the most?
Sourdough is the heart of my business, and for me creating new flavors has been such a fun creative outlet. The process is so unique compared to other breads, and requires time and attention because you’re using wild yeast. It requires you to slow down and develop a keen baker’s intuition to read the dough. I’m most proud of how far my bread has come.
Kii’s Krumbles (Kiana Asleson) Launched in 2022
- What do you want people to know about Kii’s Krumbles?
I want people to know that living with dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Kii’s Krumbles is proof that gluten–free treats can be just as indulgent, beautiful and satisfying as anything else out there. I pour a lot of heart and care into every item.
- How has your business changed over time?
Kii’s Krumbles started with small-batch gluten-free bakes for friends and family. As word spread, I began receiving custom orders and expanding my offerings. I’ve refined my recipes, created Cookies of the Month and presale holiday sets, and started selling at farmer’s markets and vendor shows.
- What inspired you to launch the business?
In December 2021, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I had always loved baking, but after my diagnosis I had to completely relearn how to make my favorite desserts – this time, 100% gluten-free. As I experimented and adapted recipes, I realized there was a real need for gluten-free treats that didn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. What began as a necessity quickly turned into a passion.
Desserts By Chelsea
- How did your business begin?
I’ve always had a love for baking since I was a child. I always dreamt of opening a bakery someday, and this business is the building block to reaching that goal.
Desserts by Chelsea started out as a parttime gig. I consistently posted my desserts on Facebook and the people of Aberdeen began to notice me. I started at the Malchow Plaza Farmers’ Market in 2023, and that really helped grow my recognition.
- Your pieces are works of art. Have you always been an artistic person?
At a young age I found my love for art. Cultivating it through many forms such as painting, drawing and baking is where I get to express my artistic side. I love the opportunity to break out my palette knife and paint on a cake.
- What do you want people to know about you and your business?
I am originally from Sisseton and a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. I moved to Aberdeen in 2021 and love being a part of this community. I appreciate all the support I have received from my amazing customers!
Kenny’s Cake Pops
- How did you start the business?
My real inspiration came from my own children, who asked for cake pops as a special treat for their birthday. Creating those personalized cake pops for them lit a spark in me. I saw how something small and sweet could bring so much happiness, and I wanted to share that joy with others. That’s what inspired me to start my business – turning meaningful moments into edible art that makes people smile.
- What do you love making the most?
I love making cakesicles because they give me so much room for creativity. The shape and size make them the perfect canvas for detailed designs, fun colors and custom themes. Whether it’s a simple elegant look or something playful and bold, cakesicles let me bring any idea to life in a unique and beautiful way.
- What do you want people to know about Kenny’s Cake Pops?
I put care into making sure each treat is not only beautiful, but meaningful to the person receiving it. Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or just because, I treat every occasion like it matters, because it does. My goal is to bring a little extra joy to someone’s day through custom, handmade sweets.
Mary B’s Cakes and More
- How did you launch Mary B’s?
I received an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas as a child. After that, it was off to the races with baking. My mom and grandmothers were all bakers and great cooks. And I had a great mentor in my high school home economics teacher. When I started the business I did lots of catering and weddings, but now I’m much busier on a daily basis with cakes, cookies, bars and desserts.
- What’s the best part of your work?
I love seeing kids’ reactions to their birthday cakes. When I deliver, they get so excited and that makes it all worth it.
- What do you want people to know about Mary B’s?
I have amazing, wonderful, generous repeat clients who allow me to continue to be part of their family and business events. That is why it’s possible for me to continue to do this.
The Bread Box Sourdough by Jamie
- How did The Bread Box get its start?
I wanted to do what I love, which is baking sourdough. I also started the business for mine and my husband’s future, so when we have children I can do something at home and stay home with our kids.
- What are your most popular items?
My most popular items are my bagels and cookies. I absolutely love making bagels; the process is my favorite and they are so good! I recently did an event at The Finery which led to some new customers, and this summer I will be at the farmers’ market.
- What’s unique about The Bread Box?
At times it can be a family affair. Even though I love baking, I’m not the only one who bakes the sourdough. My husband is a huge help and my biggest supporter, and my youngest sister also loves to help me..
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