Sweet E's Delectables and Mitzi Eaker
Sweet E’s offers whole cakes, cupcakes and cake by the slice in a variety of flavors like original pound cake, red velvet, chocolate, strawberry, lemon and key lime.
This Valentine’s Day, swap the flowers, chocolate and candy for a nostalgic gift that feels and tastes like home: homemade cake from Sweet E’s Delectables.
As the CEO and owner of Sweet E’s Delectables, located in the Riverchase Galleria, Chef Erica Matthews provides her customers with the quality, old-fashioned cakes they grew up with.
And, since many people aren’t baking at home anymore, she wants to do her part to keep beloved family recipes readily available for future generations. “I’ve had so many customers tell me they haven’t had a German chocolate or caramel cake since their grandmother or mother was alive,” she adds.
Erica grew up surrounded by home bakers, and often worked alongside the women in her family making homemade cakes, pies, bread pudding and more, from the time she was a young girl.
But it was only eight years ago that she considered baking as a way to earn a living. “I would volunteer to bring dessert to potlucks at work, but my coworkers and staff didn’t think I could bake,” Erica recalled. “Everyone was so surprised by my cakes. People started asking me to bring them for the next work event, and then began ordering my pound cakes for birthdays, holidays and family reunions.”
What started as a good way to make some extra money turned into an official, full-time business when Erica was displaced from her corporate job following a company merger. After prayerful consideration, she saw the loss of her 24-year banking career as an opportunity to work for herself.
Sweet E's Delectables and Mitzi Eaker
Erica Matthews is the owner of Sweet E’s Delectables, located in the Riverchase Galleria.
But, Erica added, the transition would not have been possible without her family. “I had a huge support system to encourage and support me with events and farmers' markets. I appreciate that because sometimes when you want to do something outside of the norm, it's not always well-received.”
Sweet E's Delectables and Mitzi Eaker
A bouquet of cupcake roses is a perfect gift for your Valentine!
Erica’s menu at Sweet E’s has grown from just her original pound cake to more than 20 flavors, many of which were added in response to special requests. All of the cakes and icings are homemade and baked fresh, using quality ingredients. While she can bake just about any of them in her sleep, Erica believes in constantly improving and growing. Now, she is perfecting her decorating skills, allowing her to make beautiful wedding and custom cakes, too.
As the sole baker of all of Sweet E’s cakes, including whole cakes, slices, cupcakes, and custom orders, Erica is currently teaching other bakers to duplicate her recipes and doing her part to ensure yesterday’s family favorites live on for years to come.
And while Sweet E’s may not be a household name at the moment, Erica invites you to enjoy a Sweet E’s experience and the quality of the old-fashioned homemade cakes that your mother and grandmother used to make. You - and your sweetie - will be glad you did.