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Sweet Success

Wicked Batter Café offers an eclectic menu of traditional, sugar-free, vegan foods

By Kathleen Chambless For Clay Today
Posted 9/15/21

ORANGE PARK – Many locals and new residents alike have noticed a shift toward healthier foods and allergy substitutions in their diets. Organic and non-GMO foods have found their place in everyday …

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Sweet Success

Wicked Batter Café offers an eclectic menu of traditional, sugar-free, vegan foods


Posted

ORANGE PARK – Many locals and new residents alike have noticed a shift toward healthier foods and allergy substitutions in their diets. Organic and non-GMO foods have found their place in everyday grocery stores and there is a growing focus on fresh, diet-friendly, but still delicious options available in restaurants.

It’s no wonder a bakery selling both traditional and keto-friendly sweets has risen in popularity. Wicked Batter Café, owned by Barbara and Timothy Tharp, opened in 2018 but didn’t start out offering their keto menu. The change came after a keto customer ordered a custom cake, and more and more customers came in asking for keto and sugar-free options

“I always love a challenge,” Barbara says, “And it was something that no one else was doing.”

What started as a small section of scratch-made cupcakes has blossomed into its own menu, displayed in a case of its own. Wicked Batter uses almond flour instead of regular flour and xylitol for its sweetener. But beyond that, it’s all ingredients that are usually found in cakes. “We do it the real food way,” Barbara said. “We want it to taste real, not just look like it’s supposed to.”

The substitutions also came in handy for people with diabetes or other dietary restrictions and needs. Rather than feel excluded from family memories, people can eat something that tastes just as good as traditional recipes and celebrate with others that don’t have their dietary needs.

Wicked Batter also does custom cakes such as vegan and gluten-friendly, and the local response has been far bigger than they ever expected.

It’s not just locals either. People drive in from Georgia, and a few have even flown in from as far as Pennsylvania to pick up custom orders.

During the pandemic, Barbara says the community response saved them. She announced on Facebook her shop was going to close, but residents rallied to keep the café doors open.

“They just wouldn’t let us close,” she said.

Their desire to bring good food to the community they grew up in is something that Wicked Batter hopes to continue. They plan to continue adapting to the growing and changing needs of the community.

“We just do the basics really,” Barbara said with a giggle. “The basics done the right way.”