From Erotic to Exotic, Cubed

For those in Wallingford who have been missing the unconventional, obscenely whimsical concoctions of the Erotic Bakery, you will be happy to hear there is a viable replacement. Just a few doors west of where the iconic confectioner sold penis cakes and vulva treats for almost three decades, another unique, yet completely different (and G-rated!), style of bakery will open its doors on Tuesday, May 23.

With dessert and pastry creations that will appeal to a much broader audience, Cubes Baking Co. is a Mexican-style panadería with a twist: everything is cube-shaped! In true panadería fashion, the format will be self-serve, allowing customers to walk in, grab a tray and a set of tongs, and gather their own goodies. The daily selections will include both sweet and savory “sqones”; “cupcubes” instead of cupcakes; square tarts; and cubes of cake in decadent, luscious, exotic flavors such as 24 Carrot, Choc³, Cookies + Cream, Purple Suede, and Iced Cube. The bakery also specializes in elaborately decorated, custom-order cakes for weddings and other special occasions. (Check their website for wedding cake options; my photos do not do justice to their amazingly decorated towers of sweetness.)

Cubes is the brainchild of baker/decorator Kevin Moulder, who started baking at age 7 with his grandmother in San Antonio, Texas (where Mexican-style bakeries are common). His early love of baking with Maw-Maw led him to Le Cordon Bleu culinary art school in Austin, and he later honed his skills while working as cake artist/pastry chef at Lake Union Café. He came up with the cube concept after purchasing a Nissan Cube and was looking for another unique angle for his own bakery.

You can also find the Mexican influence in the flavors (chocolate and cinnamon, green chilies and jalapeños, and even some Mexican cheeses) and in the decor. The colorful graffiti-style mural behind the counter was created by Kevin’s brother Michael.

If you’re looking for vegan or gluten-free options, Kevin said he can accommodate both of those needs with custom cake orders now, and he intends to start offering those options in the daily mix for walk-in customers in the future. Kevin certainly has the knowledge and expertise in that area after working as baking consultant for Thrive Café (now called HeartBeet Organic Superfoods Café), which specializes in vegan, gluten-free, raw foods in Roosevelt.

This fun, creative, colorful, noncorporate shop is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. So, don’t be square–let’s give our new neighbor a huge welcome this week. Look for grand-opening specials on Tuesday and throughout the week by following the Facebook page or by signing up for email updates through the website. The physical address is 2315 N 45th Street, right next to the Grizzled Wizard.