Third Ward Dessert Shop Will Close
Food trailer that became a store, Sweetly Baked plans to permanently close April 11.
Sweetly Baked dessert platter. Photo courtesy of Amanda Buhrman.
With colorful treats, calming infusions and a pastel-pink food trailer, Amanda Buhrman permanently changed the dessert game in Milwaukee.
After nearly four years at the helm of Sweetly Baked, Buhrman announced on Tuesday that the Historic Third Ward dessert shop will soon close. However, the business plans to go out on a sweet note, maintaining regular hours until its final service on April 11.
Launched as a pop-up in 2021, Sweetly Baked quickly gained traction with its homemade desserts, including macarons, cookies and brownies. After early success, Buhrman expanded the business with a food trailer for catering and special events. In April 2024, she opened a brick-and-mortar location at 207 E. Buffalo St.
All operations will cease next month, according to Buhrman, who attributed the closure to economic instability and heightened financial challenges in her social media announcement.
“Although we were slated for ongoing growth and another amazing year, even sustaining where we are right now would require a significant investment,” she wrote. “I looked into several options and consulted several people before finalizing this decision and as a single parent and with the volatile economy I cannot in good conscience commit to any additional financial risk.”
Buhrman began her career in food service as a home baker, seeking a relaxing hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic. While her baked goods are popular for their taste and appearance, many also incorporate calming infusions of CBD, delta-8 and delta-9 hemp-derived THC.
The brick-and-mortar cafe offers a wide variety of desserts — both infused and traditional — including macarons, brownies, cookies, cereal bars, cake jars, banana pudding and more. Savory snacks such as jalapeno cheddar mini loaves are also featured, along with infused mocktails.
The cafe held a liquor license, allowing Buhrman to expand her offerings with dessert flights, pairing a selection of baked goods with wine and cocktail options.
In her post, Buhrman expressed gratitude for the “absolutely incredible” journey, also thanking employees — past and present — and others who have contributed to and supported the business.
“It’s crushing to give up something I love and built from the ground up,” she wrote. “I have met so many amazing people that were so gracious in helping me learn as I grew.”
Sweetly Baked will remain open as usual until its closure, operating Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Its closing date coincides with Gallery Night MKE, taking place April 11 through 12 across several Milwaukee neighborhoods. More information is available online.
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