Best Bakeries: Kelsey Elizabeth Sweets Boutique

Cleveland bakeries have taste covered but Kelsey Elizabeth Smith wanted more than just a mouthful of good food — she wanted her city to have sweets that could double as art. After studying at the Peggy Porschen Academy in London, where she took classes in baking tier cakes, piping techniques, creating sugar flowers and more, Smith used her skills to open Avon Lake’s Kelsey Elizabeth Sweets Boutique in 2014. Now with a second location in Rocky River, the popular spot has become a go-to for cake design with themed and handpainted treats such as the unicorn cake frosted with buttercream and topped with a fondant horn. It’s also a place for small sweet treats such as cupcakes, cookie sandwiches and more than 30 French macarons. “We like having the classics like vanilla and chocolate, but we also like to have fun with things like Fruity Pebbles and caramel apple macarons,” says Smith. 20033 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 216-767-5633, kelseyelizabethcakes.com

Our Pick: Try the Half Baked Cookie Sandwich ($3) based off the Ben & Jerry’s favorite with vanilla and chocolate buttercream sandwiched between a cookie and a brownie.