Need a date idea this Valentine's Day? Sweet Treasurers in Apple Valley opened in 2015 with a mission to create cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts that not only tasted good but also looked good. Ann Alaboud from Sweet Treasurers discusses that journey.
Cakes, Cupcakes, and More—Oh My!
"Sweet Treasures brings you the best in American baking with a European gourmet twist," says Ann. "We feature fresh-baked cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breakfast muffins, brownies, and cake pops. All our cupcakes are baked fresh daily, and any unsold cupcakes or baked goods are donated to our local shelters."
Since their opening, Sweet Treasurers boasts many awards, including a feature on the Food Network show The Big Bake in 2022, winning the show Cake Wars on the Food Network in 2016, and ranking in the Top 20 Bakeshops in Minneapolis from 2017-2021.
"It is because of our loyal customers that we pushed to go on the Food Network and won Cake Wars in 2016," says Ann. "We have taken Best of Wedding Vendors from 2016 to 2022. Sweet Treasures has also been featured in Cake Central magazine a few times and has been voted Best Wedding Cake Designs in Minneapolis."
With so many accolades, it's easy to see the rewards from the effort Ann and the rest of the team put in. "Every cake, cupcake, and baked good we make uses the finest available ingredients," says Ann. "They're baked fresh to order in small batches by our team. Each one is then hand-decorated by that same small gang of cake-obsessed individuals. No shortcuts, no strange additives or preservatives, just incredibly delicious, creative treats."
Sweet Treasures offers "around 278 flavors," says Ann. "That makes it hard for customers to choose sometimes. If I had to pick, I'd say our raspberry burst, salted caramel, and hot fudge cupcakes are the most popular."
Ann's personal order, however, is a muffin with coffee. "You can't beat a great muffin paired with a delicious, handcrafted coffee," she says. In addition to sweets, the shop offers coffee, tea, and ice blenders.
All About Ann
"I love creating art," Ann says. "I have an undergraduate degree in art and a culinary degree, so I get to do two of my very favorite things every day. The cakes we create tell a story."
Ann and Sweet Treasures are very much involved in the south metro community. “I love Eagan because I grew up here, I am from here!! I have so many fond memories of the parks around the area and running to Amoco gas station for snacks as a kid!”
Ann is thrilled to be getting back to work after her journey with cancer. "Although Sweet Treasures is currently open, we have times when we need to shut down due to my surgeries. Since I am the heart of the operations, it’s been a challenge finding the right people to carry on while I recover."
Still, she knows the customers at Sweet Treasurers understand, and she loves her job.
"The most rewarding feeling is seeing customers’ faces when they see their custom cakes," says Ann. In order to bring a customer's vision to life, she listens to the customer's goals and then puts her own twist on them. "It also helps to have inspirational items such as an invitation or color palette."
Ultimately, Ann doesn't let her health challenges keep her down. "I am almost there," says Ann. "Before you know it, we will be back in full swing! Our cake team at Sweet Treasurers can help you build your dream cake for any of life’s celebrations, large or small."
Visit sweet-treasures.com to learn more.
