CRIVITZ – For people who want to enjoy a sweet treat without refined sugar, finding one that also fits gluten-free or vegan preferences can be difficult. Brooke McCracken, the owner of Naturally Sweetened, knows that difficulty firsthand.
After changing her own diet, she noticed how few options were available and decided to make the treats she wished she could find.
“I could be that person for other people like me who also want to go out and get a sweet treat like everybody else, but they don’t want the refined sugar or anything like that.”
McCracken created Naturally Sweetened, a home-based cottage bakery. She chose the name Naturally Sweetened to reflect the ingredients she uses — like maple syrup, dates and honey — instead of refined sugar.
She explained that finding the right balance takes some experimenting. Maple syrup and honey don’t behave the same way in a recipe, and gluten-free baking can be especially tricky.
“You have to figure out how to make it gluten free and taste good and not dry,” McCracken explained.
McCracken balances Naturally Sweetened with her work as a paraprofessional at Crivitz Elementary School during the school year. She plans bakery orders around her schedule, and customers help make that possible by ordering ahead and being flexible about when their treats are ready.
She also has a dependable partner in her husband, Robert McCracken. Brooke does the baking, while Robert helps set up at farmers markets, handles the heavy lifting and taste-tests new treats. As a business owner himself, he can also offer advice on practical matters such as taxes. Brooke said his support and having another opinion on her baking has been a big help.
Brownies and blueberry muffins are among Naturally Sweetened’s top sellers, which McCracken can also make gluten-free. She also recommends her almond-flour cake for customers looking for a gluten-free treat.
Her drink menu includes oat-milk lattes, cold brews and Lotus drinks made with coconut milk. Her honey-sweetened watermelon lemonade was such a hit at the farmers market that some customers came by just for it, she shared.
Brooke hopes to set up a stand at her home by summer. For now, she’s building the business through farmers markets, Facebook and word of mouth, and welcomes curious customers to try a sample.
She knows the “refined sugar-free” label can make people unsure of what to expect, but says customers are often surprised by the taste.
“People are shocked at how good these things actually can be.”
For more information or to place an order, visit Naturally Sweetened on Facebook. Customers can also text or call (715) 927-5577.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here