Business Highlight: Scratch Bakes

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Business Highlight: Scratch Bakes

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Lisa Willwerth

Scratch Bakes brings our community joy in the form of delectable cupcakes, sweet treats, and gourmet sandwiches made from scratch.

At the corner of E. Main St and N. State St in Downtown Ephrata is Scratch Bakes, a well-loved gathering place for residents and visitors alike to chat over a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or sweet treat. Laura Will, the bakery-cafe owner, is a born and raised Ephrata local who uses her passion for baking to serve up goodies that are undeniably fresh and delicious. The Scratch Promise guarantees that all of the bakery’s goods are, indeed, made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Scratch Bakes is currently open for dine-in, curbside pick-up, and no-contact delivery, and we highly recommend stopping by to say hello and #shopsmall!

Baking love into every bite, Laura started Scratch Bakes as a cupcakery that operated out of her home on Jeff Avenue. She began with simple baked goods and decorated desserts, and in 2013, Laura moved into 3 W Main Street, the space that Scratch Bakes currently calls home. Since then, the shop has transformed into a bakery-cafe and has undergone several expansions, including the addition of a dining room and an expanded menu!

Their “Scratch Story” began from humble beginnings with Laura originally operating out of her home on Jeff Avenue with nothing but her mother’s Kitchen Aid mixer, and a regular home appliance oven. She began as a cupcakery, offering simple baked goods and decorated desserts. As her business’s popularity grew, she was able to open her first storefront at the Brickerville House Specialty shops in 2012. They eventually grew out of that space and Laura decided to return the business back to her hometown of Ephrata from Lititz. She distinctly remembers being a teenager and shopping along Main St. during the holidays and was excited to come back and be a part of the local business community.

Scratch Bakes moved into their current home on 3 W. Main Street in 2013 and since then has become a staple in our community. So beloved in fact, that they even had a surprise visit from Martha Stewart who visited the bakery-cafe in January 2018! After an unannounced visit to the bakery, Martha proceeded to post about Scratch Bakes on her social media platform which meant the absolute world to Laura to have her shop recognized by the celebrity baker.

Our community in Ephrata has always had a really strong love for our local shops and restaurants. Laura had seen that first-hand with the relationships she’s developed with her patrons over the years and is so thankful for those individuals that have supported her since day one when she was baking out of her kitchen on Jeff Ave. “Life is Sweet at Scratch” because Laura’s love for her craft and our community can be tasted in each and every each bite.

With it’s spacious dining room and a daily rotation of cupcakes, brownies, cakes, and cookies, it’s no surprise that Scratch Bakes is flourishing, and they’re not slowing down either! In fact, in January 2020, Laura opened Scratch Bakes’ second location on 11 West Chestnut Street in Lancaster City. While it’s temporarily closed due to COVID-19, we’re looking forward to seeing Lancaster City experience all that Scratch Bakes has to offer too!

The holiday season is quickly approaching! Scratch Bakes has a wide variety of catering options to make your gatherings and holiday meals extra special this year. Order themed cupcakes (full-size or mini) or request a made-to-order cake, cookies, or brownie platters. Scratch Bakes also crafts sandwich platters, full breakfast and brunch spreads, and hors d ‘oeuvres & appetizers. Email them at ScratchCupcakes@yahoo.com or give them a call at (717) 466-6464 for more details!