You guys already know I have the biggest sweet tooth, so the second AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe opened their new storefront in Columbia, I had to go check it out. This Black-owned, family-run bakery had been doing their thing without a permanent shop for a while, so having an actual spot to walk into is a big deal, and it did not disappoint.
I came for the desserts and left with a new favorite, the Sweet Potato Cheesecake, plus a banana pudding I’m still thinking about. Everything I tried was really yum, and you can tell the quality is on point, which makes it worth the splurge. It’s tucked into an office park in Columbia, so it’s a little easy to miss, but trust me, it’s worth hunting down.
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What Makes AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe A Must Visit
A few things set this place apart. First, it’s a Black-owned, family-run bakery that spent years building a following before opening this permanent storefront, so there’s real heart and history behind the counter. Second, the range is impressive, from cheesecakes and banana pudding to savory scones, with a bunch of vegan and gluten-free options mixed in so more people can actually enjoy it.
They even carry Taharka Bros ice cream, which is such a nice local touch. The desserts lean toward balanced rather than tooth-achingly sweet, which I always appreciate. It’s a genuinely exciting addition to a town that already has a stacked food scene, and if you want proof, check out my roundup of must-try restaurants in Columbia.
What to Order at AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe
I grabbed a few things to get a feel for the menu. Here’s the rundown and what I’d steer you toward.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake ($10.50)
This was my favorite, hands down. It was really good, and I would absolutely buy it again, no hesitation. They also had a banana pudding cheesecake and an Oreo cheesecake in the case that I’m already planning to come back for. If you only get one thing here, make it this cheesecake, especially heading into the cozy fall and holiday season when sweet potato everything just hits different.
Banana Pudding ($6.75)
This one was SO yum, and I loved that they cut the fresh bananas on top right when you order so they don’t brown on you. It’s a small thing that tells you they actually care. A banana pudding is a classic for a reason, and this one’s a great version of it. Definitely grab one, you won’t be sorry!
Bacon Cheddar Chive Scone ($5.75)
For something savory, I went with the bacon cheddar chive scone, and it came as two pieces, so the portion was bigger than I expected. They heated it up for me, and I enjoyed it as a little lunch in the car. The texture was softer and breadier than the crumbly scones I’m used to, so it’s more of a soft savory bite than a classic flaky scone, but I still liked it. Good to know going in so you order it for what it is.
Is AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly?
Yes! One of my favorite things about AppleCore’s is that they keep various vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, so it’s an easy place to bring a group with different dietary needs/preferences. That’s honestly rarer than it should be for a bakery, and it means the friend who usually gets stuck with nothing can still grab a real treat. The selection rotates, so if you have a specific dietary need, it’s worth calling ahead or asking at the counter to see what’s available that day.
The Vibe and Experience
The one heads-up is that it’s tucked into an office park and sits right next to Bon Fresco, so it can be a little tricky to find your first time. Google was still directing people to their old location when I went, so punch in the actual address (6945 Oakland Mills Road) to save yourself the runaround. Once you’re there, you’ll find a case full of goodies and the family-run feel you only get from a small business that genuinely cares.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 6945 Oakland Mills Road, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045 (in the office park next to Bon Fresco)
- Hours: Tues to Fri 10 AM to 6 PM, Sat 9 AM to 3 PM (their hours shifted after opening, so double-check their site before you go)
- Prices: A touch higher than you might expect for a bakery, but the quality backs it up
- Finding it: Use the exact street address; Google may still send you to their old spot
- Dietary: Various vegan and gluten-free options available
- Good to know: They carry Taharka Bros ice cream, and they were voted Best of Howard County
Is AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe Worth A Trip?
For me, it’s a yes. The Sweet Potato Cheesecake alone is worth the trip, the banana pudding is a must, and it feels really good to support a Black-owned, family-run bakery doing quality work. It’s a little pricier than your average sweet, and a little hidden, but the quality earns it. If you’re on a Columbia dessert mission, pair it with a scoop of frozen custard at Meadows in Columbia and make a whole afternoon of it.
Have you guys been to AppleCore’s yet? Let me know your favorite order in the comments, Nomsters, and tell me if I need to go back for that banana pudding cheesecake (I think we both know the answer). Save this and send it to your dessert-loving crew!