Nestled in the heart of the city is a bakery that blends Southern tradition, familial warmth and Midwest flair: Cretia Cakes Bake Shop.
Founded by pastry chef LaCretia Allen and her husband, Angelo — affectionately known as “The Baker’s Man” — this woman- and minority-owned business has become a local institution for Southern-style sweets and custom cakes.
LaCretia Allen’s journey to baking excellence was shaped early. Growing up with Southern parents in Indianapolis, she developed a passion for baking while still a child, even earning the nickname “Ms. Betty Crocker” during her school days. Though she first pursued an accounting degree, the call of the kitchen was too strong to ignore. After college, she formalized her skills at Ivy Tech’s Culinary Program, specializing in Baking & Pastry Arts under mentors like Paul Vida and Linda Shonk.
Her professional experience includes time with Just Desserts and Panera Bread as well as learning Southern baking techniques from Marsha Brooks of Ms. Sweet B’s. In 2006, LaCretia and Angelo opened Cretia Cakes near the Speedway. Since then, they’ve become known for their melt-in-your-mouth offerings: butter pecan cake, red velvet, pecan pies, cookies, wedding creations and more.
Over the years, Cretia Cakes has marked several milestones:
- They crafted over 2,000 custom cookies for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
- Their partnerships extend into the community via work with Hoosier Park Casino, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Children’s Museum.
- In 2023, Cretia Cakes introduced their “Caramel Obsession Cake” on the national platform HSN (Home Shopping Network). The cake is a signature Southern comfort cake described as “tasting just like what Grandma used to make.”
Cretia Cakes isn’t just about desserts; it’s about teaching, culture and connection. LaCretia has taken on roles mentoring new pastry chefs, showcasing her talent via television segments and lifestyle shows. Locally, the shop is treasured both for everyday treats and for custom-order showstoppers.
To shop Cretia Cakes, visit cretiacakes.com or visit their store at 4640 N. Keystone Ave.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
