If you don’t think ‘amazing’ and ‘delicious’ when you think ‘vegan’ you probably haven’t tasted the goods from Pattycake Bakery. It all started when Jennie Scheinbach came up with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven cookie that turned dinners and potlucks on their ears. Next came other traditional veganized favorites: chocolate cupcakes, blueberry muffins, a “Tollhouse cookie,” sticky-buns (an extremely popular treat that will be offered as take-and-bake for the upcoming holidays), and even a raw cheesecake. It’s not really a cheesecake (it’s made of fruit and nuts), but a decadent treat nonetheless and one that is actually good for you.

Scheinbach’s creations eventually found their way to the Clintonville Community Market, and as business grew, into their own storefront. So why vegan?

“It was just the right thing to do,” she laughed. “It’s about the compassion for other beings. We want to be compassionate and take care of each other.”

Scheinbach also talks about the benefits of veganism when it comes to the body and about how eating closer to the bottom of the food chain means you’re eating better. The vegan goods are lighter, healthier and less taxing on the digestive system, so you actually feel better after your dessert than you might after eating something that contains animal products or trans fats.

Being vegan has a few unique challenges though, since it excludes the use of butter, eggs, milk or any other animal products – traditionally, the good stuff.

“It’s surprisingly doable,” Scheinbach said. “It’s just a little more expensive since these products aren’t subsidized.” Often times the hallmark of a good baked item is the taste of real butter. Many vegans and non-vegans alike would argue that vegan goods actually taste better since the flavorful wheat and grains have an opportunity to shine when not muted by butter or eggs. Simple ingredients like toasted walnuts, oats and grains add a depth and nuance of flavor that makes Pattycake’s offerings a perhaps unexpectedly delightful.

The eco-friendly standards of Pattycake’s operation are part of its charm as well. Pattycake is committed to being as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. The treats are typically delivered by a bike cart (painted hot pink), packaged in recycled 100-percent biodegradable materials and packed in recycled beer boxes from the local co-op. They buy from and support other local businesses, and everything is recycled in an attempt to produce as little waste as possible. Their tiny (only 650 square feet) but efficient building was the first to be approved as a City of Columbus Green Spot, they won Baking Management’s Innovative Packaging of the Year Award in 2010, and they’ve received the SWACO Emerald Award for their eco-friendly business. Yet, Scheinbach says being totally vegan is the best thing they can do to have a beneficial impact on the community and environment.

This fall, shake up your traditional lineup with seasonal goodies from Pattycake; upcoming specialties include pumpkin and squash pies, apple pies, holiday ‘Solstice’ cookies and even pop-tarts. If you can’t make it to the bakery, you can find Pattycake Bakery just about anywhere in Columbus. Pick up the vegan sweets at the Clintonville Community Market, Raisin Rack, Weiland’s, Bexley Natural Market, Bexley Coffee Shop, Cafe Apropos, Crimson Cup Coffeehouse, Kafé Kerouac, all Cup ’O Joe/Mojoe Lounge/Stauf’s locations, The Hills Market, Impero Coffee House and Giant Eagle Market District.

Pattycake Bakery
3009 N High St.
(614) 784-2253
www.pattycakeveganbakery.com