Baked goods can take a significant amount of skill and artistry to prepare and create, and among our favorite treats is the cupcake – a confection that lends itself nicely to an ever broadening array of creative concoctions. In Baltimore County, Jason Hisley of La Cakerie stays in steady state of innovation, baking up new ideas and designs, with big plans for the pastry boutique.
Usually spotted wearing his signature fitted vest, bright pink tie, and a welcoming smile, Jason has quite an extensive baking history. “I grew up baking with my family in the kitchen ever since I could see above the table,” explains Jason. His time with family inspired an early passion for baking that evolved into a career. Jason studied Baking and Pastry Arts at Johnson & Wales where he received his bachelor’s degree, in addition to studying in Switzerland where he was certified in pastry production.
In the early stages of Jason’s career he toured the bakery industry, learning the ins and outs of the business while honing his pastry production and cake design chops. Eventually his path led to two appearances on the Food Network on Cupcake Wars and Sweet Genius. These appearance garnered the attention and notoriety needed to secure the investors needed to launch La Cakerie.
Jason said that with this endeavor, it is important to always try new things, be it flavors, techniques or brand new concepts. La Cakerie offers what some may consider “odd” selections like a savory cupcake or their mac and cheese pretzel. “They are all things that entice our palettes and excite us. Walk into La Cakerie and experience it all, rounded up and tied tight with a high quality, amazing product,” Jason elaborates. A favorite flavor, Jason calls to mind, is his Dark Chocolate Merlot cupcake. He describes it as a decadent chocolate cake filled with a Merlot reduction; the cupcake actually warms your throat, bite by bite. The cupcake is finished off with a succulent chocolate ganache topping. Cupcakes are, of course, not all that La Cakerie offers. They grab the eye and tempt the mind, but as a trained pastry chef, in pastries, breads, cakes and more, he cannot limit his creativity. “I have to branch out and create new products that keep us longing for more.”
With his thriving flagship location in Towson, a food truck launch, and continuous pop-up appearances, Jason has plans to take the company to the next level. “Half joking and half serious, I am looking to grow a bakery empire.” Feeling that there is a lack of enough high quality pastry product at an affordable price with a fun and relaxed environment, Jason intends to open up more locations of La Cakerie. As part of the “bakery empire” that Jason envisions, he owns a commercial bakery in Baltimore City with “5,000 square feet of hardcore baking potential.” The bakery will be able to produce whatever La Cakerie needs, allowing the food truck to be fully stocked, and new locations to be opened as early as this year.
Jason has a few “golden rules,” as he puts it, which have gotten him where he is today.
“Always smile at everyone you see. Engage every customer the same, from the person ordering one cupcake to the bride getting her cake for 300. Never miss an opportunity to network and always follow up after meeting. Don’t ever jeaopardize quality. Always eat dessert first!”
