Love For Brazilian Cooking Is Secret To Newark Bakery’s Success

NEWARK, NJ — A bakery in Newark’s Ironbound section is preparing to export its signature Brazilian desserts nationwide. And it can all be traced back to a grandmother who introduced her grandchild to the love of cooking.

Since opening in 2019, Soul Sweet Boutique has gained a devoted following at its 162-164 Van Buren Street location, which now also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items. (Learn more about this local business)

According to founder and co-owner Thatiana Rangel, much of Soul Sweet Boutique’s success is due to a treasure trove of classic recipes from her native Brazil.

Soul Sweet Boutique is also a tribute to her grandmother, who showed her love through cooking, Rangel said.

“When I was looking to start a new business, I returned to the kitchens of my childhood for inspiration,” Rangel recalled.

“What makes us unique?” she commented. “I think it's our Brazilian heritage and love of hospitality. It's the subtle flavor combinations of pistachio, guava, dulce de leche, coconut and condensed milk. And don't forget, extraordinary milk, white and dark Belgian chocolate.”

Rangel brags that the team at Soul Sweet Boutique can reimagine any sweet treat and infuse it with a Brazilian flavor. For example, gourmet cakes in a jar come in churros, coconut and brigadeiro varieties. A cheesecake gets topped with passionfruit. And the crust of their lemon meringue pie includes crumbled Maria biscuits, a staple in many Latin homes.

Using this formula, Rangel soon expanded with another location at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. This fall – after a successful first year – she’s planning to introduce Soul Sweet Boutique to a broader audience through nationwide shipping and an e-commerce website.

Not even the coronavirus pandemic can slow her down, it seems.

• See related article: Montclair Restaurant Owner Takes Gutsy Leap, Expands Amid COVID

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