By Jennifer R. Farmer
At the end of 2023, I set an intention to visit vegan and gluten-free bakeries in 2024. Beg Bakery & Creamery was the second one I visited, besides Bake Me Happy Gluten Free Bakery located in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. When I set my intention, Beg Bakery & Creamery wasn’t on my radar, but it has become one of my favorite bakeries in Scottsdale. It definitely makes my own “Best Bakeries In Scottsdale” list.
How I Found This Gem
My friend and I were driving through Scottsdale, Arizona when out of my peripheral, I saw we were passing Beg Bakery. I begged my friend to turn around so we could check out the business with the lime-colored building and the “butter free, egg free and gluten free” message written on its billboard. My friend asked if I was kidding, and in a serious tone, I said, “please stop the car.” He stopped in the middle of the road, before I said, “no, I want us to park so I can go inside.”
Enveloped in Love
Once inside, I quickly embraced the environment which was inviting, charming, and spacious. Upon entering the business from the side door, I saw two beautiful midnight blue, plush chairs and a midnight blue couch that sat in front of a wall draped with white flowers and pink iridescent butterflies. A pink neon sign with the inscription “It Was All A Dream” was on the wall of flowers. Of course, I thought about the late rapper Biggie whose first lines in the track “Juicy,” were “it was all a dream.” But I digress. The rest of the interior boasted a black and white décor.
As I stood near the entryway, I was instantly curious. My thoughts raced from “what did this bakery have in store for me?” to “what should I try?” to “I can’t believe I found a butter free, egg free, gluten free bakery without even trying.” Luckily, I didn’t have to sort out what to do next alone.
The Friendliest Person on Earth
As I stood processing, my friend and I were greeted by a woman named Michelle who has to be the friendliest person on earth. Michelle was so enthusiastic about helping us, and so dedicated to helping us select the right products as first-time visitors. She insisted we try their vegan ice cream and literally wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. After telling us she worked on the recipe for the past 10 months, I knew two things. First, I was going to try the ice cream, and second, I was speaking to the owner or one of the owners. I immediately asked if I could interview her for my bakery blog.
Their Story
As Michelle made her way from behind the counter, my excitement rose. She agreed to be on camera for our impromptu interview. I learned that Beg Bakery & Creamery is owned by Michelle and Rich, Michelle’s sister Shawna and her partner Vivian. They launched the family-owned bakery during the pandemic to “bake a difference.” Shawna and Vivian’s daughter has health concerns that require a specific diet. Michelle and Rich also had health scares and health conditions that required that they adopt a plant-based diet. They know they are not alone; so many in our society suffer from glutton or other food allergies.
They created a bakery that not only serves this demographic, but serves anyone who enjoys custom-made treats. Their products are traditional in taste and texture but far from traditionally made. They bake and serve their customers from a place of love and it shows. Without exaggeration, their ice cream was the best I’ve had in my entire life. And as someone with a gluten and dairy sensitivity, I was thrilled to be seen by the business in that they had products I could enjoy. You can learn more about them here.
If you live in Scottsdale or are traveling through, do yourself a favor and check out this amazing bakery. You’ll be glad you did.
