Sweet creations

THE people have spoken—in social media at least. Browsing through Facebook’s news feed, it has somehow become unavoidable to come across an Instagram shot of these sweet creations, or perhaps even see a pal “check-in” to one of its shops. It is like a secret everyone knows about; a low-key, “infamous” entity that has reinvented how many Cebuanos view and taste cupcakes.

It is called Sweet Little Things, or what is fondly called by avid followers as “SLT.” The brand started out as an online venture for young pair Sandra and PJ Lee back in 2010. Both baking enthusiasts, the couple began accepting orders that they would prepare at home until eventually, when word got around how delicious their creations were, they decided to put up their own shop. This was in November 2011.

At present, Sweet Little Things has two outlets: the main one is at J Block Building along Apitong St., Cebu City, and the other one, which opened last July, is at the second level of SM City Cebu.

So what is it with these goodies that it seems to have created a buzz all over the city? It has become a favorite dessert for many, a pasalubong of choice for travelers, and basically a snack that a lot of people just crave for. Too big to be a regular-sized cupcake, but too small to be a cake—these “sweet little things” are delectably appealing simply because of its unique flavors, as well as its level of sweetness that hits just right.

“We have ten flavors,” Sandra explained. “We divided it into two; there are chocolate-based flavors on one side, then fruit-based on the other.”

Sweet Little Things’ flavors selection is comprised of Dark Chocolate Mudpie, the Red Velvet, Triple Chocolate, Cookies N’ Cream, Cappuccino, Monkey Business, Strawberries N’ Cream, Cinful Apple, Blueberry Crumble and Lemon Poppyseed.

The bestsellers are the Dark Chocolate Mudpie, a chewy chocolate treat only found in their shop; Lemon Poppyseed, with its distinctly, zesty lemon taste; and Monkey Business, a banana-filled cupcake. As for The Red Velvet, which by default is a popular choice, Sweet Little Things gives its own twist to it by adding bits of chocolate inside.

The flavors have been formulated by the couple themselves, and according to them, it took over a year to get the signature tastes perfect. Likewise, it was PJ and Sandra themselves who conceptualized the overall motif of the shop, such as the interior
design, the packaging, the branding—the works.

Sweet Little Things’ outlets are quaintly accented with wooden-style fixtures. It is far from the usual pastry shop that is overflowing with pastel hues, but it has a distinct charm of its own anyway—making it a perfect hangout spot whether one wants to laze around with a cupcake and a cup of coffee, or grab a quick dessert late in the evening. Its locations are also accessible should one decide for take-out instead.

So now that this “little” secret is out, there’s no other option but to simply indulge in it. Take a photo of it if you must (for Instagram’s sake), and enjoy. Little as it may claim to be, but not in any way is it short of the sweet and scrumptious goodness that it promises.