Build and Bake LTD is the creation of owner Matt McDade, who opened the business in Bickley in late December 2024.
The business is thought to be the “first” of its kind, serving up an entire menu of sweet treats like brownies, blondies and flapjacks that all champion the sweet potato.
Matt began his business after discovering his “love for baking brownies”, using his low calorie recipes with sweet potato to make healthy treats for people like himself training at the gym.
Matt explained: “I always loved baking with my mum, but when I hit my 20s I started to lose weight and when I went to compete in a bodybuilding competition things got difficult.
“When I started losing weight, I noticed the hardest thing was trying to eat my low calorie allowance and factor in some type of cake or treat as everything was too high.
“So I started creating low calorie cookies, drinks, cheesecakes and brownies, and brownies was the thing I fell in love with.”
After trialling his creations at the gym, Matt decided to learn about the science of baking, creating “unique” recipes with 100 flavours for each category.
The business serves a range of baked treats as well as dessert pots, with some of their most popular flavours including the Dark Chocolate Biscoff, Billionaire Shortbread and Rolo.
Matt added that he is planning to extend the menu this year, with air-baked doughnuts being the next thing on offer.
So far the business has been a success, with a “huge reaction” from locals as well as gym goers looking for a low calorie sweet treat.
Matt added: “It’s gone from a sweet potato company to a company that provides people a chance to eat normal food with a little less calories as well as offering regular treats.
“I’d like to think I’m opening people’s eyes to smart nutrition, portion control and how to live a healthier lifestyle through information as well as the things we make.
“I’m extremely humbled by everyone’s reactions to our products and just the support from the local community.”
