Gradz Bakery is targeting independent retailers, coffee shops and delis with its first cake and dessert range.

The business was set up by master baker Romuald Damaz and business partner Agnes Gabriel-Damaz, who found a selection of family recipes that had been hand-written by her great-grandfather. The pair have developed the recipes to appeal to more modern consumers.

“We wanted to offer something very different, very premium in the cake and dessert arena,” said Gabriel-Damaz. “The same care and attention to detail that makes our breads so different is in these new recipes.”

The line-up includes:

  • Vienna Cheesecake – a thin sponge base with a layer of fruit jam, baked, light cheesecake with notes of lemon, orange and vanilla, topped with a layer of dark chocolate and a sprinkling of coconut. Sold in either 12- or 16-slice boxes.
  • Apple Cake – a layer of diced apple pieces with cinnamon and raisins cooked on a shortcrust pastry base with a hint of plum jam and topped with a spiced crumble mixture. It is topped with a drizzle of icing and is sold in 16 slices.
  • Fruit Tart – a yoghurt-style cake with plums, dusted with powder sugar. Sold in 32 pre-cut pieces.