Nashville Baker Turns Cacti into Vegan Desserts

Beca Lewis Skeels’ literal takes on plant-based treats include cupcakes decorated to resemble succulents and cactus cookies.


458 Likes

Nashville transplant and vegan baker Beca Lewis Skeels recently expanded her part-time dessert business to a full-time bakery called the Leeuw (or “lion” in Dutch) Bake Shop. Skeels creates unique plant-themed desserts from plant-based ingredients—such as cupcakes decorated to resemble succulents and flowers, frosted cactus cookies, colorful aquafaba-based macarons, and full cakes decorated to look like outdoor gardens inspired by the natural surroundings in the Southwest. “It’s so easy to be vegan now,” Skeels said. “I have so many customers that come to me, like, ‘I’ve never had anything vegan.’ You eat vegan stuff everyday! Just try it.” In addition to botanically inspired treats, the shop sells astrology-inspired cakes and cookies, leopard print cookie hearts, and custom decorated cookie necklaces with Southwestern bead patterns. Skeels takes special local orders and delivers many of her creative items nationwide.