Sweet Potato Pie, Monster Cookies and a Whole Lot of Family

Some desserts taste like a memory. That's exactly what Chenita Spencer is baking at Crumb + Comfort Sweet Shop, the homemade dessert business she launched in November 2024 and now delivers to families in Wildwood, Leesburg and nearby communities.

Her gourmet cookies come loaded, piled high and named like characters. Her sweet potato pie is a recipe she has made for years. And nearly every step, from the mixing bowl to the Facebook post, happens with family close by.

Chenita's love of baking started young, watching her mother, Barbara Price, in the kitchen. She picked up more from Martha Stewart and Gordon Ramsay on TV, and she has been baking seriously for more than 10 years.

For most of that time, her desserts were for family and friends. They were the ones who pushed her to share them with everyone else. Her sisters, Elizabeth Price-Cargill and Jennifer Cruz, even helped her name the business.

The shop's motto is "Where every bite feels like home." To Chenita, home tastes like "love, family, laughter, and the special memories made around the kitchen table."

Chenita has lived in the area for about 15 years. "What I love most is the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with people," she says.

The desserts customers come back for are the classics. Chenita's homemade sweet potato pie is a recipe she has made for years, and her key lime cake is another signature.

Then there are the gourmet cookies, loaded and piled high, each with a name. Crimson Cloud is a red velvet-inspired cookie. Puddin' Me Crazy takes its cue from banana pudding. Nutty Orbit, a Reese's-inspired cookie, is Chenita's own favorite.

"I love watching different bakers, discovering new ideas, and putting my own creative twist on things," she says.

October brings the Monster Cookie family. Mr. Monster is a Cookie Monster-inspired cookies-and-cream creation. Mrs. Monster is a lemon-based strawberry-and-cream cookie, and Junior Monster mixes vanilla, lemon and strawberry-and-cream.

There's also Dirty Little Secrets, inspired by the dirt cups many of us grew up with. It looks like a rich chocolate cookie, but it's actually vanilla-coconut, with a gooey marshmallow or peanut butter center. "After all, things aren't always what they seem!" Chenita says.

In November and December, look for pie-inspired cookie flavors like apple pie, sweet potato and pumpkin. The fall pie lineup includes sweet potato, pumpkin, pecan, apple and blueberry.

Custom orders are one of Chenita's favorite parts of the job. One memorable request was a red velvet cake with strawberries worked in. "I love when customers bring me their ideas because it gives me the opportunity to create something special just for them," she says.

Crumb + Comfort is a family effort. Elizabeth handles social media, marketing and content. Jennifer keeps the finances organized. Chenita's husband and children pitch in with baking and whatever else the day needs.

A typical day starts with reviewing orders and prepping, then mixing, baking, decorating and packaging. Chenita does every step herself. "Seeing everything come together and knowing my desserts will bring someone a little happiness makes it all worthwhile," she says.

Starting in November, Crumb + Comfort plans to sell at The Makers Market, so you can pick up treats without pre-ordering. Online ordering is in the works too.

"We're taking things one sweet step at a time," Chenita says, "and we're excited to see where this journey leads!"

Message Crumb + Comfort Sweet Shop on Facebook or Instagram, or call or text. Follow them on TikTok for new flavors. Pickup and delivery are both available; delivery is arranged by location.

Cookies

• Chocolate chip or peanut butter: $2 each
• Specialty gourmet cookies: $4 to $6 each

Notice: 48 hours for 1 to 2 dozen, 3 to 5 days for larger orders

Pies

• Sweet potato pie, 9-inch: $18
• Sweet potato pie, deep dish: $25
• Pecan pie, 9-inch: $26

Notice: about 3 days, 3 to 4 days for deep dish

Banana pudding

• Mini pan $15, half pan $35, full pan $75

Cakes

• Key lime, red velvet, carrot and more: from $45

Notice: 5 days, 7 to 10 days for two tiers

Custom-decorated cakes: priced per order, 10 to 14 days' notice

Short-notice orders are welcome to ask about availability.