Vulgar Vegan Bakery offers uncensored cookies and cakes, all for a larger cause
The vision for uncensored vegan goodies first came to Reggie Stepanov in a dream.
Waking at 3 a.m. with the idea fresh on her mind, Vulgar Vegan Bakery was born. And while her often hilarious cakes and cookies scratch that itch for vulgarity we all have from time to time, there’s a larger social agenda crammed into her sweet, profane treats as well.
“The last few years have been very hard for folx, and the importance of creating a safe space, even by way of a cookie cake in their home, is evermore important. I definitely knew that you can’t go to your regular grocery store and get a cake that says ‘You’re fucking amazing’ because it’s out of corporate policy.” Stepanov said. “I saw the need in my community to celebrate authentic, genuine moments without shame. What I didn’t envision is how my cookie cakes organically help build community, build up people and share unapologetic love, and I’m humbled by that opportunity.”
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Handcrafting creative, and often profanity-laced, phrases with (vegan) cookie dough, bright colors and an assortment of confections like sprinkles and frosting, Stepanov’s from-scratch cookies and cakes grant a small but uniquely-empowering freedom to everyone enjoying them.
“Vulgarity is certainly attention grabbing, and the vulgarity brings a punchline folx want to convey. I staunchly believe in authentic expression and empowering our voices, and some celebrations are significant enough to be topped with an F-bomb and a spray of unicorn sprinkles for emphasis,” she said.
And while her cookies are often brash, she creates them for a broad variety of occasions. Whether it’s illness, breakups, or racism you’re dealing with—or if you just want to loudly celebrate one thing or hilariously denounce another—Vulgar Vegan has a cake for it.
Cakes with phrases like “Go run the world, bitch” and “Cool ass mom” alongside breakup cookies that proclaim “He sucks like a lot” are just a few of the items from Stepanov’s enormous catalogue.
Stepanov—who grew up baking—has noticed more and more Columbusites willing to try vegan fare, sometimes even preferring it, even if they don’t opt for an entirely plant-based diet themselves. Something that was wanting in the local vegan food scene, she believedp, was the cookie cake.
“Cookie cakes are a classic! I also think they lack in the vegan community, so it took a bit to perfect a soft and chewy cake that would appease vegans and non-vegans,” she said.
Perfecting soft and chewy vegan cookie cakes, the Vulgar Vegan Bakery menu also features chocolate chip cookies, which can be customized with phrases and decorations. In 2022, Vulgar Vegan Bakery will be launching decadent cake pops, cookie shot glasses, and ice cream cakes. While signature cookie cakes aren’t leaving the menu, there’s more room for uncensored treats galore.
Uncensored goodies from Vulgar Vegan Bakery have become popular in Columbus, but have also caught attention from across the pond. Stepanov recalled that supporters from London once placed an order for a family member residing in Columbus.
And although her business is local, she hopes to make a widespread impact with messages on her cookie cakes questioning social norms and belief systems.
“Many folx feel uncomfortable discussing transgender rights or celebrating same-sex couples, or even more nervous to discuss the Black Rights Movement. To them, those topics alone are an ‘expletive’,” she said. “If those seemingly vulgar topics are met with a cute slice of cake and positive conversation, my job is done.”
And even with her sights set high, Stepanov can recall the individual victories she’s seen; the moments where the humanity of others shines through that make it all worthwhile, the moments she can have her (vulgar) cake and eat it, too.
“When a dad picks up a custom, ‘We know you’re gay & we love you’ cake, my little heart explodes from joy! It’s those moments that matter in people’s lives, and they fucking deserve to be celebrated hard and true,” Stepanov said. “I’m here to do what I can to help make it happen, in my apron and armed with frosting and sprinkles, and a few creative vulgarities to get the job done.”
This story originally appeared in the February 2022 edition of (614) Magazine. Keep your eyes open: Stepanov’s creations are set to make a special appearance in the February 2023 issue of (614) Magazine as well.
If you like this, read: Popular vegan delivery kitchen opening first brick and mortar restaurant
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