Cupcake PGH Comes Full Circle in Allentown

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUPCAKE PGH

Following the unexpected death of her father in 2022, Amanda Baker turned to baking to help her stay present.

It was a gift she didn’t know she needed.

“That’s what got me through major depression,” says Baker, a service industry veteran and mother of four.

Inspired by her newfound talent, she built a cottage kitchen in her basement, spent eight months developing a gluten-free flour blend and started doing pastry pop-ups around town. The first one was held at Allentown’s Black Forge Coffee, which later became Grim Wizard Coffee.

Now that the Wizard has moved to a larger space around the corner, the Arlington Avenue storefront will soon house Baker’s small business, Cupcake PGH.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

The allergen-friendly bakery will feature made-to-order cupcakes and cakes, giving customers a variety of batters, fillings, frostings and toppings to choose from. There also will be a rotating menu of suggested flavor combinations for the indecisive, gluten-free and vegan items, seasonal treats, drip coffee and loose leaf tea.

Like many businesses in the Hilltop neighborhood, the shop has a heavy metal aesthetic.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUPCAKE PGH

Baker, a Boston native, moved to Pittsburgh in 2016 and quickly became part of the city’s music scene. Her picture-taking skills helped her land a gig as a concert photographer. She captured moments from local and national shows.

Her homemade sweets took the spotlight backstage.

“There’s nothing like seeing a 50-year-old metalhead dude getting super jazzed over a Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treat,” she says with a laugh.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUPCAKE PGH

Baker can’t wait for bands to take the Cupcake PGH stage. She also plans to display and sell artwork from local makers and host gallery nights to benefit budding artists. Pop-up businesses will also be welcome in the space, which is purportedly haunted.

During her pop-up days, Baker collaborated with area businesses including The Coffin Bean & Co. and Strange Roots Experimental Ales, and helped organize a Coffee & Cake Crawl at Hop Farm Brewing Co. in Lawrenceville that featured pop-up bakeries. She continues to source local ingredients.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

When she announced her intention to open a brick-and-mortar in Allentown, the 40-year-old was overwhelmed by an influx of support and donations.

“That’s why I love this neighborhood so much; it’s so community-driven,” she says. Community is what has gotten me here and I want to show them all the love that they’ve shown me. Everytime I’ve wanted to quit this, I’ve been thoroughly reminded that what I’m doing makes a difference.”