Memphis Bakery Connects Community Through Ancestral Tea Cakes and Sweet Confections

Memphis: A Sweet Connection to Ancestral Taste Buds!

Oh, sweet Memphis, the city where the blues meet the beautiful aroma of freshly baked delights! When I made the move to this vibrant Southern hub, I knew I was stepping into my forever home, but what I didn’t quite expect was a delightful connection to my ancestral taste buds. Allow me to share my scrumptious journey!

For more than a decade, I’ve developed an all-consuming obsession with chocolate chip cookies that, believe it or not, don’t actually contain chocolate chips! Sounds wild, right? Hear me out! To me, the best part of a chocolate chip cookie has always been the cookie itself, not the pesky chocolate chips. I’ve spent years meticulously eating around those chips and even going so far as to pay bakers just to whip up a special batch of chip-less cookies without the “cursed chips.” But alas, nothing ever seemed to hit the spot—until now.

Stumble Upon a Culinary Treasure

One day, while wandering around Downtown Memphis, near the National Civil Rights Museum, I stumbled upon the magical Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe. And let me tell you, that was the moment that changed everything! Inside, I met none other than owner and lead baker Tamika Heard, who opened this sweet haven in 2021, pushing off from her family’s famed Makeda’s Cookies empire.

Heard’s passion was palpable as she revealed the culinary secret behind those delightful cookies I had craved for so long. It turns out, those chocolate-chip-less treasures are called tea cakes, an American delicacy steeped in history. Not to confuse them with British tea cakes, these dainty cookies have roots tracing back to the 18th century. Originally made from scrap dough by enslaved Black Americans, these cheeky little treats were a way to sneak home a delicious piece of dessert while white guests munched on their chocolate chip cookies. How incredible is that?

Consistency is Key!

Butteriffic Bakery promises consistency, and that’s a motto Heard takes to heart. The bakery offers a delectable array of offerings, including cookies, pies, and a truly addictive banana pudding, all made fresh daily. And for the savory crew out there, Heard also whips up her famous chicken salad to balance those sweet cravings!

But Butteriffic is more than just a bakery—it’s a community hub. The tables and chairs aren’t just for customers; they serve as spaces for anyone who needs a spot to work or relax. The walls showcase artwork made by local artisans, further weaving the community fabric. Heard believes in not just cookies but also community. “If you work for me and have even a single entrepreneurial bone in your body, we’re going to flex that muscle,” she shared.

Caring for Customers and Cookies

Among her passionate team are cousins Derrick “DJ” Green and Terrell “TJ” Fuller. In just a short time, they have already become a vital part of the Butteriffic family. Heard recently promoted Fuller to store manager, and Green couldn’t be happier to be part of a place he refers to as his “soul family.” “It feels like such a good fit,” he said, exuding that genuine warmth that greets customers upon entering the cafe.

Spreading Sweetness Beyond the Bakery

Heard’s community spirit doesn’t just stop at the bakery. She and her friends, jokingly calling themselves “sugar pushers”, started GEM—Group Economics Memphis—to encourage shopping local and generous tipping practices. “I’m so inspired by folks paving the way for community initiatives,” she said, rooted in the belief that Memphis can foster a similar sense of community through collaboration.

What’s Next for Butteriffic?

Looking ahead, Heard has big dreams for Butteriffic. She’s planning to launch a food truck to spread the bakery’s spirit across Memphis. “Until then, you can definitely take my word for it—this isn’t just cookie shop, it’s a rendezvous for cookie and community lovers alike,” she chuckled. “You butter believe it!”

So whether you’re after a taste sensation without chocolate chips or looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends, Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe, located at 488 S. Second St., has got you covered. With friendly hours from 9:01 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and later on weekends, there’s no excuse not to dive into the cookie journey of a lifetime!