Ruthann Dexter started her baking career with an Easy-Bake Oven. Today she’s filling orders for thousands of her beautifully decorated, gourmet cookies, cupcakes and cakes. And on November 5, she’s opening the doors to a new storefront for Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery in downtown Bellaire.

“Where I am today is a blessing,” Ruthann says. “Baking started as a hobby. A few years ago, I was working at Shanty Creek and brought in Easter cookies to a meeting. My manager said, ‘What the heck are you doing here? You should be baking.’ She planted a seed.”

Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery started out small in the Dexter home. Ruthann’s husband and biggest fan, Gregg, gave up his poker room and turned it into a state-certified commercial kitchen. “Gregg believed in me and did whatever he could do to make this happen.”

The seed grew. And the orders kept coming.

The new storefront will have a soft opening November 5 and a grand opening in early December. In addition to special orders, customers can buy individual treats like Ruthann’s decorated pumpkin pies and caramel apple muffins. She’ll also have macarons, cake pops, cake truffles and pies along with her famous cookies, cakes and cupcakes.

“When I first started the business, I thought I might be too old,” Ruthann says. “I’m turning 58 in December. It goes to show no matter how old you are, you can follow your dreams. It’s about taking baby steps.”

If you can’t make it to the November 5 opening, try Ruthann’s recipes at home:

Check out this MyNorth Media video to learn Ruthann’s fancy frosting tricks.

Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery is at 105 N. Bridge St., Suite B, Bellaire. 


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