On Aug. 14, Dana Alfahham opened the doors to her bakery, Dana’s Cake Shoppe, in the Villages at Leesburg. “It started like everyone else. Baking is my hobby since I was a kid,” says Alfahham.
The current Loudoun County resident earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at Damascus University in Syria, but her passion was always baking and decorating cakes. She was in Dubai when she decided to study baking and pastry, then began instructing in those arts in London. She brings that international experience to her new business, which includes both the custom cakes that have made her famous in the area, and pastries that will bring in customers even when they don’t have an occasion to celebrate. “I got a lot of requests for daily products, so I opened my bakery just to serve daily cakes,” she explains.
They may be daily, but they’re far from everyday. Cake flavors include basics like vanilla and chocolate, but also piña colada. On top of the case, an extra-large cake waits to be cut into slices that customers can enjoy individually. The case below is filled with cupcakes and cake pops for the kids, but Alfahham’s internationalism shows with Euro-style baked goods ranging from croissants and fruit tarts to Napoelons and macarons. There are even full cakes waiting to be purchased.
But for those looking to make a custom order, it’s good to know that everything at Dana’s is baked from scratch using fresh ingredients. She specializes in both buttercream and fondant-covered creations. Whether it’s the time for a celebration cake or just a sweet treat while shopping, Dana’s Cake Shoppe has sweet lovers covered. // 1604 Village Market Blvd. SE, Unit 125, Leesburg
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