This story first appeared in The Daily Illini.
(Photo by Bianca Olson/The Daily Illini)
On the stretch of Green Street, better known for its late-night eats and student bars than the quiet corners home to small businesses, a glass door nestled beside FYXIT opens into the soft scent and quiet hum of a family-owned bakery doing things a bit differently.
Moments Bakery is a family-owned and operated business. Their business is a refreshing contrast to the noise and speed of campus life just outside its door.
The wife, a talented pastry chef, works diligently in a small kitchen visible just behind the register, while her husband handles customer orders and chats with visitors, ready to offer suggestions or answer questions about their selection.
The inside of the bakery itself is very cozy. With just a few small tables lining the walls, the seating is limited, but the shop radiates a sense of calm and care. The intimate layout creates a homey atmosphere, as if you’ve stepped into someone’s kitchen rather than a storefront on one of the busiest streets in Champaign.
The shop is small. A cooler near the counter showcases an array of vibrant, handmade desserts. But what the bakery lacks in square footage, it makes up for in sincerity through its genuine customer service.
There’s an obvious sense of pride behind each offering, both in terms of craft and cultural identity. The menu includes a mix of familiar staples and unique offerings that reflect a distinct baking style.
For first-timers, the number of options can feel a bit overwhelming, but the owners are happy to guide you, often sharing their personal favorites.
The fruit cake was recommended by the cashier, topped with a fresh strawberry and grapes. The fruit was fresh and flavorful, and the frosting was fluffy and buttery. The cake itself lacked some flavor and had a slightly dry texture that may not appeal to all palates.
The second recommendation was the “Coffee & Coconut Mousse Cake,” which had a similar texture and taste to tiramisu but with a prominent taste of coconut and a very subtle coffee flavor.
While the pastries may not deliver the sugary punch of the typical sweet treat, there is still something to be admired about their understated flavor profiles and the intention behind these twists.
Upon returning to Moments Bakery, customers should be inclined to taste some more culturally oriented dishes, such as the Taro Lava Cake, Taro Mochi Cake or even the Mochi Roll.
It is obvious that Moments Bakery is not trying to compete with commercial cakes or any modern fads. Instead, they offer a quiet experience rooted in hospitality and family, which, amidst the hustle and bustle of Champaign-Urbana, is a treat within itself.
Though it’s easy to pass by without noticing, Moments Bakery offers something rare on campus: a glimpse into the effort and heart it takes to run a small business by hand, one cake at a time.
Lauren Castaldo is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a staff writer for The Daily Illini.