Must-Try Treats: For the Love of Sugar

By: Carolyn Hall | July 28, 2025
Chocolate Matilda cake from for the love of sugar

Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

For the Love of Sugar

100 Erskine Street, Detroit

In Detroit, For the Love of Sugar is a sweet sanctuary born from the passion, creativity, and Middle Eastern heritage of founder Manal Hussein. Established in 2010, this local favorite began as a personal baking hobby and has flourished into a beloved spot for unique desserts and a welcoming, airy vibe. Driven by her mantra of never taking shortcuts, Manal has transformed countless kitchen experiments into delightful, comforting treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Fruity Pebbles Cake from FTLOS
Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

Manal’s love of baking shines through in every creation. The bakery is renowned for its delicate macarons, available in tantalizing flavors such as ashta, honey lavender, Nutella, pistachio, and Fruity Pebbles. Cakes are another highlight, with decadent choices ranging from classic Birthday Cake, Triple Berry, and Red Velvet to imaginative offerings like the Fruity Pebbles cake and the Matilda Chocolate cake. Guests also adore For the Love of Sugar’s Knafeh Cake, combining traditional Middle Eastern flavors into a fluffy and creamy creation. Slices are regularly available, but custom cakes can be made for any occasion. 

Macarons being made at for the love of sugar
Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

Cookie enthusiasts will find plenty to savor, including traditional chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, and creative gluten-free and vegan options, like the gluten-free white chocolate chip birthday cookies. For the chocolate fans, indulgent brownies range from cosmic fudge brownies to walnut fudge brownies, rounding out the sweet selection.

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For the Love of Sugar dessert spread
Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

Expanding the joy beyond just dessert, For the Love of Sugar opened the Sugar Studio in Garden City. This extension of the bakery invites dessert lovers of all skill levels to participate in hands-on baking classes taught by Manal and her talented team. “Owner, Manal, not only wants to share her sweets with you, but wants to teach you how to make them at home!” Class options range from kids’ specialties, cinnamon roll baking, and cake decorating to macarons 101 and vegan baking, offering something delightful for everyone. The Sugar Studio also hosts private parties, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or a memorable evening out with friends.

FTLOS Baking Class ingredients
Photo courtesy of For the Love of Sugar

From decadent cakes and delicate macarons to interactive baking classes, For the Love of Sugar embodies the joy, warmth, and creativity that Metro Detroiters cherish. By blending tradition with innovation, Manal Hussein has created more than just a bakery; she’s built a community rooted in passion and sweetness. You won’t regret stopping in to try a coffee with a delicious pastry or a slice of cake. Whether indulging in a freshly baked treat or mastering a new baking skill, visitors are sure to fall in love with sugar all over again. 

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