Grab a homemade poptart at Des Moines bakery Jess Desserts

Pop-Tarts scream childhood nostalgia, and baker Jess Anderson’s twist on this roaster into a local success story.

• But like any good story, these handmade pies were born from a situation that didn’t start out so great.

At the start of the pandemic, Anderson, 26, was laid off from her experimental kitchen job at a local magazine publisher.

• A lifelong baker and culinary graduate in Iowa suddenly had extra time. So, she gave them a try and started experimenting.

Anderson, who was trying to start her own bakery company, posted a picture online of her on how her famous toasted pastry works. The result? A flood of people poured in, wanting to try one.

• “It wasn’t something I was really expecting. But it happened, and people absolutely love them,” Anderson said.

These days, Anderson devotes herself full time to her local candy business Jess Deserts. They sell whimsical treats like pastels, s’mores bars, and lots of gluten-free goodies.

where can I find it: Stop by her stand at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market at 4th & Court. Or order online here.