Sweet Escape Patisserie: Where You Can Paint Your Own Cake

Well friends, have you ever thought of a place where you can paint your own cake and eat it too? If you think so, I can tell you that your idea is going to turn into reality. Yes, friends, you're listening right! Your childhood dream has transformed into reality. Here you can turn your cake into a customizable canvas, where you can create colors, patterns, and even stories before taking a bite. And friends, you don't have to be an expert baker or painter to fulfill your childhood dream. Sweet Escape became popular when people started making reels of it right around 2024. You'll find this patisserie at the Mujibur Rahman Sarani, on AJC Road. Khadija Malik is behind this out-of-the-box idea. She fulfilled her childhood dream at the age of just 27. Her journey is as inspiring and beautiful as her mouthwatering desserts.

(Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram) A boy painting his own cake 

You'll Discover

Sweet Escape Patisserie Address And Timings 

Address: Ground Floor, 8, Maulvi Mujibur Rahman Sarani, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Rd, opposite Euro Kids, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017

Timings 

Sunday 12–8 p.m.

Monday Closed

Tuesday 12–8 p.m.

Wednesday 12–8 p.m.

Thursday 12–8 p.m.

Friday 12–9 p.m.

Saturday 12–9 p.m.

Read More: 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants In Kolkata

Sweet Escape Patisserie Menu

Here is the menu that you'll love to have it!

Beverages

1) Raspberry Mint

2) Chamomile 

3) Earl Grey 

4) Strawberry Green Tea

5) Blue Tea

6) Rose Tea

7) Dalgona Coffee

8) Hot Dark Chocolate 

9) Hot Hazelnut Chocolate 

Desserts

1) Flourless Chocolate Cake Slice

2) Creme Brulee

3) Tiramisu 

4) San Sebastian Cheesecake Slice

5) World's Best Choco Chip Cookies

6) Coffee Macaron

7) Milk Choc Macaron

8) Lemon Macaron 

9) Rose Macaron

10) Vanilla Bean Macaron 

11) Dark Choc Macaron 

Specialty Item

PYO Cake - Paint your cake & eat it too!

The Journey Of A Tiramisu Girl

(Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram) Khadija Malik

Khadija’s story begins during the pandemic—a time when life seemed to stand still for most of us, but for her, it marked the start of something extraordinary. She became known as the "Tiramisu Girl" because her tiramisu was an instant hit among her customers. "When I started my home bakery during the lockdown, tiramisu became a crowd favorite. Then it was the éclairs, which people couldn’t get enough of, and now it’s mini macarons that everyone loves," she shared, her eyes lighting up with pride.

(Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram) The Famous Tiramisu which means "pick me up" or "cheer me up"

Khadija's love for baking began at a early age. When Khadija was a child, she was introduced to baking world at the hands of her kind neighbour. She can still remember the very first she baked — it was a heart-shaped treat that sparked her lifelong passion. "I was just a preteen when I made that cake, and I knew right then that this is what I wanted to do," she said, smiling at the memory.

Khadija’s school years at Loreto House were filled with small but meaningful steps toward her dream. Whenever there was a school fete or carnival, you could count on her to set up a stall brimming with baked goodies. These stalls didn’t just bring in profits—they gave her a taste of what it felt like to share her creations with the world.

Her passion grew very stronger when she was studying at St. Xavier’s College, where she majored in Sociology. She continued her baking journey, with selling her delicious treats at pop-ups and exhibitions. Infact, her mother Nafisa Malik, who is a graphic designer by profession, made Khadija's first business card back when she was still in school. The name Sweet Escape was finalized when Khadija was studying in school.

Dreams Take Flight

Khadija's love for baking eventually led her to see it as a serious profession. She joined the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts in Bengaluru, where she worked on perfecting her abilities with professional teaching. But her training did not stop here; she traveled to Malaysia for an advanced course, determined to be the finest baker she could be.  

When Khadija returned to India, she started Sweet Escape as a cloud kitchen. This was just the time when businesses were still going through the pandemic ordeal—a perfect time for Khadija to be able to seize the opportunity in all that chaos. She concentrated on preparing macarons, a sweet she hadn't worked with before. "I just decided to keep it simple-and stick to the cloud kitchen format-to make and sell macarons," she said. Her gamble paid off: the macarons turned out to be a hit.  

Khadija opened her patisserie on AJC Bose Road after countless efforts and dedication in November 2024. This tiny, five-seater café is nothing short of a dream. Imagine faux cherry blossom trees, round wooden tables, and endless warmth and welcoming vibes that make you want to stay forever.

Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram

A Sweet Escape Into Art And Indulgence

Khadija envisaged Sweet Escape as more than a patisserie; she wanted an environment where people could relax, meet, and most importantly, create memories. "I wanted this to be a place where people could spend quality time-whether with family or alone-could enjoy good food, plus engaging activities," she said.

  

To make the café more inviting, Khadija added little touches that make all the difference. There’s a shelf stacked with books for the avid reader and indoor games like a handmade clay Tic-tac-toe set for those looking for some playful fun. The Tic-tac-toe set, by the way, was crafted by Khadija herself, with a plate as the base and miniature coffee beans and macarons replacing the usual noughts and crosses.  

(Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram)

The menu at Sweet Escape is modest but incredibly satisfying. You’ll find an array of confections, from cheesecakes and brownies to crème brûlée and cookies. Pair those with a comforting drink, maybe some Dalgona coffee or hot chocolate or tea, and you have the perfect little getaway. 

But the real show-stealer? Paint Your Own Cake.  

Paint Your Own Cake: A Crowd Favorite

There's a buzz around the PYO Cake. It is a vanilla sponge with a coat of white buttercream that serves as your edible canvas. With the cake, you also get a set of edible "colors" (dollops of buttercream tinted with food-grade colors) plus a paintbrush or two and a palette knife to spread it. The idea is simple: let your imagination run wild, paint whatever tickles your fancy, then either munch on your creation or take it home.  

Khadija shared how the idea came to her. "Most of my ideas come to me in dreams. I think I saw something similar online and thought, why not bring it to Kolkata?" she explained. To demonstrate, she painted a stunning landscape on a cake, complete with an orange sky and a glowing sun. "To me, baking is an art, this means an added level of artistry," she said with a smile.  

The Backbone Of The Dream: A Mother's Love 

Khadija's strong desire and determination made Sweet Escape a huge success, but it is her mother, Nafisa, who has been there with loving and unbending support. Nafisa occupied a critically important chair in the creation of the patisserie, from designing the interiors to managing the other finer details. 

"This space is mostly my mom's effort. We did everything together, and it's been such a learning experience", Khadija shared. Nafisa couldn't be prouder of her girl. "I believe in equipping both boys and girls with the skills they need to follow their dreams. Baking made Khadija happy, and that’s all that mattered to me. When you love your work, it doesn’t feel like work," Nafisa said, her voice filled with pride.

What's Next For Sweet Escape?  

So what is next for this sweet haven? "A bigger space maybe," Khadija said with a laugh. But her dreams for Sweet Escape go beyond a mere expansion. She wants to create an immersive experience where people not only eat but also interact, bond, and create memories. 

"Most of the cafes let you eat, talk, and go. I want to be different. I want people to stay, do workshops, and genuinely enjoy the time they spend here," she said.  

Khadija also had a special message for every young dreamer, especially girls from within her community: "Take that big step toward your dream, no matter how small or unconventional it may be. The world will need your ideas," she said in a encouraging voice.  

A Must-Visit Spot In Kolkata

Photo Credit: sweetescape.patisserie/Instagram

Sweet Escape isn't just a regular café; it's an experience from the beautifully styled interior, with the entire atmosphere catering to the unique PYO Cake concept- each little thing here stands proof of Khadija's passion and excellent creativity. Food lovers, art lovers, or someone who just wants to paint his own cake in a cozy corner or to hang out, this lovely patisserie guarantees that. It will make sure that you leave this patisserie with a happy heart and a full tummy.   

So, the next time you're in Kolkata, make it a point to not miss this extraordinary experience. You never know, you could either find an undiscovered artistic side or make a sweet memory to cherish forever.