August 31, 2020

Life is Sweet for this 93-Year-Old-Cupcake Connoisseur

About Brookdale Senior Living

Ray Boutwell is not a big drinker, but he does know a thing or two about a deliciously boozy cupcake. The 93-year-old World War II veteran is the owner of the recently opened Ray’s Boozy Cupcakes in his hometown of Voorhees Township, New Jersey, and he’s been baking for most of his life.

A Baker’s Beginnings

For Boutwell, baking is more than just a retirement hobby. It’s been how he’s put bread on his family’s table for years — literally.

“I studied cooking and baking and got a job as a baker at a local bakery,” he said. “I became a manager of that bakery in 1960.”

After that, he was inspired to open his own bakery in 1972, Boutwell’s Pastry Shop, and kept it running until he retired in the ‘90s. He then went on to work part-time at another bakery in town. It wasn’t until 2001 that he retired for good, but even then, he always found something to do.

“When I retired completely, my wife and I traveled,” he shared. “I also studied art for quite a few years. I started when I was in my 70s and after my wife passed away, I just started to be a portrait painter. I started actually painting portraits around 2009, 2010.”

He also found time for woodworking, making and selling custom-made furniture during retirement.

A Baker’s Beginnings

For Boutwell, baking is more than just a retirement hobby. It’s been how he’s put bread on his family’s table for years — literally.

“I studied cooking and baking and got a job as a baker at a local bakery,” he said. “I became a manager of that bakery in 1960.”

He also found time for woodworking, making and selling custom-made furniture during retirement.

Staying Active, from Walking to Running His Bakery

Even though he owns a cupcake shop catering to his community’s sweet tooth, Boutwell is a huge proponent of healthy habits. After having a quadruple bypass at the age of 64, he’s been practicing an active lifestyle.

“Everyone should keep active,” he said. “You have to be physically active as well as mentally. I know so many people that when they retired, they sat on their couch, drank their beer and watched television, and they weren’t here very long after they retired. You need a daily exercise routine. It’s all about diet and exercise.”

Boutwell’s preferred method of exercise is walking. Since opening his shop last year, he hasn’t been able to go on daily walks like he used to, but gets plenty of exercise running the bakery.

The Future Is Sweet

Boutwell’s customers love his creative recipes, and he gets customers of all ages — non-alcoholic recipes for anyone under 21, of course. Ray’s Boozy Cupcakes isn’t even a year old yet, but with the success he’s had, he’s already planning its next venture: shipping.

“We get calls from all over the country, so we should start shipping soon,” he said. “We get calls from Texas, Colorado, Florida, the Carolinas — we get people from Pennsylvania who come into the shop who can’t wait for shipping.”

Some of the most popular flavors are Strawberry Banana Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise and Kahlua Cappuccino, his daughter’s favorite. His favorite cupcake? One made with Hazelnut liqueur, though he doesn’t treat himself to it often.

“Anything in moderation is fine,” he said. “It’s just when you overindulge. A couple times a week, a dessert doesn’t harm you. … I like a cupcake every now and then like everyone else.”

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