Rocky Mountaineer's culinary program is proud to offer dishes that are regionally inspired and are sourced from local suppliers, giving guests a culinary connection to the lands we travel through. We're delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our suppliers in the American Southwest and give a behind the scenes glimpse into the creation of the Rocky Mountaineer cheesecake.
Afternoon Delight Bakery is a small business based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and is owned and operated by Ashley Buerger. If you have travelled with us on our Rockies to the Red Rocks route, you may have had the pleasure of trying one of Ashley's cheesecakes that she created just for Rocky Mountaineer. If you haven't travelled with us through the American Southwest yet, you can look forward to savouring her cheesecake while onboard.
Meet the Baker
My name is Ashley and I am the owner of Afternoon Delight Bakery. My journey to become a professional baker began in 2010. I had just graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and was living at home with my parents when I got a letter that essentially changed my life forever. It stated that I would not be attending Oregon State to earn a graduate degree in Atmospheric Sciences. When you put all your eggs in one basket, it’s hard to see where life can go from there. Luckily, I made some cookies not too long after that and thought “Hey, these are some darn good cookies! Maybe I should open a bakery!” And that was it. Since then, I’ve been learning and growing my business non-stop, and I could not imagine my life now if that had been an acceptance letter I got so many years ago! I’ve been creating wedding cakes for over 10 years now and I strive to keep learning and getting better with every cake. I’m proud to say that I’ve recently completed my diploma in Professional Pastry Arts through Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
"I just love making people happy! It truly fills my heart when I see people’s reactions to my work, and to hear how much they enjoyed it! Dessert is such a fun part of life and I’m so honored to have a career where I can bring joy to people in such a delicious way."
The Rocky Mountaineer Cheesecake
Partnership
When Chef Kaelhub Cudmore, Rocky Mountaineer's Executive Chef, reached out to me about doing a cheesecake dessert for the train, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I’ve always seen this beautiful train come through town but never really knew much more about it. Having the opportunity to partner with Rocky Mountaineer in this way wasn’t even something I had ever considered as a possibility, so to have this experience has been so fun, to say the least! It has been such an incredible honor to work with Rocky Mountaineer, and whether it’s just this one season or many more to come, it has been my absolute pleasure to provide my desserts!
I am so excited and extremely honored that my desserts are enjoyed by the passengers (and crew!) onboard Rocky Mountaineer!
Creating the Cheesecake
I’d tested and used a few other cheesecake recipes prior to this one, but none of them were as consistent and simply light and delicious. It seems like the more ingredients the recipe called for, the farther it got from the flavorful, light, and creamy texture I was trying to accomplish.
To create the dessert for Rocky Mountaineer I started with a flavorful cheesecake and wanting to tie in local western Colorado flavors, I made a Bourbon Peach compote. To give a tasty crunch I add a honeycomb toffee crumble, and then finally garnished with a pressed viola.
I hope people can appreciate each component of the cheesecake and how well they go together. I love the different textures and flavors, and how very yummy they are together! I hope they feel what I feel when I have some, which is a moment of pure happiness.
Selecting Ingredients
When I was searching for the perfect recipe, I wanted straightforward, simple ingredients. I found a recipe I enjoyed and have made it my own. With only 4 simple ingredients in the cheesecake itself, it’s incredible to me how much flavor comes from it! I try to get the best quality ingredients and source high quality, pure vanilla extract which I believe makes a significant improvement in my products.
Local Influence
The local influence comes into play mainly in my Bourbon Peach Compote. Since Palisade’s peaches are well known and loved in this region that part was a no-brainer. You can’t go wrong with the incredible complimentary flavors from the bourbon, brown sugar, and cinnamon! I even use Fireside Straight Bourbon Whiskey, made in Denver. I also grow and dry the viola garnishes with the help of my mom, right here on the Western Slope in Glenwood Springs!
A Taste of the Journey
Ashley's partnership with Rocky Mountaineer has brought her delicious desserts to guests traveling from around the world, through the beautiful American Southwest, offering them a unique taste of Colorado. The cheesecake, made with locally-sourced ingredients like Palisade peaches and Fireside Bourbon, is a perfect reflection of Ashley’s commitment to quality and creativity. It’s clear that her love for baking goes beyond just creating desserts—she’s crafting experiences, one sweet bite at a time. When you’re enjoying her cheesecake onboard the train you’re tasting the passion and dedication of a local business that truly cares about making the journey memorable.
