My blog and YouTube channel is about anything and everything related to do-it-yourself baking from scratch, and decorating cakes and cupcakes. We also balance it out with some hiking trips mixed in for a well rounded lifestyle! I try to respond to as many questions and comments as I can, so leave me one, and I’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What kind of dog is Ruby?
She is a Pug/Brussel Griffon cross and has the sweetest temperament. Look for her in our Backpacking videos.
What do you do with everything that you make?
We give it away to friends, family and coworkers.
What camera do you film with?
We actually shoot with two cameras. A Nikon D750, in our newer videos, and a Nikon D7000 in the older ones, as well as a secondary shot Cannon XA20.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?
That is a hard question to answer (ask yourself what you would say?), but I would have to say that I am very proud of myself for getting a teaching job at a great school, moving to London (when I was too young to know better) and living there for a year. It was the highlight of my life so far-an amazing experience all around Europe and the Middle East.
What kind of mixer do you have?
A KitchenAid Stand Mixer Classic, in black, the KA Artisan in Cinnamon and the KA Pro Series 5 in silver.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Anything loaded with carbs. I’m such a carb girl, it’s gross. Pasta, bread, buns, naan. I could eat bowl after bowl of pasta (especially fresh) until I would be so fat, I wouldn’t be able to move. I don’t really like vegetables, though I do get the odd craving for salads once and a while (it has to be full of cheese, protein and nuts though).
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?
A full time YouTuber!
How did you decide what grade to teach? Did you ever consider grades other than Kindergarten?
When I started out teaching, I would have taken ANY grade that I was offered, but when I finally settled into my continuing contract, it was in Kindergarten, and I love it there. I have taught a grade one, a one/two, a two/three and subbed at many other levels, but Kindergarten is where the fun is at!
What is your favourite cake?
Do I have to only pick one? My favourite is Angel Food. I LOVE the crusty edges the most. Other than Angel Food, I don’t really like cake. GASP! I like the icing. The icing is where it’s at . . . especially peanut butter icing.
What’s your favourite movie?
When I was a kid, my favourite movie was Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, as a teenager it was Clueless, in my 20’s it was Fight Club, now, I would have to say it is Julie and Julia!
What’s your favorite thing to do to “wind down” before bed?
I like to catch up on my blog reading, pin like a mad woman or read a good book.
Do you have a question?
Please email or send a message if you have any questions, or suggestions for me . . . I’m looking for advice people! Bring it on!!
Enjoy….
Hi, I recently discovered your youtube videos while searching for a frozen themed cake. I live in germany and we dont have corn syrup available here, have you tried making glass candy with a substitute? Or do you reccommend any other way? Thanks!
No, unfortunately I don’t know a substitute for that.
Hi there my name is Cindy, I live in london. I would love to make a rainbow cake for my daughters birthday. Please could you give me a recipe for the basic cake mix. We don’t really get box cake mix here so I am looking to make it from scratch.
There are lots of recipes for cakes here in my site. Enjoy!
hi jenn lv ur videos…..hope u could do some more of your rainbow cupcakes with the sweets u used for the rainbow loom band at the top of the cupcake…….
Sounds interesting…I’ll add it to my list.
Jenn, I love watching your videos, they are awesome!!!! I do have a few questions though. I’m making a Minnie mouse cake for my neice’s birthday, but I have never worked with fondant before, do you have any tips? Also how could I make a mickey mouse head out of cake all I have seen is just out of styrfoam.
Hi there, I have lots of recipes up that deal with fondant, so I hope those help you out.
Thanks so much.Do you have any ideas on how to make a 3d mickey/Minnie mouse head cake?
I’ve done that before and used rice krispies for the head, and a 2 tiered cake for the rest. You could also use half a ball pan to make a head.
Hello my name is Stephanie and I love watching your videos and baking your recipes. My family and friends love the taste of your home made buttercream, but when I add color dye, the buttercream doesn’t completely catch all the color and it kind of make it look like a tie dye color frosting, and the frosting kind of comes out more liquid form than the ones in your video. What do you suggest I do so that the butter cream come out as think and as colorful like the ones in your videos?
Thank You,
Stephanie
If it looks tie dyed, you need to mix it more until it is a solid colour. If it is too runny, add more icing sugar to thicken it up. I’m glad your family likes your baking!
Hey Jenn! I absolutely love your videos on YouTube…i watch religiously!!! I just started baking for my family events and you have been a life saver countless times and for that i wanna say…THANK YOU!!! Also I was wondering what is the brand of the little measuring cups that you use? They are adorable and i think they would help me to be more organized as I bake. Thank you again and you are an inspiration
Wow! Thanks for including me in your life!! I think they are Oxo…but I’m not sure. I got them at Winners. Thanks so much for watching.
Hi Jenn, I love your youtube channel. I’m wondering if when i made the chocolate buttercream frosting I can use nutella instead the coco powder??, Please let me know…thanks for all your tips and recipes.
Thanks so much for watching…I haven’t tried that, but it sounds delicious! Let me know if it works out.
i have seriously been watching your videos over and over! i feel that you always explain everything to precisely and you commit so much to all of your videos!!! pls continue these AMAZING recipes!
Hey Jenn! I just discovered your blog by trying to find a wedding cake recipe, and I ended up scrolling through all the cake page, watching almost all your videos. I am just fascinated by all the cakes you make. They are all so original I want to try baking all of them. I just want to know if you’ve written any cookbook?
Thanks!
Hey Jenn! I’m Steph… I freaking love your videos♥ i have watched all of them, I just wanted to know it you can do something K-Pop related?
Thanks!
Steph
Do you think you could feature Elsa (your niece) in another video of yours?
P.S. It was kind of sweet at the end of the Frozen cake tutorial video when you and Elsa sang the alphabet song. 🙂
Hi Jenn,
LOVE your tutorials! Such an inspiration to us all! Quick question for you, where do you purchase your icing bags and icing tips? The same as the ones you used in your pebble decorated rainbow cake? I’ve tried loads of different ones but they’re not as good as the ones you use!
Thanks 🙂
I usually use Wilton piping bags, occasionally Ateco ones. I find 12″ disposable Wilton bags all over the place..Bulk Barn, Winners etc and always buy them by the box (100) so it’s cheaper. You can find them online at Amazon etc. I like these ones best because they are thick enough to be supportive, but they’re not so thick that I’m fighting the bag.
Hi!!!!, My name is nevada! Im 13 and i have seen all of your videos…your so amazing and such an inspiration! your
4th of July cake was really cool and nice! I wanted to make it for the last 4th but we didnt have enough time 🙁 But,
my mom and I made a white cake with a lemon frosting and a lemon filling. Everything turned out good, but the filling was
too warm so now we know to chill it a lot longer… do you think you could add a fruit filled cake to your request list!!! and if you get to making it could you mention me in the video, That would be super cool!
Thanks,
Nevada Rickert
I will definitely add it!! Thanks for writing to me and letting me know. Thanks for watching!
I love your videos! I’m turning 16 soon and want to bake my cake the only problem is I don’t know what to do could you help me please?!?!?
Hi Jenn,
I just found your website! I am thirteen and was a finalist on MasterChef Junior last fall (2013). I just started my youtube.com/DaraTheBowGirl web series and would love any advice on how you started and how you’ve been able to get so many subscribers. It’s so awesome! Thank you for any suggestions and comments you have on my channel and how to grow my subscribers.
See ya!
Dara
hello Jenn !!!!! I am Justine and I am 13 . I have watched almost all of ur videos and all of the recipes look so good . I am ur biggest fan . I love monkeys and my favorite color is blue . I would love it if u would make a monkey cake ! if u will plz email me and let me know so I can see the video?
thanks ,
Justine conners <3
Hi there…thanks for watching. I don’t have a monkey cake, but I will add it to my list of requests.
My 12 year old daughter has discovered your videos and is itching to try out many of your ideas. Can you tell us what you use to get such vibrant colours in your cakes and buttercream? She has been playing around with adding jello powder to her batter for colour and flavour but they do not have the vibrancy. Thank you!
Hi there! I use Americolor Gel Paste to get my bright colours. You can find them through Amazon, Ebay etc. Have fun baking together!!
Thank you!
Hi jenn
I’ve just made your chocolate mousse recipe and it came out really runny and not mousse like. Could you give me any tips on how to make it thicker for the next time I make it ??
Thk u xxx
Jenn, have you ever used a machine that prints photographs on frosting? Those are so cool!! I wonder if you use on in your bakery? -Danielle 🙂
Yes we used to have an edible printer. We have a whole series of videos up on it.
Hi, Jenn! Have you ever considered owning your own bakery business? I saw that there was an option for buying cakes. I’m sure you would get lots of customers. Thanks! -Danielle
I used to run a cake company for 3 years. Now we just do YouTube.
Hi, Jenn, I’m Danielle and I’m 13 years old. Your videos are AWESOME…I bake a ton at home and I really like all the cool edible treats that you make. If I were to give you one suggestion, it would be to put up videos for more traditional desserts…like maybe red velvet cake, cupcakes, etc. But I think you’re doing great and I subscribed because I realized how much passion you have for this…just like me!! Love, Danielle 🙂
Thanks for joining us and watching my videos. We already have tons of traditional recipes up on the blog and channel.
Hi Jenn
I am 12 years old and you are my inspiration for baking. I have made a lot of your recipes and love to impress my parents with trats now and then when i have time. I currently mow lawns and use the money i make from that to buy kitchen tools and ingredients. My parents support me and my dream to become a baker when i finish school. The main reason i started was my great grandma owned a bakery and my mom taught me so i could pass it on through. Like i said, i love your videos and i think youshould continue “living the dream”. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for writing to me!! It’s an honour that you include me in your life. Good luck with all your dreams too!!
I would like to know do you sell DVD tutorials?
Hi there…we don’t at the moment…is that something you would be interested in buying?
Hi, yes I would be very interested in buying DVD tutorials.
When you put your cakes in the freezer to set, how long do you leave them in there?
It depends on what I’m doing with them. If it’s to set the buttercream, 10 minutes is enough, but if it’s to freeze the whole cake, an hour or two is needed (at least)
Hi Jenn – i saw your video on the Zebra cake. You were making two 8inch round cakes. I was going to try this for my daughter’s 12th birthday but with two 10 inche square cakes. How much more batter do you think I will need? I was thinking about 1.5 times the amount you had? The square is to compliment the One Direction sign she wants on the top with zebra print all around.
Thanks!
I would double it in order to make sure you have enough. If you end up with extra batter, you can always use it for cupcakes. Good luck!
Hey Jenn,
I just recently found your videos on Youtube and I have enjoyed them. Your directions are so easy to follow! I have made the zebra cake, superman cupcakes with vanilla buttercreme icing I also did a “frozen” spinoff of the superman cupcakes with marshmallow buttercreme! My husband REALLY enjoys them lol! I am going to try the oreo cake next, cant wait. I love baking. Do you have a recipe for a spice cake? it is my favorite and I cannot find one. I love making them for the holidays but have only used boxed cakes ;(
Thanks so much for sharing your recipes.
Natalie
I love spice cake as well…but no, I don’t have a recipe up yet. I’ll add your request to our list, and hopefully I’ll get it done this fall.
Hi Jen,
I have just discovered you on you tube… this is great work that you are doing…you gave me the courage to do the cakes for any celebrations… and the first will be for Easter tomorrow.. and also for the birthday of my brother-in-law who just tunrned 51 with the m&m I wil write is age on the cake.
Your videos are very well done, easy to follow and do.
Tks for doing this and please do not stop your good work.
Guylaine
Congratulations for taking the jump into baking! I’m honoured you’ve chosen me to be a part of your life 🙂 Good luck with everything!
Hi Jen, I just found you on youtube . I love how creative you are. I would really love to know what you use for cake release?
Here’s my video for that http://youtu.be/EttsmICv3K8
Hi Jenn,
You have a lot of cooking supplies. Where do you get it all from? I just realized that I loving baking and watching your videos makes it even better! I just have to start getting my supplies so I can start baking more often.
I get them whenever I see a good sale…nowhere specific…just everywhere when I’m out shopping.
Hi Jenn, love your tutorials, I just made a batch of Ferrero Chocolate cupcakes.
They are sooooo delicious, I was wondering, how long do they keep fresh, or how long before the occasion should I make them, and how do I store them once decorated?
Hi there, cupcakes usually last about 2-3 days and you should keep them in the fridge in a sealed container (like Tupperware). Glad you liked them!
Hi Jenn.. Besides love to see ur baking videos and try out your recipe, I also like to see an apron that you are wearing with cupcakes picture on it.. Did you sell those apron and how much.. I’m interested and from Singapore and would like to give my friend a gift who is so obsession about cupcakes.. Thanks..!
I don’t sell it…yet! I had a lady make it locally for me. Thanks for watching! When we start to sell aprons, we’ll be sure to make a video for it!
Hi Jenn
Recently I have been baking quite a few cupcakes as I’ve got to make cupcakes for my mums friends sons 18th and. Can never get them really flat on top would u be able to help me and give me some advice on how to get them flat on top???? Xxxxxx
Make sure you’re careful not to overmix the batter….if you do, they’re more likely to dome. You can reduce your leavening agent (baking soda/powder)…and if all else fails, you can just cut the tops off! Good luck…hope that helps.
Aww thk u that should really help xxxxxx
Hi, I have been enjoying your videos on YT. In the one on cake pops with the little machine, you had a long tined fork that you used to remove the cake pops. I bought one of those machines for my daughter, and I think that would be great to keep her from burning her fingers. I looked on line, but couldn’t figure out what it is. Can you help?
It came with mine that I got. I’ve seen similar things with chocolate decorating tools, so maybe look there. Sorry I’m not better help.
Hi jenn
I love your YouTube channel you have such good bakes on their and I absolutely love baking I basically bake every weekend. I just had a few questions when you bake your cupcakes how do you get them so flat and perfect on top? I’ve noticed you use a cookie scoop I was just wondering where you could buy them because I have looked in nearly every single shop I have found one but it was really expensive and I love in the uk ? Xxxxxxx
Thank you xxxx
Thanks so much! I don’t have a trick for flat tops, some recipes make better flat tops than others, and I don’t actually know why! You can get the cookie scoops at many kitchen type stores etc. Jenn
Aw thank you so much for replying I am gonna try and see if I can find any cookie scoop and thank you so much for the advice xxxxxxxx
Hi Jenn, yesterday my kids and I discovered your YouTube videos after searching for Rainbow Cake. I just wanted to see what amazing things creative bakers have done. My 4yr old daughter came home from Preschool today and wanted to finish watching one of your cupcake videos. She has now spent the last several hours watching your videos. Our TV can play YouTube videos. She is absolutely riveted with everything you say and do. So, thanks!! It’s been wonderful lessons for her in creativity, science, measurement, and following instructions. Now that I see you are a kindergarten teacher, it makes sense how you can teach so clearly with information about each step. Stay awesome! 🙂
Awwhhh..that is adorable! Thanks so much for sharing this with me 🙂
hi Jenn I was wondering if you sell the cupcake bouquet because I wanted to do something special for my sister’s wedding and I hate to see her leave, im giving a goodbye gift to her because I know this is the best thing I could find from my favourite baker please reply xx 🙂
Hello,
I’m looking arround the web for interesting things and so I find you. That was super. I love baking and cooking and try new recipes. I have moved with my husband since 8 weeks to a new place here in Germany and I just missing my old home and loved one (family, friends and so on) very, very much. So I started my own little blog in the www. Not so cute and professional like yours but a bridge between me and my family. So I was very glad to find you and your videos and your page. Because I love american baking. I have 2 aunts in America. One in Alabama and one in Texas. So I have a little look in the American-way-of-life and the very cute way of bakery. I love the american holidays and parties…. So thank you so much to get me a look in the bakery of your wonderful country. And the best: I learn more english. After the school english a very good practise. So, stay on and let us follow you on much, much more of your great recipes.
Greets
Corinna
Hi it is madison. I love your videos they have inspired me. I am going to make the rainbow cake for my sisters birthday. It is very colorful. I am going to give you some ideas for other videos if you do not mind. I think it would be cool if you had a rainbow cupcake and use the frosting techniqe on the rainbow cake that would be cool. maby A tyedye peace cake or cupcakes. I was wandering if you could make a cool hungergames cake. Or a twilight cake that would be cool. One more thing. RAINBOW UNICORN POOP COOKIES. that would be amazing. You do not need to do these thing. they were just some ideas. I think you are the best baker on youtube. Thanks for the ideas. Your friend and youtuber Madison. 🙂
Hi there..I have already done rainbow cupcakes, so enjoy the recipe! It’s up on my YouTube channel 🙂
Watched your video about making chocolate bowls with balloons. Can you tell me what would be the best way to make ahead and transport to a picnic to fill with homemade ice cream….YUMMY!!!
You’ll definitely want to keep the safe and cool while traveling to the picnic…maybe try a cooler! Good luck!
Where could I buy the larger icing tips? When I go to the store I usually only find tips for decorating.
Please reply, thanks!
You can buy them anywhere really…I just pick them up as I go. Check out Cake or kitchen supply speciality stores.
hi Jenn, i love your video, we are good at different shape of silicone baking form
Hey Jenn,
I just wanted to thank you for all your helpful tips from your videos. I live in Australia and I am starting my own little cake making business and watching your videos has helped me alot. I have a trade as a Chef and have always had a passion for cakes and deserts, being self taught you are a life saver 🙂
Thank you so much for what you do.
Kerrianne
Glad to be of help.
Hi Jenn, I just wanted to let you know that i had a go at your Champagne Cupcakes and they were great! I made them for my mom’s birthday today! I’m a very keen baker and trying my best to sharpen my skills are your videos really help, so Thank you!!!
Your videos are great and I love your website, they’re awesome!
Thanks so much for letting me know….and for watching the videos. I’m glad you’re learning lots from them. Jenn
Hello Jenn!
I’m Claire, from France, and I love to bake too!! 🙂
I just have a question regarding the recipes… I’m used to measure in grammes and was wondering how much grammes does a “cup” make.
Hi Claire, if you head over to our YT channel’s main page, we have a conversion chart on there for you. Thanks! Jenn
Hi Jenn!
I absolutely love love love your website and videos! Please keep them a’comin! My question to you is – what type and brand of oven do you use? Is it gas or electric? I have a Whirlpool Accubake (ugh)! It is gas. No matter which cookie recipe I use, I do not over mix my batter and my dough is ice cold, my cookies spread! Even if I omit baking powder/soda. Even my cakes do not bake evenly. I am a hobbyist/home baker. Any help, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated! My favorite saying too, is… this too shall pass! Oh how I wish I had your energy!? Thank you Jenn.
Question about buttercream: Do I need to add corn syrup or something else to decorate a cake. Do I need to change the consistency? I watch the video but it was not indicated. Thanks so much for your instructional video.
No, you don’t need to add anything like that. If you find that it is too thick to ice your cake, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Hi my name is Christina, I am from alamosa, Colorado. I have been looking for a new cake recipe to try. I came across yours on YouTube. I was wondering if you have adjustments for high altitude?
Hi Christina, I live in the Rocky Mountains too..but not as high as you, I don’t think! A general rule for cake batters is to decrease the baking powder or soda by 1/8 tsp for each teaspoon called for in the recipe. I hope that helps!!
Hello Jen! Im Jennifer and I came across your whole youtube show how’s through google here in America… I ended up watching like 7 in a row lol… ive jotted down quite a lof of things… so THANK U TIMES A MILLION for the genius ideas!! But this one thing is driving me INSANE…what does your tattoo say and whats the meaning behind it (if thats not too personal)……either way im SO BLESSED to find ur sight… and am defentally gonna be staying in touch with u forever 😀
#1 USA FAN
Jennifer B.
That’s awesome!! My brother and his family lives in the US, so it’s nice to have a following down there 🙂 My tatoo says, “this too shall pass” in Latin. Thanks for watching and reading!
Hello Jenn!!! Its a pleasure to speak to you. I am a 23 year old massage therapist from texas. My massage business has slowed down a bit so all of my family and friends have been nagging me about saling my cakes. I’ve been baking sense I was about 12 years old and I truely taught myself, but I’m not a professional. I do know how to do the basics and I do make everything from scratch but I do not know how to decorate nor do i know how where to start with this new business venture. Is there any advice you can give me. Thank you in advance.
I am self taught as well (aside from a few basic decorating classes). All I can tell you is that practice makes perfect. Other than that, I don’t know what kind of advice you may be looking for.