Exploring the Art of Baking with @dreamyfigs

The alchemy of flour and imagination is a curious thing, one that Bella of @dreamyfigs has been whipping up in her Brooklyn kitchen with the fervor of a newfound love. Over the past nine months, her creations have become more than just cakes—they're edible works of art, each one a delightful testament to her passion and creativity. A self-taught baker with a background in visual arts, she's discovered a sweet spot where food and art collide, and she's been playing in that space ever since.

I’ve been captivated by Bella’s creations ever since they first crossed my path on Instagram. Her intricate piping details and mesmerizing use of color reveal a painter’s touch in the realm of cake decorating. Each piece is a testament to her artistry, as @dreamyfigs infuses her cakes with a blend of whimsy and precision. Her journey from her first cake to her signature floral masterpieces is a story of joyful experimentation and boundless curiosity. What began as a simple interest has blossomed into a full-blown obsession, with nature-inspired designs that reflect her love for flowers and fruit.

Join us as we chat with @dreamyfigs about the sparks of inspiration, the creative process that takes her from concept to confection, and the daily routines that keep her grounded in the bustling heart of Brooklyn. Her story is a delicious reminder that the most delightful creations often come from following one's passion and letting creativity lead the way.

When I stumbled upon your cakes on Instagram, I was mesmerized. Your decorating style is enchanting, and nothing like I’ve seen before. Where do you source your creative inspiration?

Thank you! I would say that nature is my biggest inspiration of all time. I absolutely adore flowers, and also find fruit to be one of the best things on the planet - so most of my cakes will incorporate some kind of fruit, both in the flavor and color scheme! In terms of style evolution, my first cakes started out as more whimsical. Now, I’ve actually become quite fond of symmetry, and like to incorporate repeating patterns and almost more of an architectural look into my designs.

Ah how wonderful, I just love the juxtaposition of structure and whimsy on your cakes. The vibrant fruits and florals are placed so perfectly amongst your intricate piping. What first ignited your passion for baking? And tell me—are you trained in this art, or is it all self-taught?

I am 100% self-taught! I actually made my very first cake less than a year ago, and I totally fell in love with it on the spot. I remember feeling surprised at how much I enjoyed the process and that I couldn’t wait to just do it again… and apparently I just haven’t stopped since! I’ve always enjoyed baking, but was curious to specifically try making a cake because of the structural component… I’ve done a lot of different kinds of visual art my whole life, and painting and sculpture were always my favorite. So even though I’m still very new to cakes, they’re kind of like the crossroads between food and art - so it makes sense why it feels very natural to me even though I never learned baking formally!

The only thing that has actually been with me from the start are the large floral centerpieces! I’ve always gravitated towards using fruits and flowers to create arrangements for the center, which I now feel like has become a signature for my designs.

I am an ardent supporter of flowers on cakes—the more, the better, if you ask me. Not only are your cake decorations visually stunning, but the flavor combinations also consistently leave me marveling at your ingenuity—how do you come up with such brilliance? Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to the finished product?

It almost always starts with an ingredient. Whether it’s a new spice someone told me about or a beautiful fruit at the farmers market or a delicious tea that I can’t get enough of, 9 times out of 10 a cake will be inspired by a single ingredient I’m excited to play around with. From there, I will brainstorm different flavor combinations with that ingredient and test them out to find the right recipe. This is actually one of my favorite parts of the whole process! These flavor combinations will usually appear in my head at the most random times, like in the middle of the night where I have to scribble it down on a sticky note or in the shower or on a long walk. I really enjoy the daydreaming stage…. and you can’t rush this part!

Once I have my flavor down, I’ll use that as inspiration to choose the right decorations to reflect it. This is where my inner artist gets really happy, because I get to think about colors, flowers, piping shapes, and textures that I’ll want to use in the final look. Once it comes time to decorate, I kind of just flow and see what happens! I almost always decorate with music blasting, and I have to be in a calm, focused state. From there, I just let my hands and intuition do the rest. But bottom line, I’d say that the inspiration and love of the food itself really has served as a compass for me throughout the whole creative process. I love to eat and try new things. Never lets me down!

I couldn’t agree more. My affection for sugar drew me into the realm of baking, but it’s the thrill of creativity that keeps me anchored here. There’s something so enchanting about experimenting with new ingredients and decoration styles. As a lifelong creative, I find that the anticipation of decorating is always the most exhilarating part of the process.

What’s a day in the life for you like?

Lots of grocery shopping, prepping, and doing dishes! I also do graphic design for work and am studying interior design on the side. I love spending time outside, so my partner and I drive out of the city regularly to hike and be in nature — this is also part of my work for Dreamyfigs as it keeps me happy and inspired!

I’m constantly inspired by nature as well, and always looking to escape into it when possible. Does living in New York or Brooklyn influence your creative process in any way?

I wouldn’t say that the city itself inspires me, but the people in it do! I am so grateful to live in such a diverse, bustling place where people just GO for it - whatever they’re here to do. I still pinch myself that I can live such a creative life here, amongst not only other incredibly talented artists but people that will cheer you on and support your work! It reminds me to keep being brave, and helps me stay committed to my creative process for sure.

There is just infinite creativity in and around the city – I love it. I have a few quick questions to round us out. Do you have any baking tips that you swear by?

1. double your vanilla and salt

2. (strong personal preference) to use high quality olive oil over vegetable or canola

3. your mood becomes your food! I feel like being in a calmer headspace before working with your hands is absolute key. an anxious or frustrated state has ruined so many of my bakes!

Nothing beats high quality olive oil! What’s your favorite flavor combination?

I’m obsessed with tea, so all of my tea-based cakes have to be my favorite. I recently started making a spiced chai, banana jam and salted honey cake that I can’t get enough of! Also my matcha lychee rice pudding cake was a vibe.

Those sound SO good. Is this any different than your favorite cake you’ve ever baked?

I recently made a date, pistachio, and labneh carrot cake that was decorated with rainbow carrots and herbs! I’ve been fantasizing about using more savory ingredients and vegetables as decorations, so I really enjoyed creating that one. I hope to do more unique designs like that it in the future!

And I can’t wait to keep up with all of your gorgeous designs! Are you accepting orders or commissions?

I am currently taking a break through August, but will resume accepting orders in the Fall!

I’m drooling imagining your spiced chai, banana jam, and salted honey cake in the crisp autumn air… I have no doubt that your fall flavors will be nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you so much, Bella, for taking the time to chat. As a long-time admirer (and self-proclaimed Dreamyfigs fangirl), I’m so honored for the chance to delve into the artistry behind your creations.

Keep up with @dreamyfigs on Instagram or send her an email at hellodreamyfigs@gmail.com for orders this fall!

And as always, feel free to reach out if you have any creative ideas you'd like to feature on the Dolcetta Creator Series at dolcettabaking@gmail.com.

Cheers,

Maya