In the Mix With @gigi.bake.oven

Gianna, known in the baking world as @gigi.bake.oven, crafts cakes that are absolutely breathtaking. Graphic, floral, and perfectly suited for any celebration. Gigi’s passion for baking is rooted in the creation of community through food. On her stunning website—truly worth a visit—she writes, “I really just love making dessert for just pure joy and fun, so here’s to eating more cake and meeting new friends along the way.”

Since Dolcetta's inception, Gigi has been a cornerstone of this vibrant community. Delving into her baking favorites was such a treasure. We did a quick 10 questions, covering Gigi’s hot takes, favorite flavors, and more below!

1) How did you get started baking?

I want to say baking was my first hobby. As early as 5 or 6 I was already so drawn to making cupcakes because my mom would make my sister and I’s birthday cake every year. My style has changed so much – I was obsessed with What’s Up Cupcake and wanting to create themed desserts all the time where as to now I focus on more natural and organic designs when it comes to decorating the desserts I create.

2) What is your favorite / least favorite part of baking?

My favorite and least favorite part is definitely separating the yolk and whites in eggs. It’s so satisfying when you’re separating it but when the yolk breaks in the middle of separating sometimes it drives me crazy!!

3) What is your go-to meal when you're feeling lazy?

I love making a random salad, which typically consists of greens, any fruits or veggies I have laying in my fridge and the star of the show dinosaur chicken nuggets.

4) What is your baking hot take?

I just haven’t had a good one but the cookie croissant trend needs to go lol. Also flaky sea salt ALWAYS on a chocolate chip cookie.

5) Are there any food trends that you've been obsessed with lately?

My friend Bernadette (@buttermilkbabushka) creates these super fun tiered desserts, such as a cinnamon roll tower or recently she made a muffin cake one and they’re just so fun and so cute!

6) What's the most unusual flavor combination you've ever tried? Did it work?

Natasha Pickowicz has an icing recipe that the main component is vinegar and/or balsamic glaze and it was so unique and interesting, I paired it with gingerbread and it was a chef’s kiss.

7) What's one baking tool or gadget you can't live without?

I will forever and ever love my offset spatulas!! Can’t live without one.

8) How do you stay inspired and come up with new recipes?

I honestly am influenced by so many amazing bakers out there and the flavor combinations they come up with. My friend Camille, she’s an amazing chef, we bounce flavor combination ideas to each other and that also helps having someone you can ask, do you think this would work or what would go well with this flavor component — she’s the best at helping me with that.

9) What's your favorite holiday to bake for, and what do you typically make?

Every Christmas morning I make cinnamon rolls and I bring them over to my cousin’s house! Each year I change up the flavor but they usually get devoured in like seconds.

10) What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your baking?

I think the biggest compliment is honestly when people just show up to any pop up I have. Putting your work out there can be really scary and I think for me the support I’ve gotten is simply the biggest compliment.

Always so much fun with Gigi! Thanks for the insight, and for making me hungry...

Cheers,

Maya