WELCOME TO Nelly Bakes

Hi, I’m Mckenna, the sweet soul behind Nelly Bakes, and I’m absolutely overjoyed to welcome you into my world of delightful baking and heartwarming treats! I’m passionate about creating, testing, and sharing baking recipes that fill homes with incredible aromas and hearts with pure happiness. Welcome to my cozy corner of the baking universe!

Let me share the story of how my love for baking began. I grew up in a household where Saturday mornings weren’t complete without the heavenly scent of something wonderful rising in the oven. My family had a beautiful tradition where weekends meant homemade bread, fresh muffins, or surprise batches of cookies that would mysteriously appear just when we needed them most.

My earliest memories are of tiptoeing into the kitchen before dawn, drawn by the warm glow of the oven light and the promise of something magical happening inside. My mother was always there, flour dusting her apron, checking on her latest baking creation with the careful attention of an artist perfecting her masterpiece. She taught me that baking wasn’t just about following recipes—it was about creating moments of joy and comfort for the people you love.

But it was my neighbor, Mrs. Patterson, who truly opened my eyes to the transformative power of baking. Every Thursday afternoon, she would invite me over to help with her weekly bread-making ritual. Her kitchen was like a warm sanctuary, filled with the gentle sounds of kneading dough and the intoxicating aroma of yeast working its magic. She showed me that baking was both science and art, requiring precision and patience, but also intuition and heart.

I’ll treasure forever the afternoon she handed me my own apron and said, “Mckenna, baking is like giving hugs you can taste.” Those words captured everything I’ve come to love about the art of baking.

As I grew older, my fascination with baking led me to explore everything from delicate French pastries to rustic countryside breads. I spent countless weekends experimenting with different flours, perfecting my understanding of how temperature and timing affect texture, and learning that the most rewarding baking often comes from understanding the why behind each technique, not just the how.

Throughout college, my dorm room became famous for the care packages I would bake for homesick friends and the study session treats that somehow made even the most stressful exam periods feel manageable. Each successful batch taught me more about the incredible power of baked goods to comfort, celebrate, and connect people across any distance or difficulty.

Today, at 25, I pour all of that love and expertise into Nelly Bakes. This blog is my heartfelt gift to everyone who understands that some of life’s sweetest moments happen when we take the time to create something beautiful from flour, sugar, and a generous helping of care. Whether you’re a complete baking beginner or someone looking to expand your repertoire, I’m here to guide and encourage you every step of the way.

When I’m not developing new baking recipes, you’ll find me exploring artisan bakeries for inspiration, testing different brands of chocolate for the perfect cookie, or carefully documenting techniques that ensure consistent, successful results in any home kitchen.

Why Trust My Baking Expertise?

With over 8 years of dedicated baking experience and countless hours spent perfecting techniques for home kitchens, I bring both passion and precision to every sweet and savory baked creation I share.

I believe that baking should be a source of joy and accomplishment, never frustration! That’s why every recipe on Nelly Bakes includes detailed explanations of technique, troubleshooting tips for common issues, and the kind of encouraging guidance that helps you understand not just what to do, but why it works. I focus on reliable methods, accessible ingredients, and building the confidence that comes from consistent baking success.

From everyday comfort bakes that make ordinary days special to celebration cakes that mark life’s most important moments, my recipes honor both the simple pleasures and grand occasions that call for something homemade and heartfelt. I’m passionate about helping home bakers discover that the most meaningful treats are often the ones made with your own hands in your own kitchen.

My approach combines traditional baking wisdom with modern home kitchen realities. Whether you’re looking to master classic techniques, explore international baking traditions, or create stunning presentations that rival professional bakeries, you’ll find recipes that respect both the science of baking and the joy of creating something beautiful.

Nelly Bakes is more than just a baking blog—it’s a warm community where baking enthusiasts come together to share successes, learn from challenges, and celebrate the incredible satisfaction that comes from pulling something perfect out of the oven.

Thank you for joining me in this sweet journey! I’m honored to be part of your baking adventures and can’t wait to help you create treats that will become treasured family favorites.

If you have baking questions, want to share photos of your latest creations, or need help troubleshooting a recipe that didn’t turn out as expected, please reach out through my Contact page. I love hearing from fellow bakers, and I’m always here to help you achieve baking success!

Happy baking!

Mckenna