Review of Mali Bakes Cookbook
Few culinary books have captured my imagination quite like Mali Bakes by Patti Chimkire, the creative force behind the beloved bakeshop and cake studio of the same name. Set to release on November 4, 2025, this cookbook is a vibrant, heartfelt ode to cake-making that blends nostalgia with innovation, offering a delightful journey for bakers of all skill levels. Inspired by the vintage cake decorating books of the 1970s, Mali Bakes transforms Patti’s lockdown side hustle into a stunning collection of recipes, techniques, and visual artistry that promises to elevate your baking game and fill your kitchen with colour and flavour.
From the moment you open Mali Bakes, it’s clear this is no ordinary cookbook. Patti’s modern interpretation of classic, vintage-inspired cake aesthetics leaps off the page, with bold flavor combinations and contemporary color palettes that feel both timeless and fresh. The book is a treasure trove of recipes, ranging from approachable bakes like the Apple and Yuzu Upside-Down Cake and the Thai Tea Chiffon Cake to more intricate creations like the Buttermilk Vanilla Cake with Brown Butter Custard and the Pistachio Cake with Cardamom Roasted Rhubarb. Each recipe is a celebration of flavour, designed to surprise and delight with unexpected pairings that reflect Patti’s innovative approach to baking. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, the book guides you through a delicious adventure, starting with simpler cakes and progressing to showstopping layer cakes that are as beautiful as they are delectable.
What sets Mali Bakes apart is its emphasis on process over mere recipes. Patti doesn’t just tell you what to bake; she teaches you how to bake, with meticulous attention to detail that makes this book an education in itself. The step-by-step guides are a standout feature, offering clear, practical tips for stacking layers, achieving a silky-smooth buttercream finish, and mastering the art of piping. A dedicated section on decorating dives into the nuances of color theory and piping basics, empowering bakers to transform their cakes into edible works of art.
For those eager to push their skills further, the book includes 15 decorating projects, each accompanied by stunning step-by-step photographs. These projects range from beginner-friendly designs to advanced masterpieces, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re crafting a cake for a casual gathering or a grand celebration.
The visual appeal of Mali Bakes is exceptional. The book is brimming with vibrant illustrations, photographs, and graphics that bring the baking process to life. Each page feels like an extension of Patti’s bakeshop, capturing the joy and creativity that define her work.
The imagery not only serves as inspiration but also as a practical guide, making complex techniques feel accessible and inviting. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to display on your coffee table as much as you’ll want to use it in the kitchen.
At its core, Mali Bakes is a love letter to cake and to the bakers who pour their hearts into their creations. Patti’s passion shines through in every recipe, from crowd-pleasers like the Vietnamese Coffee Flan Cake and the Matcha Cherry Sake Chiffon Roll to fan-favorite layer cakes like the Olive Oil Ricotta and Classic Vanilla. The book feels deeply personal, reflecting the journey of a baker who turned a lockdown project into a thriving business and now shares her expertise with the world. Patti’s voice is warm and encouraging, making you feel like she’s right there in the kitchen, cheering you on as you pipe your first rosette or stack your first layer cake.
Available for pre-order on Amazon, Mali Bakes is poised to become a must-have for anyone with a passion for baking or an appreciation for beautiful, flavorful cakes. It’s the perfect gift for the home baker in your life - or for yourself, if you’re ready to embark on a colourful, delicious journey. Patti and her team have poured their hearts into this book, and the result is a masterpiece that captures everything we love about Mali Bakes: creativity, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in the joy of creation, Mali Bakes will inspire you to pick up a spatula and make something extraordinary.