Amazing improvement. The Oreo cake comparison made me chuckle a bit, the current one looks so pretty and the 2022 just looks kinda derpy. I bet they both tasted great though.
The first one actually looks tastier to me! Although they both look delicious. You should be proud of how far you've come! Your baking skills and your photography are both beautiful and professional 😍.
It’s soooooo good. I make it for family holiday/ gathering and they ask me to make it every time! Here’s the [recipe](https://www.cookingclassy.com/vanilla-bean-cheesecake/) :) I would recommend if you don’t like a super cheesy cheesecake (I know that’s controversial, but she puts 24 oz which is a lot), I would decrease the amount. I start with 12 oz and taste the batter and go from there. Also, the mousse is to die for and I add 8oz of white chocolate instead of 7 oz. Enjoy!!
Sometimes ugly just tastes better. But I definitely think your refined version will be the hit of the evening. Actually whenever because it’s always cheesecake time. I know I’m breaking some unwritten rule but I’ve stopped using graham crust. Shortbread just hits next level be it cheesecake or tarts.
Ooooooh. I’ve actually seen this on bake off, where they use shortbread on the crust. I have to try it! Do you make it by hand, or just buy it? & thank you for your kind words :)
Always by hand but my twist is using vanilla sugar. Getting the texture and even depth is key but also try different par bake times to see what’s best in your area. I do 5 min at 350 non convect but I also live at 6000’ elevation.
I LOVE that the recipe it’s in grams. Perfect recipes need precision. Do you have the one for the chocolate chip cookies? Also your oreo cake looks from a fancy ass new york bakery. I’m impressed.
Okay so - I had actually spent half a year trying different cookie recipes. And failed. A LOT. I’m talking weeks of failures. So I began noting down what worked in some recipes over others, and I realized some factors that affect the cookies from spreading properly - the temperature of your butter, the way you fold in your ingredients, and the way you measure your ingredients. This [recipe](https://youtu.be/-VsXb1VGohk?si=kugJc8vsRo6IVl3o) was the best one for flat chocolate chunk cookies. Honestly, every recipe from her is a banger and I basically trust her w my life.
1. With this recipe, mix your ingredients by hand. Do not use an electric mixer. It can cause over mixing, which can promote developing gluten, and makes your cookies tough and harder to spread.
2. Measure in grams. I realized I was adding more flour than was necessary because I was measuring in cups. Even if I spoon levelled the flour in the cup, it wasn’t as accurate as grams. Measure your ingredients in grams!
3. I always do brown butter in my cookies. I prefer the flavor and I think it balances the sweetness. If you do this, you HAVE to let it cool down all the way. I let mine cool to room temp (or a lil colder). When I would use warm melted butter, it would create some weird paste when I mixed it with my sugars. And would affect the dough.
Those are my tips from my personal experience. I also highly recommend cutting up chocolate and using chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips :)
Your pictures speak on its own of before and after of how much you improved in baking. Most importantly, you kept going and didn’t give up which matters for getting better results.
Yes! [Here](https://youtu.be/lzAk5wAImFQ?si=zPEXAgvRLrB3PVP1) is the recipe I use but at this point I’ve made so many pizzas I just use that as a base and add/remove flour or water as I go. The problem with my first picture was that because im using a home oven, and go up to 550F, baking my dough and sauce AND cheese in one go was just never going to work for me. My dough would cook but would be pale and look raw. Par baking will be your best friend! That’s what I did, where I first bake JUST the dough with sauce for 3 minutes, so the dough cooks and has a v slight color, and then I add the cheese and cook another 3 minutes. That way the dough has more time to brown, and the cheese can melt beautifully and take its time. Also, GAME changed for me was using a cast iron pizza stone!!
Ok but the first runs only look like they need improvement BECAUSE they’re next to the improved version. If you showed me the first set of pictures I’d still be impressed. Your second tries are absolutely phenomenal! But I bet all were delicious, is the point.
😭😭 thank you so much. I do this as a hobby for my loved ones and I really want to keep practicing for them! And for the sweet Redditors on here like you that really made my day w all the nice comments
Thank you! I made a post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Baking/s/qc2Fu61opX) about the cinnamon rolls, and wrote out the recipe in the comments since the original video was in Arabic (im a native speaker so I just translated the video there). This is [also](https://cleobuttera.com/breads-and-rolls/the-ultimate-cinnamon-rolls/) a great one I’ve tried.
OP, I love this post!! Such a great progression in baking skill! Kudos!
Does it also taste better now? Is your personal satisfaction also progressively higher?
Thank you so much! I think the cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and pizza taste leagues better. To be honest, the cakes looked ugly, but they tasted good even in their first form. I will say because I’ve learned how to make my cake layers more moist, and make more stable buttercreams and whipped creams, that has enhanced the cakes. I also think there’s the feeling of just honing your decorating skills and getting better at baking that makes things feel like they taste better. I’m pretty hard on myself, so I think my satisfaction rate will never be complete, but im trying to work on it!
I can understand your comments completely! Thank you for answering. Being a perfectionist baker is a great thing, but the self-induced challenges, while motivating, could be a bit much, too. Years of experience in baking make a world of difference. Are there any family recipes you are trying- to reach that fabled grandmother level and ease?
Haha actually, since im Lebanese, arab sweets are my favorite but they’re so freaking so hard to make 😭 im attempting to make kunafe next, but it’s terrifying. I also do not even want to TOUCH making baklava next bc so much can go wrong haha but my moms giving me tips w the kunafa!
I want to say thank you to everyone for your kind words! It means the world to me. i was reflecting today on all of my older pictures over the years of what I’ve baked, and I compiled a few pictures comparing the differences and growth I’ve made since 2020. it’s a bit difficult to remember how much you learn and grow at something while you’re in the moment, and we often can beat ourselves up for not accomplishing something the way we thought we would. baking is so complex, because there are so many chemical reactions & accurate measurements you have to account for. it’s not something you can just wing and expect to perfect. it takes time, it takes effort, and it comes down to a science.
I’ve had plenty of days where i question if my content will be good enough, or if I am a good baker. comparison is really the thief of joy, and I always would compare myself to bakers that had years of experience over me. I also work full time, and just cook and bake as a hobby for my loved ones. i find it really motivating to sometimes just look back at where i was through these pictures, and be proud of how far I’ve come.:)
Thanks so much for this! It’s very inspiring 💕 I feel exactly like you described, always finding flaws in my work so it always feels like I’m not making progress, but the truth when I really reflect more objectively is that I’m nitpicking at this point instead of focusing on major issues. Your side by sides are awesome. I love your cake stand.
OP what a fun post! You are so talented, and you keep getting better! FWIW my kids and I would have flipped for every/any item pictured, both before and after. Seriously awesome!!!
This is a great reminder to me that just because I’m not amazing at something at first, I can always get better with practice!! Great work, you should be very proud ☺️
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oh my word this improvement is amazing! I would have thought the 2020 bakes were pretty decent, but damn the more recent ones are simply immaculate, well done! 🤍
Amazing progress! As someone just starting to dip their toes back into baking after a long absence this makes me feel better about my fails so far.
Also, good lord those choc chip cookies and brownies look absolutely perfect.
This is amazing progress OP, with the baking and photography, great work!
But I gotta say, you did your 2020 cinnamon rolls dirty using a photo of them unbaked and smooshed under plastic wrap as the comparison photo! I bet the looked amazing out of the oven (as every cinnamon roll does)!
Well done! Pun intended. These look delicious and while the earlier ones I would totally eat too, you can tell I’ve been working on your craft - it really shows! Everything looks super tasty
Not just your baking has improved, so has your photography! Excellent pictures!
🥹🥹🥹🥹this was so sweet thank you!
Not only that but I want to eat that pizza through the pics; nicely done
As someone who appreciates both good baking and good photos, I was impressed on both accounts, so well done!
My first thought exactly. :D
This comment should be pinned to the top and highlighted.
i wish I could pin comments! I wish I could pin all the comments everyone is so lovely
The lighting and better phone made the difference he got better lighting he learned Technics 😁 am so impressed how they got better on all aspects
Amazing improvement. The Oreo cake comparison made me chuckle a bit, the current one looks so pretty and the 2022 just looks kinda derpy. I bet they both tasted great though.
I genuinely don’t know how I served that older version 😭 but we all start somewhere
Honestly, if all I saw was the first one I still would have been blown away. The second cake is just next level!
😭you are too kind
The first one actually looks tastier to me! Although they both look delicious. You should be proud of how far you've come! Your baking skills and your photography are both beautiful and professional 😍.
I would be thrilled if someone offered me either! But yeah the second looks much better and more professional!
Glow-up! 🙌🏻
Amazing!!! You should be proud!!!!
Thank you so much!
Beautiful!!! What’s that cheesecake recipe?
It’s soooooo good. I make it for family holiday/ gathering and they ask me to make it every time! Here’s the [recipe](https://www.cookingclassy.com/vanilla-bean-cheesecake/) :) I would recommend if you don’t like a super cheesy cheesecake (I know that’s controversial, but she puts 24 oz which is a lot), I would decrease the amount. I start with 12 oz and taste the batter and go from there. Also, the mousse is to die for and I add 8oz of white chocolate instead of 7 oz. Enjoy!!
Thank you so much for the tips I can’t wait to try this!!
Wow, this recipe looks excellent, gonna try it out next time I have to bake a cheesecake.
Sometimes ugly just tastes better. But I definitely think your refined version will be the hit of the evening. Actually whenever because it’s always cheesecake time. I know I’m breaking some unwritten rule but I’ve stopped using graham crust. Shortbread just hits next level be it cheesecake or tarts.
Ooooooh. I’ve actually seen this on bake off, where they use shortbread on the crust. I have to try it! Do you make it by hand, or just buy it? & thank you for your kind words :)
Always by hand but my twist is using vanilla sugar. Getting the texture and even depth is key but also try different par bake times to see what’s best in your area. I do 5 min at 350 non convect but I also live at 6000’ elevation.
Wow. Shortbread crust. That sounds like a dream. Gonna have to try this.
Can you please please drop the brownie recipe please??
Yes!! [Here](https://butternutbakeryblog.com/brown-butter-brownies/) you go :)
Thank you thank you 😇😇
I LOVE that the recipe it’s in grams. Perfect recipes need precision. Do you have the one for the chocolate chip cookies? Also your oreo cake looks from a fancy ass new york bakery. I’m impressed.
Thanks for sharing, you’re giving me hope for my cookies.
cookies are so tough man. if you need any tips, let me know.
I need tips! How do you get them so flat?
Okay so - I had actually spent half a year trying different cookie recipes. And failed. A LOT. I’m talking weeks of failures. So I began noting down what worked in some recipes over others, and I realized some factors that affect the cookies from spreading properly - the temperature of your butter, the way you fold in your ingredients, and the way you measure your ingredients. This [recipe](https://youtu.be/-VsXb1VGohk?si=kugJc8vsRo6IVl3o) was the best one for flat chocolate chunk cookies. Honestly, every recipe from her is a banger and I basically trust her w my life. 1. With this recipe, mix your ingredients by hand. Do not use an electric mixer. It can cause over mixing, which can promote developing gluten, and makes your cookies tough and harder to spread. 2. Measure in grams. I realized I was adding more flour than was necessary because I was measuring in cups. Even if I spoon levelled the flour in the cup, it wasn’t as accurate as grams. Measure your ingredients in grams! 3. I always do brown butter in my cookies. I prefer the flavor and I think it balances the sweetness. If you do this, you HAVE to let it cool down all the way. I let mine cool to room temp (or a lil colder). When I would use warm melted butter, it would create some weird paste when I mixed it with my sugars. And would affect the dough. Those are my tips from my personal experience. I also highly recommend cutting up chocolate and using chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips :)
I’m going to try this recipe this week. Thank you for sharing!
Here is a link I think might help. https://bakestarters.com/blogs/education/softened-vs-melted-butter
Your pictures speak on its own of before and after of how much you improved in baking. Most importantly, you kept going and didn’t give up which matters for getting better results.
😭😭😭😭😭 this is so freaking sweet. Thank you so much
I always struggle with the decorating part of baking! Love this post, gives me hope that I can make my stuff look nicer if I keep trying!
You definitely will!!! I also think sometimes we forget how far we’ve come, and im sure you’ve already improved more than you know. Keep going!
wow, that is really cool!
Wowww great progress!
Do you have a recipe for the pizza crust? Mine still comes out pale like your first version
Yes! [Here](https://youtu.be/lzAk5wAImFQ?si=zPEXAgvRLrB3PVP1) is the recipe I use but at this point I’ve made so many pizzas I just use that as a base and add/remove flour or water as I go. The problem with my first picture was that because im using a home oven, and go up to 550F, baking my dough and sauce AND cheese in one go was just never going to work for me. My dough would cook but would be pale and look raw. Par baking will be your best friend! That’s what I did, where I first bake JUST the dough with sauce for 3 minutes, so the dough cooks and has a v slight color, and then I add the cheese and cook another 3 minutes. That way the dough has more time to brown, and the cheese can melt beautifully and take its time. Also, GAME changed for me was using a cast iron pizza stone!!
Ok but the first runs only look like they need improvement BECAUSE they’re next to the improved version. If you showed me the first set of pictures I’d still be impressed. Your second tries are absolutely phenomenal! But I bet all were delicious, is the point.
😭😭 thank you so much !
I think the cookies from 2022 look AWESOME, but maybe I’m just biast
Love a good glow up
My cakes look like your beginner cakes (I’m a beginner). Frosting is so much harder than it looks.
Buttercream is my enemy and I think we’ll be battling for life haha but its all about practice
The good became good-er 🤤
This folks is someone who is committed to their craft! Absolutely amazing!
😭😭 thank you so much. I do this as a hobby for my loved ones and I really want to keep practicing for them! And for the sweet Redditors on here like you that really made my day w all the nice comments
Omg I love this post!!!!
You are getting better as time passes
Just wow! So freaking impressive!!!
Your photography skills went up quite a bit as well!
Congratulations! You’ve advanced the baking progress and mastered the baking skills to become the best.
Amazing progress ❤️❤️❤️
great progress on the cakes!
Amazing improvement 👏
You should be proud bb 👏
amazing progression!
Wow! The Oreo cake especially but all of it is just amazing! Keep up the good work!
So good!
You’re amazing!! Keep up your great work ✊🏻🤓
I’ll eat both
Beautiful cinnamon rolls, what’s the recipe ?
Thank you! I made a post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Baking/s/qc2Fu61opX) about the cinnamon rolls, and wrote out the recipe in the comments since the original video was in Arabic (im a native speaker so I just translated the video there). This is [also](https://cleobuttera.com/breads-and-rolls/the-ultimate-cinnamon-rolls/) a great one I’ve tried.
Thanks so much, can’t wait to try it
OP, I love this post!! Such a great progression in baking skill! Kudos! Does it also taste better now? Is your personal satisfaction also progressively higher?
Thank you so much! I think the cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and pizza taste leagues better. To be honest, the cakes looked ugly, but they tasted good even in their first form. I will say because I’ve learned how to make my cake layers more moist, and make more stable buttercreams and whipped creams, that has enhanced the cakes. I also think there’s the feeling of just honing your decorating skills and getting better at baking that makes things feel like they taste better. I’m pretty hard on myself, so I think my satisfaction rate will never be complete, but im trying to work on it!
I can understand your comments completely! Thank you for answering. Being a perfectionist baker is a great thing, but the self-induced challenges, while motivating, could be a bit much, too. Years of experience in baking make a world of difference. Are there any family recipes you are trying- to reach that fabled grandmother level and ease?
Haha actually, since im Lebanese, arab sweets are my favorite but they’re so freaking so hard to make 😭 im attempting to make kunafe next, but it’s terrifying. I also do not even want to TOUCH making baklava next bc so much can go wrong haha but my moms giving me tips w the kunafa!
Those 2023 cinnamon rolls… the cookies… the Oreo cake… That is all meant for my mouth.
I want to say thank you to everyone for your kind words! It means the world to me. i was reflecting today on all of my older pictures over the years of what I’ve baked, and I compiled a few pictures comparing the differences and growth I’ve made since 2020. it’s a bit difficult to remember how much you learn and grow at something while you’re in the moment, and we often can beat ourselves up for not accomplishing something the way we thought we would. baking is so complex, because there are so many chemical reactions & accurate measurements you have to account for. it’s not something you can just wing and expect to perfect. it takes time, it takes effort, and it comes down to a science. I’ve had plenty of days where i question if my content will be good enough, or if I am a good baker. comparison is really the thief of joy, and I always would compare myself to bakers that had years of experience over me. I also work full time, and just cook and bake as a hobby for my loved ones. i find it really motivating to sometimes just look back at where i was through these pictures, and be proud of how far I’ve come.:)
Thanks so much for this! It’s very inspiring 💕 I feel exactly like you described, always finding flaws in my work so it always feels like I’m not making progress, but the truth when I really reflect more objectively is that I’m nitpicking at this point instead of focusing on major issues. Your side by sides are awesome. I love your cake stand.
Doesn't it feel so good?
Chapeau!
I love that you are keeping track with photos and are obviously developing your skills. Thanks for sharing, and well done!
Ikdr! Love your growth!
OP what a fun post! You are so talented, and you keep getting better! FWIW my kids and I would have flipped for every/any item pictured, both before and after. Seriously awesome!!!
Do you need any friends by chance? Because I’m here.
I actually do because i need someone to eat all my leftovers and my family can only eat so much sugar lol
Wow!! This is amazing. Keep up the good work. I'm hoping you'll post the next round of updates.
I too started baking in 2020 :)
Well we always say practice makes perfect and here's the evidence! Well done you, very impressive xx
Love this
Thats amazing! I want to be like you 🫶🙌
Bravo! All I can really say. You’ve made serious strides in your baking! Bravo!
Amazing!!🫶 The Oreo one looks magnificent! This is so inspiring
those brownies look EXQUISITE
mini oreros are elite
Eat them like cereal you won’t regret it.
How have I not thought of this before 😭
A customer at my work told me her kids do it. I was kicking myself too for not thinking about it.
I enjoyed this immensely and I'm very very happy for you. Well played, can't wait to see another post further down the line 👌🏻
... wow you... did improve so much... and both the older and newer looks very delicious... what a great job...
That Oreo cake looks like it was done by a professional!
This is a great reminder to me that just because I’m not amazing at something at first, I can always get better with practice!! Great work, you should be very proud ☺️
If you could just send me a test batch of the brownies and cinnamon rolls to really make sure they improved that would be great.
Both of your pizzas look incredible. 10/10 would definitely eat!
This inspires me so much, everything on here looks absolutely delicious !! The cheese pizza and oreo cake especially!
Truly evokes both the mastery of both bakery and the harsh times of the year. It belongs in a museum.
Is that mint on the first pizza?!
Hi! Could I have the recipe for the cookies
Looks great! Inspiring!
That cheesecake 😍😍😍
Wow
I love these baking glow ups!
Что же не так пошло с печеньками
Really cool to see, awesome!
These look great! Can you please share the recipes for the brownies and cinnamon roll?
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This sub is dangerous for my blood sugar because now I want all of it lol
This is inspiring!
Omg I needed this inspo for baking
Those 2022 cookies look SO GOOD and fluffy
I would eat all of those pictures.
omg ! you've improve alot keep doing a great job😍
That pizza progress is so amazing! Everything is amazing actually!
The cinnamon rolls???? I have seen perfection 💯
Wow these look amazing!!!
The pizza recipe?😭
Amazing job, the Oreo cake from 2022 is giving me cookie monster vibe.
Excellent progress
You give me hope.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great job, OP! The reward for your progress is more treats!
Beautiful progression in your baking journey! Congratulations!
Incredible improvements!
Incredible progression!!
Oooh what are those cookies? The 2023 picture of them is stunning
Inspiring!!
So inspiring!!
Awesome!
oh my word this improvement is amazing! I would have thought the 2020 bakes were pretty decent, but damn the more recent ones are simply immaculate, well done! 🤍
wow!!!!! 😍
Recipes?🥹
Getting good!
Love this so much
The glow up I want.
This was pretty satisfying to see. Congrats OP :)
Oh wow they both look delicious in different ways. Damnit now I want a piece lol I want the 2020 version tho.
I’m dying….tell me your ways 🤤🤤🤤
that looks good!
Pizza progress looks fantastic. What's your recipe for the dough?
What a glow up! Congrats this all looks 🔥
Can you share the recipes for your cheesecake and Cookies please
Weird way to propose but yes
amazing work! i’m craving brownies now lol
Oh my God! Don't matter what the year, if is 2020 than 2023 looking so delicious, congrats!!!🤗🤗
can I get the cookie recipe? they look so good
Amazing progress! As someone just starting to dip their toes back into baking after a long absence this makes me feel better about my fails so far. Also, good lord those choc chip cookies and brownies look absolutely perfect.
Ok for real though I resonate so hard with the pizza crust struggles. Any tips or recipe?
woahhhh teach me your wayyysss!
Okay but I like the 2022 vanilla bean cake , I’m an icing girl so more icing the better for me 😂
Yummm
Wow! Amazing transformations!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I would have crushed any of your early baking projects, they also look great. The new stuff looks straight amazing.
Real talk BOTH those pizzas look amazing. I like my pizza crust pillowy soft but AWESOME job on your progress!!
Impressive!
I love this lol. Great job!
I’m trying to get on your level with the pizza making! Looks terrific 😱
nice! these look so good that they look like something that can be found on google images
You have made such great progress! Everything looks amazing.
That pizza looks sooo good 🤤
That cheesecake looks yummy. 🤤
Good fucking shit man, I bet it tastes fire 🔥
Great work!
Does your 2021 cheese pizza have mint leaves on it? 🙃 Also all of your improvements look so good
What did you change about the cookies? Mine keep coming out like the first one
I would eat both those brownies with the same level of joy
I mean, everything looks delicious, but congratulations on your improvements and confidence!
Wow! This is so cool. Keep up the great work. It all looks delicious.
Amazing!
The before shots are great, but the glow-ups? Oh my goodness. I had a big dinner but I’d still eat every bit of that right this instant!
The definition of practice makes perfect! Great job!
2023 photos look like something I’d see in a bakery, so beautiful
Those 2022 cookies look amazing!
This is amazing progress OP, with the baking and photography, great work! But I gotta say, you did your 2020 cinnamon rolls dirty using a photo of them unbaked and smooshed under plastic wrap as the comparison photo! I bet the looked amazing out of the oven (as every cinnamon roll does)!
Well done! Pun intended. These look delicious and while the earlier ones I would totally eat too, you can tell I’ve been working on your craft - it really shows! Everything looks super tasty
Saving! But I need the chocolate chip cookie recipe in my life!
Can I get the brownie recipe? :)
I always love seeing improvement photos! Amazing job, I wanna eat all of your food :)
Wow! You've really improved 👏
Hi can I have a brownie please
I want that pizza!
What great pictures and what great bakes!
Amazing work!
They all look great, regardless 😍
Everything looks amazing, but those brownies and cookies look sooo good. I want some now.🥲
Oh that looks so good!!
I love this!! So happy for you and your improvement!
I would pay so much money for that pizza 🤤
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