For me, baking isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way to relax, create, and satisfy a sweet tooth. But all bakers need a little inspiration. That’s where baking influencers come in! These creators have an amazing way of making even the most complicated recipes feel achievable.
From delicious cookies to eye-catching cakes, these three baking influencers have redefined home baking for me. Each brings a unique style to the kitchen, but they all share one goal: making baking simple, enjoyable, and absolutely delicious.
1. John Kanell – Preppy Kitchen
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and been captivated by a picture-perfect pie or a flawless layer cake, there’s a good chance John Kanell was behind it. As the creator of Preppy Kitchen, John combines his background as a fine arts graduate from UCLA, a former middle school math and science teacher, and a lifelong passion for cooking inspired by his mother. His recipes are a blend of creativity, precision, and heart, making baking feel both approachable and rewarding.
John was the first baking influencer I ever followed more than five years ago. I was amazed by his simple yet stunning desserts and found myself drawn to his thoughtful tips and techniques. From making my cakes fluffier to ensuring my cookies stayed soft and my measurements were precise, John’s guidance transformed my approach to baking. His clear instructions and logical approach make every recipe feel achievable, no matter your skill level.
His mission is clear: to help people feel “prep”-ared in the kitchen, giving them the confidence to tackle any recipe. His step-by-step instructions and logical approach leave no guesswork, ensuring success for bakers of all levels. Beyond his blog, John is a two-time cookbook author, with Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures becoming a New York Times Best Seller and his second cookbook, Preppy Kitchen: Super Easy, released in 2024.
Why You Should Follow Him:
- Approachable Elegance: Complex-looking bakes, simplified step-by-step.
- Seasonal Vibes: Recipes are perfectly timed for holidays and special occasions.
- Baking Teacher Energy: He explains why you’re doing each step, so you actually learn as you bake.
Must-Try Recipes from Preppy Kitchen:
- Blueberry Muffins (packed with fresh berries and a perfectly tender crumb)
- Cinnamon Rolls (soft, gooey, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting)
- All Cakes (especially Chocolate!) (moist, rich, and undeniably show-stopping)
2. Sarah Fennel – Broma Bakery
If you believe desserts should look as good as they taste, Broma Bakery is the account to follow. Founded by Sarah Fennel in 2010, it started as a way for her to feel at home while in college, and it’s grown into a must-visit spot for dessert lovers. Her recipes are indulgent, creative, and easy enough to actually make at home.
What I love most about Broma Bakery is that the recipes feel fancy but never complicated. Sarah has a way of making things like Red Wine Brownies and Chocolate Brownie Cookie Dough Cake seem totally doable. She also brings a fresh twist to classics like Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies and Blackout Chocolate Cake. Her step-by-step instructions and stunning photos make you want to drop everything and start baking.
Broma Bakery has over 1,000 dessert recipes for every kind of craving — from quick snacks like Golden Graham S’mores Bars to crowd-pleasers for special occasions. Sarah’s approach to baking is simple: it should be easy, fun, and so good you’ll want to eat it right off the counter. And with love in every recipe, you can tell she means it!
Why You Should Follow Her:
- Gourmet Made Simple: Impressive desserts that are surprisingly easy to make.
- Stunning Food Photography: Each recipe photo is Pinterest-worthy, and she shares tips on how to make your food look just as pretty.
- Unique Recipe Flavors: Classic treats with fun, creative twists you didn’t know you needed.
Must-Try Recipes from Broma Bakery:
- Salted Caramel Brownies (fudgy, gooey, salty-sweet perfection)
- Cinnamon Churro Muffins (like churros, but fluffier and easier to make)
- Cookie Dough-Stuffed Cupcakes (there’s actual cookie dough inside!)
3. Sally McKenney – Sally’s Baking Addiction
If you’ve ever Googled “best chocolate chip cookie recipe”, you’ve probably landed on Sally McKenney’s site, Sally’s Baking Recipes. What started as a personal blog in 2011 has grown into one of the most trusted baking resources online. Sally is a self-taught baker inspired by her mom and grandma, and she’s all about sharing easy-to-follow, well-tested recipes that actually work. Her site is packed with classic bakes like pecan pie and soft pretzels, plus tons of tips, step-by-step photos, and tutorials to make baking feel way less intimidating.
What I love most about Sally is how clear and detailed her instructions are. She doesn’t just tell you what to do — she explains why it matters. I’ve learned so much from her guides, like how to keep cookies from going flat or how to master pie crust. Her step-by-step photos and videos make even tricky recipes feel doable.
Sally’s recipes are a mix of classic favorites and fun twists, like Nutella-stuffed cookies and lemon blueberry scones. She’s also a three-time cookbook author, and her work has been featured in People Magazine and Good Morning America. What started as a one-woman blog has grown into a full team of bakers, photographers, and video creators, all working together to bring her recipes to life.
Why You Should Follow Her:
- Beginner-Friendly Recipes: Perfect for anyone learning to bake for the first time.
- Tested, Tried & True: Her recipes work every time. No baking fails!
- Baking Lessons Built In: Each recipe includes mini lessons (like how to cream butter properly) so you get better with each bake.
Must-Try Recipes from Sally’s Baking Addiction:
- Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies (over 1.3K five-star reviews!)
- Triple Chocolate Cake (rich, fudgy, and layered with intense chocolate flavor)
- Banana Bread (super-moist with a buttery texture, banana and brown sugar flavors, and a soft crumb)
These three influencers have something for everyone, whether you want to bake for a holiday party, impress your friends with stunning desserts, or just learn to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie. So go ahead — follow them, try a recipe or two, and get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!