Owing to the pandemic, the city has seen a surge in the number of home bakers. This festive season, more people are getting their confectioneries and sweets customised through home bakers than their regular commercial bakery stores. This swap is because of the flexibility to customise, quality and inclusivity.

Speaking to DT Next, Vinitia Sharon, founder of Frost: The Pastry Studio says, “Navaratri and Diwali are always very busy for me. I get so many bulk orders from corporate companies and people organising golu parties at home. Recently, a client wanted nine cupcakes decorated as sweets- like gulab jamun, jalebi and so on, for their golu party. As time-consuming as these orders are; I would like to be a part of their celebration through my work.”

Another home baker, Aashiqa Fathima, founder of CMakes has a unique twist on confectionery. She has been making rasmalai tres leches cups, which are a delectable, creamy dessert. For people finding it particularly difficult to choose between cakes or sweets, they can very well opt for this. “The rasmalai tres leches cups are the most sought-after item on the menu during Navaratri and Diwali. People love the local flavour to their desserts,” she chuckles.

With rising competition and the number of home bakers increasing in the city, it is now a challenge to remain relevant, while also ensuring the quality and taste are not compromised. This is where home bakers don’t fail the task. Many bakers have gone the extra mile to ensure their food includes everyone’s preferences.

“Before home bakers were a thing, my sister would just sit and watch all of us eat the birthday cake at parties because she’s vegan. When I order through a home baker, I’m able to customise it the way I want it to look, and taste and even able to get it vegan-friendly,” says Lathika R, a customer seller support executive.

“I prefer buying from home bakers are they are a lot healthier and safer in comparison to your commercial bakeries,” M Pradeep, a student, says.

Other than the flexibility and convenience to customise an order, another reason for it to be popular among people is the sense of personal touch these desserts have. “Through word of mouth, our family got acquainted with a home baker in one of the blocks of our apartment complex. My friend had ordered from her and I tried a blue-coloured cupcake. It’s been 8 years and I still remember the taste of it.

“It was absolutely phenomenal. I believe the reason for this is, home bakers, have a lot more patience and add their personal touch to the dessert,” says S Purohit, an entrepreneur.

“When you look at commercial bakeries, they don’t have the time to put in the sort of effort home bakers do. Some of them even add notes, it’s very heartfelt and personal,” G Rathinam says.

Many home bakers have gone the extra mile to ensure their food includes everyone’s preferences