🌷This Galentines, I wanted to combine my two loves, hosting and baking, and decided to set up an apartment bakery full of sweet treats made with love. 

Here are my tips and tricks for transforming your apartment into a bakery.

Tip #1: If possible, place a pickup order for your groceries.

Pickup orders are a lifesaver for me, especially because I tend to get overwhelmed easily and often forget things I need, even when I have a list. By placing a pickup order, I can ensure I get everything I need while also keeping track of my budget.

My favorite places to order from are Harris Teeter and Whole Foods; I can easily place orders through their websites or the Amazon app. This service has been incredibly helpful, particularly when I’m hosting events.

Tip #2: Prepare your dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge.

Whenever I have a dough-based baked good on the menu for my hosting events, one of the things I always try to do is prep the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. This not only streamlines the process but also gives me time to adapt in case there are any mistakes.

Menu Item: Strawberry Rolls

For the Strawberry Rolls, I used my own recipe. They were delicious, but I’m still tweaking it. The closest I found to a similar recipe is this recipe by Sallys Baking Addiction!

Note: To make the rolls look like roses, I let them do the final rise and bake in a muffin or cake tin.

Menu Item: Heart Shaped Bagels

For the heart shaped bagels, I used this recipe, by Sophisticated Gourmet. To achieve the heart shape, after the initial rise (when one typically shapes them into a bagel), I stretched the dough a little and formed it into a heart. I then let it rise for 10 minutes in that shape before following the rest of the recipe’s steps.

Note: When making heart-shaped bagels, some of the bagels may lose their shape after the water bath. If this happens, I used a knife to help guide them back to the desired shape (caution: the bagels are hot!).

Tip #3: Include recipes that you are very comfortable with.

I love experimenting with new recipes when I host gatherings. However, having a few staple recipes that I’m comfortable with and can rely on is essential for me to do that.

For the final two items in my at-home bakery, I included two staple recipes that fit the theme: brown butter chocolate chip cookies and berry parfaits. I make these so often that I know I won’t have to worry about them.

Menu Item: Berry Parfait

For the yogurt parfait, you can follow any recipe you prefer. My favorite way to enjoy a yogurt parfait is with a yogurt base topped with berry compote, granola, and fresh fruit. I usually have this for breakfast almost every morning.

Here is the recipe I used for the parfait.

Menu Item: Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Lastly, a classic recipe for Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Bars! Sarah Kieffer’s chocolate chip bars are my go-to choice. To enhance the flavor, substitute the creamed butter with browned butter and replace the vanilla extract with vanilla paste. This recipe is featured in her cookbook, “100 Afternoon Sweets,” which you can find in the caption here

Bonus Menu Item: Blood Orange Spritz

• 3 cups blood orange juice
• 1 1/4 cup sparkling water
• 1/4 cup raspberry syrup

Transforming my apartment into a home bakery was so much fun! I hope you find these tips, tricks, and recipes helpful for creating your own bakery experience at home. Enjoy!