Hello! I’m Stephanie! I’m so glad you stopped by because it probably means that you like delicious sweets, too, which means I like you already. I took over the Pretty. Simple. Sweet. blog in 2023 to continue bringing you quality, delicious content and to selfishly stay home with my baby full time.
As you might guess I have a slight obsession with food, especially if it has sugar and butter in it. Carrot cake counts as breakfast, right?! I could live on chocolate chip cookies or anything with cream cheese, which is kind of what I do already.
I bake, take photos, write, and in my remaining time I hang out with my sweet little baby boy at home and make my husband do all of the business self-employed tasks like bookkeeping, technical stuff, and a million other boring things. Don’t worry, he still gets to enjoy all the great perks of the food blog (taste testing!) and creates recipes with me too!
The recipes you’ll find in this blog are the result of my cravings. I bake what I feel like eating, which is usually something that has to do with chocolate, caramel, cream cheese, or cinnamon. I’m also pretty lazy sometimes, so most of my recipes are simple. I enjoy putting a new spin on classic desserts by messing around with the ingredients, so hopefully you love trying new things with me!
Now let me get mushy for just a second here. This blog wouldn’t mean much to me if you weren’t a part of it. Thank you for your continued love, support, kindness, and sweet words that I’m lucky to be reading from my desk every morning. It’s such a nice start to the day!
Now let’s bake some cakes together, ok?
93 Comments
Sophie Harriet
May 2, 2014 at 9:24 pmHey Shiran!
I’ve just recently seen your blog and I think it looks fantastic – anytime I see a new recipe for cinnamon rolls I know I’ve hit the jackpot! I noticed that you only started your blog in October, and having just taken the plunge and started my own, I was wondering if you’d have any tips for a new blogger, or could advise me of some challenges you’ve faced!
Many thanks, and please keep up with the yummy recipes,
Sophie
Shiran
May 3, 2014 at 11:23 amThank you so much for your kind words Sophie! 🙂 For a while now, I’ve wanted to write a post about the challenges I’ve been having with my blog and give some tips. I’ll e-mail you soon, since I have a lot to say to you 🙂 I wish you the best of luck with your new blog! It’s an amazing experience 🙂
Mary Jo Gantt
May 28, 2022 at 9:00 pmHi, Shiran. I baked my first Chocolate Babka from one of your blogs. I had done plenty of research and added orange zest & vanilla to the dough as well as a first rise of about 1-2 hours before refrigerating overnight. I thought your chocolate filling with heavy cream also seemed to be the beat choice
Gina L.
October 4, 2019 at 4:39 pmHi Sophie! I’m starting my own blog too and I would love to hear those tips Shiran sent over to you! I’m somewhat of a casual blogger, but any advice is appreciated 🙂 Thank you for your kindness!
Tash
October 16, 2014 at 4:41 amThis made me giggle! You sound so lovely, you really do have a way with words and a lovely + gentle soft humour that makes me want to keep reading and reading about you!! And hahah I totally understand the way that people assume you carry food everywhere with you…I guess that’s among the better reputations there is to have though, right? 😉
Shiran
October 17, 2014 at 6:40 amTash, you are the one that sound so lovely!! I appreciate each one of your comments, they are always so sweet! And definitely – being in this sweet business is something I’m grateful for! It just makes people happy and I love that!
crisselli
November 29, 2014 at 10:37 amHi! I just came across your blog and I love it! The fact that all your recipes measurements are in grams and ounces and not only cups (which I find too ambiguous) made me set you in my Toolbar. I’ll be baking your lemon muffins today and will let you know how they turned up. Un saludo!
Shiran
November 30, 2014 at 2:01 pmYour comment made my day Crisselli, thank you! I love adding gram measurements for those who bake a lot, because it makes things simpler and more accurate. The lemon muffins are amazing, I’m sure you’ll love them 🙂
iris
July 28, 2016 at 3:20 pmNon-metric users need to practice and your recipes help. I like your work and enjoyed the applesauce loaf cake of yours I sub. buttermilk for yogurt. You are speaking to all of us even experienced bakers returning to the fold (such as me) just want it easier as I get older!!!
Maayan
January 15, 2015 at 9:19 amI have been reading food blogs for many years and yours is one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen! Glad I found it 🙂
Shiran
January 15, 2015 at 11:32 amThat’s so sweet of you Maayan! Thank you so much! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy it 🙂
Lyra
January 24, 2015 at 11:55 amWow I seriously love your blog. I was wondering did you design or get a web designer? Its just so clean and pretty, and your picture are amazing.
Shiran
January 24, 2015 at 12:58 pmThank you so much Lyra! I purchased the design from this website. They have a beautiful variety of themes to choose from!
Molly
January 30, 2015 at 8:39 amWhat a beautiful and nicely done website! I enjoy your photographs and I baking sweets as well! The photos look like they are right out of a magazine! Quality job!
http://www.theginghamapron.com
Shiran
January 31, 2015 at 3:48 pmThank you so much Molly! I really appreciate it and I’m glad you like my blog! 🙂
michael
April 3, 2015 at 1:45 pmHi Shiran. I have a fan oven, what do I pre-heat the oven for your red wine cake????
Shiran
April 4, 2015 at 9:41 amHi Michael! For fan ovens, adjust the temperature to 325F/160C.
Iris
April 29, 2015 at 3:02 amHi shiran .. This is iris from india.. I sooooo love your blog.. It is eye catching and captivating.. I have made your cinnamon streusal twice already and have sent many people to heaven and back.. Wil be making the pineapple upside down on the weekend followed by the apple pie.. Thank you so much.. Btw which camera do you use?? All your pictures are purrfect!!!!
Shiran
April 29, 2015 at 5:28 pmHi Iris! Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 I use Canon 70D, and I love it!
Mary
May 14, 2015 at 10:13 amJust discovered your site. Love your way with words 🙂
Shiran
May 14, 2015 at 11:14 amThank you so much Mary! You’re so sweet 🙂
Rami
August 13, 2015 at 7:29 amHi Shiran,
We heard about your cakes, Your cakes look incredible, How can we enjoy them?
Thanks
Rami
Christie
September 11, 2015 at 3:36 pmJust stumble into your blog and it makes me smile so much. I’ve been to Paris several times and am returning in November. I hope to enjoy many treats while there.
J Christina @ http://www.scribblesandsmiles.net
Shiran
September 13, 2015 at 9:29 amThank you so much, Christie! Your comment also made me smile 🙂
Marie
November 7, 2016 at 11:54 amHello Shiran,
I’ve just come across your blog whilst searching for a chocolate mouse recipe without eggs. I didn’t stop there though, I kept reading recipe after recipe. Thank you so much for sharing. And I have to say, I love your writing and I am already in love with your personality! As I’ve vouched to make simple foods instead of buying stuff, I’m sure I’ll be a regular visitor on your blog. Thanks ever so much.
Marie x
Shiran
November 9, 2016 at 6:57 amYou’re so sweet Marie, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy my recipes 🙂
Marie
November 20, 2016 at 9:42 amI made the mousse twice. My in laws are proper foodies, they run their own food production and they said the mousse was so yummy. In my opinion, the first time it was a bit hard (my fault really, lack of experience) but then yesterday I made it again for my guests, and these are French people, absolute food critics – and they loved it! It was much lighter and more fluffy. I am about to spread out the word now as I’ve been asked for the recipe. Thank you so much Shiran. You make such a difference. x
Shiran
November 20, 2016 at 10:40 amThank you so much Marie! 🙂 That’s such a sweet comment, and I’m always happy to help! xx
Tali
January 2, 2017 at 2:47 amI just stumbled upon this blog and totally fell in love!
Already marked some recipes to try, on my (non-existing) free time 😀
Shiran
January 3, 2017 at 9:05 amThank you so much Tali! 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy the recipes!
Carla
February 1, 2017 at 7:24 pmJust came across your blog! Love the recipes! I am also a big city girl (nyc) that can eat multiple desserts! Haha. What city are you based in? What is your fave dessert city that you have visited?
Shiran
February 10, 2017 at 7:51 amHi Carla! I live in Tel Aviv, Israel, not as big as NY, but a mini version of it 🙂 I love Paris and NY!
Mara yafe
April 23, 2017 at 7:29 amHi Shiran
Love your blog.. just found it!
Are you in Tel Aviv? If yes, what is the favorite bakery you aluded to? I am never happy with bakeries in Israel amd would love a tip on a good one!!!
I am a long time baker, but now a jewelry designer in profession, but still am sugar obsessed.!
Shiran
April 23, 2017 at 3:26 pmHi! Yes, I’m from Tel Aviv, and thank you! There are amazing bakeries here! Some of my favorite places are Bakery, Delicatessen, Dalal, Reviva & Celia, Lachmanina, Breads bakery, le moulin, and there are more!
Yuxi
June 12, 2017 at 5:28 amI’m so happy I’ve found your blog about to try out the nutella muffins recipe!!!
Víctor Soto
August 1, 2017 at 6:58 pmJust found you blog. Very nice hamburger buns recipee. Will try it pretty soon. Cool blog, by the way, Shiran!
Shiran
August 2, 2017 at 4:30 amThank you so much Victor!
Kim
August 5, 2017 at 6:39 pmJust found your website thru a Bake from Scratch Instagram post with your cheesecake picture. Came to find the recipe for it and instead found a great blog with my type of recipes. I would rather bake than cook any day.
Shiran
August 6, 2017 at 4:39 amThank you so much Kim! If you prefer baking over cooking, you’re at the right place! 🙂
Jola
March 5, 2018 at 10:34 amHello Shiran, you have very beautifull name, hope it means sweets 😉 I’m from Poland the country of babkas, which polish guys love to eat. I’m also cooking and baking funatic for which I left all my welthy but borring job. Have many good grandmas recipe to share, thank you for using metrics in you recipes. Jola
Shiran
March 11, 2018 at 1:19 pmThat’s such a sweet comment, thank you so much Jola! Babka is my favorite thing. If you have a recipe to share, I’d always love to try it!
Ivana
March 22, 2018 at 8:51 amHello! 🙂 I’m so happy i found your blog. Everything looks so yummy! I want to try them all (sweets i mean :D)
And yes, also first thing i thought, thank God she uses metrics :)). Please keep blogging 😉
Very kind regards from Bosnia&Herzegovina
Shiran
March 25, 2018 at 7:01 amI hope you’ll enjoy the recipes and thanks so much for taking the time to say hello! 🙂
Stefania
April 16, 2018 at 9:15 amI prepared your alfajores a couple of days ago … literally delicious … only flaw … so good that they are already finished.. Congratulations on your blog … I love it
Jock Begg
April 22, 2018 at 7:11 pmHello Shiran,
Writing from California.
Wondering if you’ve ever tackled a recipe for Breakfast Biscuits?
Years ago, the most amazing Biscuit I’ve ever eaten was for breakfast in a Palm Springs area restaurant. Since then I have tried and tried and tried to duplicate the taste I experienced back then. All of the recipes and my experiments have been, at best, disappointing.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and experiencing the wonders of your give and take to achieve success, and so, I was hoping you’d tried the same with Biscuits.
Jock
PS By the way, IMHO, The best store bought muffin can only be found in Hawaii, on Oahu, at Starbucks. It’s greenish in color and they sell multiple trays of them each and every morning…and no matter what day it is they sell out way before noon…ALWAYS
Shiran
May 3, 2018 at 4:53 amThank you very much! I actually have a few biscuit recipes, but I would love to experiment more before posting one. It’s now on my list for future recipes 🙂
Macy G
May 30, 2018 at 10:08 pmHi Shiran!
I love your blog so much! In fact, many of the recipes I use are from your blog. It is so neatly designed and organized, so I can easily find everything I’m looking for! I was just wondering what you use for your blog, for example, WordPress? Just curious.
Thanks!
Shiran
May 31, 2018 at 3:33 amHi Macy! Yes, I use WordPress. Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy it so much 🙂
Ali Jahan
July 22, 2018 at 4:47 amHi Shiran,
i am Ali Jahan Abbasi from pakistan.i’v visit your page page and i really like it as because it has a plenty of food wonders and a food lover will always like it.i want to say that please upload or try some our pakistani food also and some simple milkshakes,ice cream shakes that anyone try it at home. as because of that also that some ingredients you are using are not easily available here and it is very difficult to find them or if they are available they are so much costly .and also tell me that can i send you recipes of some food which i have tried on/by email.
hope you will reply to soon
Kaushal
September 10, 2018 at 6:39 amHello. I am from Mauritius and I LOVE your blog and recipes. I have already tried the tiramisu and carrot cake recipes and they turned out great. Your carrot cake recipe is a godsend- it’s my husband’s fave cake and he had it every night after dinner for a week.
I’ve just spotted your Mexican wedding cakes- I think that I have tried those in Athens- they look the same.
Anyway I’m aiming to try one of your recipes every week-end : ) Maybe this will force me to go the gym : )
Great photos and it’s so lovely of you to share.
Shiran
September 11, 2018 at 5:37 amIt makes me so happy to hear that! Thank you so much! 🙂
Mitzi
October 27, 2018 at 4:31 amI found your blog while searching for a carrot cake recipe. I ended up making your muffins and later a carrot cake loaf. I added pecans instead of walnuts and raisins instead of coconut. It was delicious, even though I plan to make them with the coconut later. I love to bake sweets and goodies for my family and friends. I look forward to receiving your recipes. Keep the sweet stuff coming!
Shiran
October 28, 2018 at 10:00 amThank you so much, Mitzi!
Kat
November 19, 2018 at 7:23 amI love making your cakes, cookies, and cupcakes! Your recipes always turn out so good, every single time. I sometimes make the mistake of searching for a recipe online elsewhere and its a gamble if it’ll turn out. Thank you for having reliable recipes that work! Not sure if I missed it on your website, but do you have a cookbook? I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Shiran
November 21, 2018 at 9:48 amThank you so much Kat! It makes me so happy to know that you like and enjoy my recipes. I don’t have a cookbook yet, but I’m definitely thinking about it 🙂
Taylor
February 20, 2019 at 9:58 amGood morning!
I just found your page looking for a pie crust recipe and I have been living under a rock! Your page is adorable, you’re adorable and I feel like we’re already best friends after reading your bio. Can’t wait to try all of your recipes.
Shiran
February 21, 2019 at 5:37 amThank you so much Taylor! I hope you enjoy the recipes! 🙂
Que
April 3, 2019 at 11:02 pmHi Shiraz, l have been looking for a good supper moist vanilla sponge cake for awhile,if you have one, wouldn’t mind it, please , thank you .
Becky Banks
April 24, 2019 at 9:50 pmHi Shiran. Even though the cake tasted really good I can’t say that it was fluffy :(. It was dense. Guess I need to practice “mixing” techniques more.
Becky
Charlotte
May 23, 2019 at 5:59 amHI Shiran, I came across your blog by searching for Tiramisu Recipes. It looks amazing! Read your self-introduction as well – I worked as a pastry chef in a commercial kitchen for 6 months as my work placement only to realise how much I prefer creating my own desserts and blog about it. That’s why I can totally relate to your love for food blogging. Keep up with the good work. Cheers, Charlotte.
Giselle
June 21, 2019 at 2:05 amHi Shiran. I only just came across your blog and I think it is really beautiful how you’ve penned your recipes. I thought the Tiramisu cake looked quite interesting and easy and will be trying out the recipe soon. Super excited 😀 I did try the Caramel Upside Down Banana Cake. It was a bit of a disaster but fixed it with some damage control. Nonetheless, it was brilliant. My sister said that it was the softest sponge cake that I’ve made so far (considering that I have only just started trying my hand out at baking). I can’t wait to try out more recipes from here and I wish you all the luck for your blog and settling into your new house <3
Helén Ralmo
June 27, 2019 at 10:16 amHi..
Found your page looking for whoopie cakes. Great page and thank you for using grams in your recipes.
Regards from Norway
Lynn
August 27, 2019 at 1:17 pmHi – Just discovered your fb page/blog and so happy I did. Look forward to trying some of these amazing recipes you have going :).
Anna
October 18, 2019 at 1:58 amHI from Australia. I’m enjoying looking through your blog and loved your “About Me’ page. Your passion for baking shines through. Great work. Anna
Shiran
October 28, 2019 at 4:11 amThank you so much, Anna!
Uma
December 7, 2019 at 8:40 amHi Shiran, your blog is my go to for anything that’s sweet. I’ve tried many of your recipes with great success- cocoa brownies, vanilla pudding cookies, pancakes, chocolate celebration cake, carrot cake muffins, chocolate hazelnut mousse, vanilla cupcakes, new york cheesecake. To name a few!
I would love to try your version of a chocolate mousse cake if you create one.
Thank you for your great recipes, I read your blog and recipes as a timeout from being a mum, this I’m sure you understand too!
Uma 🙂
Marji Horvat
December 14, 2019 at 4:29 pmI am looking forward to making your Chocolate Tiramisu. My question – instead of six individual servings, if I tried putting it in one pan – what size pan do you think I should use? Obviously, a glass container would work best.
Thanking you in advance for your help.
Shiran
December 22, 2019 at 4:37 amSure, you can use 8-inch baking dish.
Jackie
February 13, 2020 at 6:49 pmCan you try something with chocolate and coffee, I saw a cupcake flavour was chocolate and coffee in sponge and in buttercream frosting. This was topped with chocolate crumbs. Is this experiment possible?
Redekah
March 24, 2020 at 6:03 amLove this blog soooooo much probably my favourite…..
which city do you live in????and what country, certainly sounds beutiful
Shiran
April 8, 2020 at 4:06 amI live in Tel Aviv, Israel 🙂 Thank you you so much!
Gracey
March 25, 2020 at 12:03 pmBeautiful blog with delicious recipes, probably my favorite.
Shiran
March 29, 2020 at 3:07 amThank you so much, Gracey! 🙂
Pooja
May 12, 2020 at 10:02 amYour blog is amazing. I love each and every recipe.
Dorothea
May 14, 2020 at 5:14 amYour daughter is so gorgeous, keep the pictures coming!
I recently tried babka. AMAZING!
Thankyou
Shiran
May 17, 2020 at 6:07 amThank you so much, Dorothea!!
Debra
September 2, 2020 at 8:52 pmGood nihht shiran. Just found your red velvet recipe. Two questions. What is the pyrpose of the cornstarch in redvelvet and why is the outer portion of the cake brown. I have been baking for over 15 yrs but was never into red velvet. Want to try this recipe of yours
Shiran
September 10, 2020 at 4:48 amHi Debra. The cornstarch helps the cake to be more tender. I use it instead of using cake flour. The edges of a cake are always a bit more brown. To help prevent it, you can use cake strips.
Lapis
May 22, 2020 at 4:47 amHi Shiran
love your blog. can you do more babka recipes? i adore it
Claire
August 6, 2020 at 9:31 pmHello
I love your blog, and I was wondering if you would consider doing an earl Grey cake recipe in the future? 👀
I’d really appreciate it, there are so many recipe out there, I don’t know what to choose and you’re usually my first choice 🙏
Anyway, have a good day and thank you for all those delicious recipes 💖
Rose Mendis.
September 12, 2020 at 3:49 amHi Shiran, Iam so happy Ifound a chocolate cake recipe using melted butter. In fact I was wondering why I could not use butter instead of vegetable oil, COs I feel the oil does not help with the gastric problem.. S o very soon I will try this. Thanks for your recipe.
Jill
November 11, 2020 at 4:32 amHi! Ive tried your orange muffins and banana+peanut butter muffins (both in the same week!) They are very simple and easy to follow recipes + delicious!! i find the addition of yoghurt very interesting! My husband loves the muffins ive made from your blog – he said i’m going to give him diabetes haha. Thank you for giving advice on alternative ingredients too!! It means I can use whatever is in my fridge/pantry!
Lisa
December 12, 2020 at 1:37 pmHi Shiran,
It’s Lisa from @limonellaco. I love sharing inspiration in my feed; desserts, florals, art etc. I would love to post your recent red velvet cake image with full credit and tagging the photo. Please let me know if you’re ok with that.
Thank you!
Lisa
Priti
January 11, 2021 at 2:58 pmHi Shiran, Just came across your blog yesterday when I was searching for a replacement of corn syrup in chocolate ganache recipe and really love your blog and your story! I feel your story quiet a lot resonates with me.
Shiran
January 14, 2021 at 9:57 amThank you so much! 🙂
Kaushal
March 25, 2021 at 7:24 amHello Shiran! How are u doing? I love YOUR carrot cake recipe which is perfect everytime. I have a technical question: let’s say that I want to bake a bigger carrot cake ( with 400g flour). So do I just adjust the other ingredients in proportion to the increase in flour?
Would love to see a ‘Love Persian cake’ recipe!
Have also already tried your moist choco cake and tiramisu-yummy! I don’t buy carrot cakes or tiramisu anymore coz your recipes are soooo much better and generous.
Love your recipes and work.God bless you and your family.
Shiran
March 30, 2021 at 6:38 amThank you so much 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes! If you adjust a recipe, then yes, you should multiply all the ingredients in the recipe by the same number.
Monica Vidal
January 23, 2022 at 9:17 pmHi Shiran,
I just bought your photografy book could you please tell me how can access it?
Thanks,
Monica
Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
January 26, 2022 at 7:50 amHi Monica, you should have received an email with a PDF ebook. Please let me know if you did not receive it.
Priya
February 8, 2022 at 11:17 amHi Shiran! I am relatively new to baking and your website is so amazing! Your instructions are perfect (with measurements in grams!) and the recipes are not overwhelmingly complex. Looking forward to trying some more.
Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
February 9, 2022 at 2:51 amThanks Priya! That’s so great to hear.
Barbara
November 15, 2022 at 9:32 amhttps://prettysimplesweet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/How-to-Shape-Babka-5.jpg
This is my first time posting Your chocolate babka rolling pictures show you adding chocolate chips or pecans The recipe makes no mention of either????? Directions and amounts, please
Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
November 16, 2022 at 3:09 amHi Barbara, I recommend checking out the complete recipes for chocolate babka and cinnamon babka for measurements.