Today on She’s My Cherry Pie, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes, host Jessie Sheehan’s interview with self-taught pastry chef, community activist, and Cherry Bombe Magazine cover star Natasha Pickowicz. Natasha is known for her unique take on cake baking and decorating, and she’s built a cult following for her minimalist creations with maximum flavor. Natasha tells Jessie about her cake-making approach, which she outlines in her book, “More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes Built for Pleasure and Community.” They also talk about the reproductive rights bake sales that Natasha organized in New York for several years. 

Natasha also shares her soak secrets, love of textured fillings, thoughts on sheet pans and cake stands, frosting philosophy, preferred egg-separating technique, and her belief that time is a crucial ingredient.  

Want to bake along? Here is Natasha’s Passion Fruit, Coconut & Tequila Layered Cake recipe.

Thank you to King Arthur Baking Company and Kerrygold for supporting our show. 

Jessie Sheehan’s new cookbook, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes,” and tour.

Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, show transcripts, and tickets to upcoming events. 

More on Natasha: Instagram, “More Than Cake” cookbook, website
More on Jessie: Instagram, “Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy Snackable Bakes cookbook