We’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes today—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 Planned Parenthood bake sales that Natasha organized in New York for several years. 

Natasha 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.  

Click here for Natasha’s Passion Fruit, Coconut & Tequila Layered Cake recipe.

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