I grew up in a small New England town where baking was a regular part of life. Winters were long, so we made a lot of cozy things – banana bread, blueberry muffins, and old-fashioned whoopie pies. It wasn’t about fancy ingredients or perfect presentation, just the comfort of something warm and homemade.

As I got older, that love for baking never really went away. I spent years working in a few local bakeries and cafés, learning how small changes in technique could completely transform a recipe. Eventually, I started experimenting at home, testing ideas, and sharing them online.

That’s how CakesBySam.com began – as a place to share the kinds of recipes I love most: approachable, well-balanced, and a little nostalgic. You’ll find plenty of desserts here, from layer cakes and cookies to pies and sourdough bread, along with a few of my favorite savory recipes like soups and pasta.

For me, baking has always been a way to slow down and connect – a small act of care that makes an ordinary day feel a little special. I hope these recipes inspire you to do the same.