Reflecting on my early days as a food writer in the late 2010s, I fondly remember the blogs I eagerly followed. One creator I admired repeatedly was Sarah Fennel from Broma Bakery. Ahead of our recent shoot, we realized we’ve been in touch through DMs for nearly a decade! Sarah effortlessly makes baking fun, approachable, and engaging. Some of my top picks from her recipes are her pistachio cake and brownie cookies.
Sarah Fennel Shares Her Baking Insights
With her debut cookbook, the New York Times Best Seller, Sweet Tooth, Sarah offers a delightful mix of nostalgic recipes and sophisticated treats that inspire everyone to embrace the joy of baking. I tried the oatmeal cream pie recipe from the book for friends recently, and they couldn’t get enough!
We spent an afternoon with Sarah sampling treats before the holiday rush. She revealed her top entertaining tips, kitchen secrets, and two recipes ideal for your Thanksgiving feast.
$22.85 at Target
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey.
It’s hectic and ever-changing! That’s what I enjoy most. Each day varies from recipe testing and filming social videos to handling meetings and networking across New York’s food scene. As an entrepreneur, I always feel “on,” constantly thinking about my business.
What’s your biggest takeaway from the past year?
This year, I’ve learned to incorporate more of myself into my brand. In previous years, I let my recipes take the spotlight. Nowadays, my followers want to know more about me—what I’m wearing, where I’m working out, or what films I’m watching.
This shift reflects a broader trend in the influencer landscape. People are increasingly curious about the individuals behind the brands.
It’s been a learning experience because I prefer to keep my personal and professional lives separate. Finding a balance that feels authentic has been challenging.
What recipes from Sweet Tooth do you recommend for gatherings?
Sharing desserts is key! Many recipes in Sweet Tooth are perfect for gatherings. The Brown Sugar–Walnut Dutch Apple Pie is an exceptional choice for Thanksgiving. The Raspberry Croissant Bread Pudding is surprisingly easy for brunch yet feels fancy. In summer, the Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a hit, and I’m proud of the Nutella Smith Island Cake—it's a showstopper!
How did you develop your cooking skills?
I’m entirely self-taught. Growing up, my mom’s love for sweets meant brownies and cookies were always available. However, she wasn’t very precise with baking techniques. I learned through endless experimentation. In college, I began following others’ recipes, gradually grasping the science of baking until it became second nature.
My food philosophy revolves around helping those who, like me, adore baking but might struggle with perfecting recipes. I aim to communicate with readers as a friend would, providing encouragement throughout the instructions to enhance their baking skills.
Describe your home.
We discovered our home through a listing and feel incredibly fortunate. The owners sought tenants who would care for it as they did, which adds to its charm. It truly feels like home.
Since we just moved in a few months ago, we haven’t made any changes yet. The space was already so inviting that we didn’t see the need. My favorite area is the kitchen and dining space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking greenery—a rare gem in NYC! I love the marble island against the black cabinetry and the chevron wood flooring. It all feels very welcoming.
What’s your vision of a perfect gathering?
Making guests feel comfortable is crucial. I want everyone to relax and enjoy themselves, avoiding the stiffness that can happen at formal dinner parties. I love greeting guests with drinks and food while having music play to ease any initial awkwardness. My husband and I enjoy playing games; it’s a great way to get everyone engaged during appetizers.
Describe a typical day for you.
I usually wake up at 7:30 a.m. and jump into a home workout. If I’m still a bit groggy, it’s easier to start moving than to put it off later. After that, I may take my dog for a walk or dive into emails right away. I tackle emails first, followed by meetings in the late morning. I typically have lunch around noon and then film videos, usually from 12:30 to 4:30, working on three recipes. I check emails again, hoping to wrap up by 6 or 7 p.m.
What table products do you love?
Sabre Paris
I’m in love with this set. It’s versatile and just got it!
$68 at Casa ZumaBormioli Rocco
I bought these last year and receive compliments frequently. They’re chic and stack for easy storage.
$60 at Food52Porta NYC
This plate set is so unique, hand-painted in Italy—absolutely love it!
$224 at Porta NYC
Don’t Miss This Bruléed Pumpkin Pie for the Holidays
A delicious twist on a classic.
DessertTart and Sweet: Cranberry Pie Bars for the Holidays
Get ready to bake these repeatedly.
Get the recipe for Cranberry Pie BarsWhat’s your essential cooking tool?
The KitchenAid Stand Mixer for its versatility. Every baker should own one!
KitchenAid
KitchenAid Classic 4.5qt Stand Mixer
$297.99 at TargetWhich cookbooks do you cherish?
I appreciate cookbooks featuring a variety of dishes to create full meals. My favorite cookbook author is Ottolenghi for his creativity and flavor layering. Lately, I've been cooking from Pass the Plate and Seriously So Good. Both authors excel at crafting inventive meals with minimal ingredients!
Pass the Plate by Carolina Gelen
$22.61 at TargetSeriously, So Good by Carissa Stanton
$20.56 at TargetWhat are some staples in your refrigerator?
Butter—lots of it! Milk and eggs are essential baking ingredients as well. Additionally, I usually have leftover slices of cake, brownie squares, and of course, hummus because I can’t get enough of it.
Is there anything that intimidates you about entertaining?
Setting the table can feel overwhelming. Finding the right napkins and plates for the occasion adds pressure. However, I believe guests care more about the delicious food than the table setting.
What are your go-to dishes for entertaining?
I love starting with a cheeseboard—it’s always a crowd-pleaser! For dinner parties, I enjoy making risotto or orzo paired with a simple protein like roasted chicken or marinated grilled steak. I like to keep salads straightforward, like arugula with parmesan and lemon vinaigrette.
What’s your favorite conversation starter?
I enjoy placing conversation starter cards on the table during dinner.
$20 at Uncommon Goods
What’s your golden rule for stress-free parties?
Enjoy a drink while prepping, lol.
Fill in the blanks:
A perfect meal should: leave everyone satisfied.
It’s not a dinner party without: lively conversation.
Every cook should know how to: whip up dessert! ?
30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
