About Baking With Butter
Hi, I’m Elien.
I’m a self-taught baker, recipe developer, and food photographer, and this site is where I share the recipes I actually make and test in my own kitchen. I was born in Belgium and grew up in New Zealand, and my love for good bread and pastries started early and has never left.
How I develop recipes
Every recipe I post on here I practice and bake multiple times so you can get it right in your kitchen from the first time! I love nailing key components of pastry and bread and then tweaking and evolving them into different versions, so it creates something new but still uses the same skills already learned.
I really focus on from scratch baking because I love showing how good results come from simple ingredients and good technique.
Sourdough, discard baking, enriched doughs, and classic baked goods are a big part of this site. I enjoy breaking those processes down so they feel nice and approachable rather than intimidating.
A few recipe favorites
If you are looking for a place to start, a few well loved recipes that reflect the way I bake include:
These are everyday recipes that are baked often in my kitchen!
Original recipes, written by a real person
All recipes on Baking With Butter are original, written by me, and tested in my kitchen. Any inspiration from classic techniques or traditional bakes is always adapted through my own testing process. What you are reading is exactly how I would explain the recipe to a friend standing next to me in the kitchen.
Baking With Butter is a personal site run by me.
All photos, recipes, and written content are my own unless clearly stated otherwise. Sponsored content and partnerships are always disclosed, and I only recommend products I genuinely use.
If you ever have a question about a recipe or something does not work as expected, you can always contact me. I read and reply personally.
Published work
I am also the author of Homegrown Happiness, a practical guide to living and cooking with the seasons. The book includes from scratch cooking, sourdough baking, and seasonal recipes, alongside simple ways to grow, cook, and preserve food at home. It reflects the same approach I use here on Baking With Butter. Hands on, tested, and focused on everyday life.
Other projects
I love starting new things! So I also run a small number of other food focused sites so I can explore all my creative outlets.
On Homegrown Happiness, I share mainly sourdough recipes and seasonal, from-scratch cooking.
On Mint and Twist, I share drink recipes.
Let’s connect
You can find Baking With Butter on the following platforms:
Follow Baking with Butter on Instagram
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Check out Baking With Butter On Pinterest
Baking with Butter on YouTube
I have just joined TikTok too!
If you have a question about a recipe or baking process, you can email me at elien(at)bakingwithbutter.com. I read and reply personally.
Work with me
I am the sole author on Baking With Butter and do not accept guest posts.
I work with brands and companies whose products I use and respect, and I enjoy creating original recipes and photography for the right fit.
For media kits, recipe development, freelance work, or collaborations, please contact me at elien(at)bakingwithbutter.com.