About LaurelBakes

LaurelBakes is a queer owned cottage foods business operating out of Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I’m Laurel (she/they), owner of LaurelBakes Cookies & Cakes!

I started this business in the fall of 2021 after finding myself abruptly jobless. I’d been baking as a hobby for years and cookie decorating had become my main artistic outlet, so I was very excited to apply my skills and turn my hobby into a business. But LaurelBakes has become so much more to me than that. 

As a late-bloomer lesbian, I’ve found baking to be such a fun and exciting way to connect to the queer community. Pride is an important ingredient in all of my bakes, and I feel so lucky that I get to express myself in a way that’s beautiful, delicious, and can be shared with my community.

I love a challenge and I learn so much with each new bake. One of my favorite projects is an ongoing series of cookie portraits of my favorite sapphic cartoon couples. I also love to bake anything spooky, kinky, or cottagecore. So, if you’ve ever thought to yourself “wow, I really want to eat my favorite cartoon character’s face..” or “I wish there were more baked goods with vulvas on them..” I got you.