FINALIST
Mariia
Pastry chef & mom creating modern desserts rooted in tradition, memory, and emotion - where classic flavors meet edible art
Currently 2nd
VOTEVotes are worth twice as much!
Mariia could win the 2025 Greatest Baker title, share their work in the pages of Bake from Scratch, and take home $10,000.
Voting in the Finals ends on Wednesday, February 4th at 7PM PST
Want to know more about the Greatest Baker?
Learn MoreTell us about your signature bake and why it's your most popular treat.
My signature bake is a modern honey cake inspired by my Ukrainian roots. Over the years, I’ve reimagined this classic recipe, keeping its soul while adding lightness and freshness. Thin layers of delicate honey cake, silky cream, and bright raspberries and cranberries create the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. People choose it for their biggest moments - weddings, birthdays, and holidays, because it tastes like childhood, looks like art, and always disappears first from the table.
Who is your favorite person to bake for and what do you make most for them?
The person I love baking for most is my little son. Our kitchen is our shared space - a place where we mix, taste, laugh, and sometimes make a big mess together. We bake small simple pies, and chocolate cookies, decorating them freely and without rules. Watching him wait for the first bite and seeing the joy on his face reminds me that baking isn’t about perfection. It’s about love, presence, and shared time - moments I hope he will remember with the same warmth I remember from my childhood.
How would you use the $10,000?
After moving to the U.S. a year ago, I’ve learned how to rebuild, trust myself, and grow in a new environment. This win would mean much more than financial support- it would confirm that I’m on the right path and that what I create with my hands and heart truly matters. The support would give me confidence to invest in launching a new venture. Part of it would also help bring my mom here by supporting her visa process, so my son could finally see his grandmother-something he dreams about deeply.
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