Hi! I am Abeer Rizvi, the author and founder of CakeWhiz.com. This is a popular food website that focuses on baking, cake decorating and doctored cake mix recipes, and all things sweet. I wear many hats as a food writer, baker, recipe developer and cake decorator and love every minute of it.
I was raised in Canada, where I got my Bachelor's degree in Science and my Master's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. After getting married, I moved to Chicago that I call home now.
Despite my scientific background, I discovered my true passion lies in the world of baking and that led me to start this website in 2011. Here, I apply my previous training in Biology and the chemistry of baking to experiment with flavors and textures. It has allowed me to create innovative and exciting new recipes for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies and tarts, candies, brownies and bars.
I have always enjoyed baking and grew up learning from my Mom but my passion for breathtaking desserts has led me to numerous fun classes, including the Wilton cake decorating classes. This is where I learned greatly about buttercream and fondant techniques. I have also taken many workshops from around the world, studying under many pastry chefs and cake decorators, always seeking to learn and improve my skills. Over the years, I have honed my skills through a combination of self-study, formal training, and collaboration with other professionals.
One thing that is very important to me is being involved in the local community. I have taught baking classes and cake decorating classes to kids and adults. I have also baked for many charity events and fundraisers and assisted with many bake sales.
Cake Decorating Tutorials
My beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats range from simple yet elegant designs to intricate, multi-tiered cakes. I try my best to cater to people of all skill levels.
I also provide helpful guides and tutorials for those looking to improve their skills. I try my best to make it easy for even a beginner to create incredible cakes, especially for special events like birthday parties, as can be seen by these birthday cake ideas, with clear and concise instructions.
Over the years, I have learned that one of my strengths as a cake decorator is my ability to work with a wide variety of mediums, including buttercream, fondant, gum paste, candy clay, edible sprays and chocolate. Not to toot my own horn but I have come a long way and I am quite skilled now at creating fun flowers, figures, edible toppers. I am also obsessed with using other unique decorative elements like colorful candies and cereals to bring my cakes to life, as can be seen in this post on easy cake decorating ideas.
I believe my designs are characterized by their whimsical and playful nature, incorporating bright colors. I also love making "naked cakes" and my desserts are known for their ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern design elements, resulting in cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Doctored Cake Mix Recipes
My focus on these desserts provides a convenient and time-saving option for those who may not have the time or skill to make cakes from scratch. I also want to make it clear to everyone reading this that there is no shame in using a box mix. Don't let the convenience fool you because these doctored cake mix recipes are anything but ordinary and many times, they taste even better than scratch recipes. My creative use of ingredients and unique flavor combinations elevate these simple box mixes into impressive, show-stopping treats that will leave your guests asking for more.
Brand Collaborations and Press Mentions
I have been blessed to collaborate with many reputable brands, including Pillsbury, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Haagen-Dazs, and more. I have helped them develop new recipes and shared videos and pictures of the process.
I have also been fortunate enough to have my work featured in many newspapers and magazines such as the Huffington Post, MSN, Reader's Digest, Buzzfeed Food, Seventeen magazine and more.
Full details of these relationships and features can be found on my Work With Me page.
Social Media
Through my social media platforms, I have built a supportive community of fellow bakers and cake enthusiasts who share my love for all things sweet. They follow along for delicious recipes, helpful tips, and stunning cakes. I actively engage with my them, answer questions, and share my expertise to help them create their own masterpieces.
I also get immense joy by visiting bakeries and cafes in downtown Chicago and nearby suburbs. There is something about walking into a place and being hit with the strong aroma of baked goods and freshly brewed coffee that just makes my heart fluttery. I share those experiences and reviews on social media, especially on Instagram.
With over 300,000 Pinterest followers, over 20,000 followers on Twitter, over 168,000 followers on Facebook, over 27,000 followers on Instagram, and millions of page views per year on her website, I have gained a large and loyal following.
Final Thoughts
I believe that baking is not only about creating something delicious but it's also about sharing it with others and creating memories with loved ones. My mission is to make homemade tasty yet gorgeous desserts accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level. I consider myself a "work in progress" and I am always open to learning from my readers, chefs and, cake decorators and even family and friends.
Stay in Touch
You can also stay in touch by:
- Subscribing via email (This way, you will be the first to know when she publishes a new post!)
- Following on Facebook.
- Following on Twitter.
- Following on Instagram.
- Emailing at abeer@cakewhiz.com
- Leaving blog comments
- Check out her FAQ section where she answers frequently asked questions from readers.