Filipinx Lokal Meryenda Box - A Dessert Collaboration

I'm super excited to share that Camelia Bakes will be a vendor at the PAMILYA Winter Event on Saturday, January 29, at Brew Lounge in Des Plaines. Exclusive to this event is the “Filipinx Lokal Meryenda Box” – a dessert/snack box collaboration showcasing 10 Chicago-based Filipinx bakers and entrepreneurs. A portion of the proceeds from each box sold will be donated to support relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines.

Pre-order here >> “Filipinx Lokal Meryenda Box”

I will also be selling a few of my desserts at the event, such as Ooey Gooey Ube Cake Bars and Calamansi Crinkle Cookies. Limited quantities will be available on-site, so I highly encourage pre-ordering.

Pre-order here >> Camelia Bakes Dessert Order Form

Hope to see you on the 29th!

Camelia Bakes at FILIPINX MARKET

I’m so thrilled to share that Camelia Bakes will be at FILIPINX MARKET this weekend! It's an honor to be among this collective of Fil-Am entrepreneurs and artists.

Come out and celebrate Filipinx American History Month with us!

FILIPINX MARKET | Saturday 10/30 @ 2-7PM
Located outside of Fernwood Barbers
(4025 N. Damen in Chicago)
21+ to drink

The following Camelia Bakes treats will be available for purchase:

• Ube Mochi | $5.00

• Ooey Gooey Ube Cake Bar | $5.00

• Crinkle Cookies | $5.00 per 4-pack
  (Ube / Calamansi / Mango / Pandan)

Limited quantities of treats will be available on-site. Pre-orders are open now until Wednesday 10/27!

Pre-order here >> Camelia Bakes FILIPINX MARKET Order Form

Savory Crust x Camelia Bakes Easter Basket

I’m teaming up with Savory Crust for another holiday collab! Celebrate Easter with delicious empanadas and elotes along with some Camelia Bakes desserts.

Included desserts from yours truly are:
• 2 Pandan Macarons
• 2 Mango Macarons
• 2 Ube Crinkle Cookies
• 2 Calamansi Crinkle Cookies
• 2 Coco Caramel Empanadas

*** Available for pickup from both Savory Crust locations the day before Easter. ***

Get your orders in ASAP! >> Savory Crust x Camelia Bakes Easter Basket

Photo by Justine Hernandez

Photos by Justine Hernandez

Thanksgiving 2020 with Savory Crust and Camelia Bakes

Get your orders in for THE ULTIMATE COLLABORATION from Savory Crust and Camelia Bakes!

We’re making this year’s Thanksgiving dinner simple for you because, let’s be honest, 2020 has been quite a year — we want to ease the stress of preparing a meal for your family.

Our *off-the-menu* dinner includes hand-crimped specialty empanadas that will be frozen so you can bake them fresh at home on Thanksgiving Day!

Included desserts from yours truly are:
• Butterscotch Tart
• Bourbon Pecan Tart
• Mocha Macarons (filled with vanilla and chocolate buttercream)

Get your orders in ASAP! >> Savory Crust x Camelia Bakes Thanksgiving Dinner Collab

Photos by Justine Hernandez

Made in Chicago Virtual Summer Market 2020

Mark your calendars! The Made in Chicago Virtual Summer Market will be on Saturday, September 12 from 10AM to 6PM. Markets are looking a bit different this year, but I’m thrilled to be a part of this event.

First-time customers will receive a 10% discount on their order. ***ALL customers that place an order through CameliaBakes.com during the market will receive a 4-pack of crinkle cookies: ube, mango, pandan, and calamansi.***

Now, more than ever, small business owners like myself need the support of our communities to keep our companies going. Check out Made in Chicago Market’s “Shop Local Directory” here. There are so many local makers and creatives offering amazing products to treat yourself and loved ones!

Bakers Against Racism Virtual Bake Sale

Graphic by Chef Rob Rubba

I am joining bakers around the world in the fight against the unjust treatment of Black people in the United States. We are armed to fight racism with the tools we know how to utilize: our food.

I’m turning my anger and frustration over the systemic racism, abuses of power, and human rights violations that are oppressing Black people in this country into action. I’m committed to using my baking skills and small business to bring people joy and to be an active ally to marginalized groups.

The order form for Crinkle Cookie Variety Boxes is now live on CameliaBakes.com! Each box is $15 and contains 8 crinkle cookies: 2 ube, 2 mango, 2 pandan, and 2 calamansi. Place your order ASAP to reserve your box(es)! Only 100 variety boxes are available. Please note that these variety boxes are for pickup only on Saturday, June 20, from the northwest side of Chicago.

All proceeds from these variety boxes will go directly to Black Lives Matter: Chicago and Brave Space Alliance.

I’m very grateful to the chefs behind the Bakers Against Racism initiative (Paola Velez, Willa Lou Pelini, and Rob Rubba) for organizing this virtual bake sale in support of Black lives and organizations that are fighting against racial injustice.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Let's do this.

Hi there. My name is Camelia. Welcome to my little corner of the world wide web!

I’m a Filipina American pastry chef and am a graduate of the L'Art de la Pâtisserie program (2018) at  The French Pastry School in Chicago. I was born and raised in Chicago and am the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. I grew up watching my grandmothers, mom, and aunties (all self-taught bakers) bake delicious cakes and pastries from scratch.  I feel very fortunate to be able to make a career out of my passion for baking and aim to show off popular Filipino flavors (like ube, mango, and pandan).

Having a background in journalism and copywriting, I’m excited to combine my two passions through this blog. In addition to running Camelia Bakes, I have a full-time position at a bakery in the suburbs of Chicago. However, things in the food industry are a little upside down right now and I find myself with a bit more free time on my hands. Even though Chicagoland bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries are having to limit their hours or close their doors completely for an undetermined amount of time due to COVID-19, there is still a sense of joy and hope among those in the food industry. We know times are tough, and, overall confusing right now, but we know that we will all get through this; this too shall pass. At the end of the day, we are chefs and bakers who just want to make good food for the people in our communities to enjoy. And we will do whatever we can to make sure our fellow Chicagoans are fed.

If you’re living in the Chicagoloand area and wondering how you can support the food establishments that are still open, here are a few ideas:

• Order take out or delivery

• Buy gift cards or certificates that can be used once dine-in service is allowed again

• Buy other merchandise being sold in-house

• Look into fundraisers being set up by specific establishments in support of their employees

• Check in with the owners and employees and offer reassuring words

T-shirts are also available for purchase from the Chicago Hospitality United with proceeds going to employees at dozens of Chicago bars and restaurants. You can also make a donation through the Chicago Hospitality United “Tip Jar” without purchasing a t-shirt.

Do what you can within your means. If all you’re able to offer is a prayer or positive thought, that’s just as good and appreciated.

Be considerate. Be safe.

We got this.

-CAMELIA