Carla Bakes: Sweet, Savory, and from the Heart [A Baking Book]

Acclaimed chef, TV host, Top Chef fan-favorite, and author Carla Hall returns to her first culinary love story--baking--with over 80 sweet and savory recipes.

"For years, I have had the pleasure of sitting next to Carla and listening to her explain the science and the art of baking. Now you get to experience her knowledge, wisdom, and humor as well in Carla Bakes."--Duff Goldman

For Carla Hall, baking is a creative outlet, her source of play, and her first true passion. But her journey from absolute beginner to Top Chef fan-favorite didn't start until she was well into her twenties with two careers-- accounting and modeling --already behind her. Away from home and missing the Southern flavors she grew up with, she took to the kitchen and began to experiment, master, and perfect.

Now, as a multi-cookbook author and guest judge on multiple baking competitions, Carla is ready to share all her baking knowledge that will guide you whether you're at novice baker or an expert one. Carla Bakes is filled with over 80 recipes for baking savory and sweet goods rooted in her Southern traditions and inspired by her world travels. Carla brings her joy and playfulness to every recipe, showing you just how much fun it is to bake and bring your own twists to new recipes, including:

- breakfast treats like Sorghum Flour Drop Biscuits, Crisp Sweet Corn Waffles, and Savory Clafoutis with Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Smoky Tomato Curd
- cookies like Nut Butter Puffed Cereal Treats, Southern Pecan Crinkle Baklava, and Shortbread Cookie Canvas
- pastries like Giant Frosted Strawberry Pop Tart, Sweet Po-Punkin Pie, and Ham & Cheese Paris-Brest
- cakes like Double Chocolate Oat Flour Snack Cake, Lemon Meringue Cake, and Fairytale Forest Party Cake
- yeasted goods like Hot Cross Milk Buns with Port- and Hibiscus-Soaked Fruit, Butternut Squash Beignets with Spiced Sugar, and Chocolate Focaccia

If you've ever felt intimidated by baking, set those fears aside. Carla's expert guidance and encouragement in Carla Bakes will leave you feeling confident and inspired in your kitchen!

Author: Carla Hall
Publisher: 4 Color Books
Published: 09/08/2026
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.67lbs
Size: 10.28h x 8.27w x 0.96d
ISBN: 9780593837245


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 07/01/2026 pg. 73

About the Author
Carla Hall first won over audiences on Bravo's Top Chef, where her "cook with love" philosophy became her hallmark. Her belief that food connects us all, provides a through-line in her work both on and off camera. Carla charmed viewers as a co-host on ABC's Emmy Award-winning The Chew for seven years, appearing on the Food Network on various baking shows and now on Next Level Baker on Fox. She is also the host of the Emmy-winning travel-food series Chasing Flavor on HBO Max. Carla is the author or co-author of five cookbooks--including the NAACP Image Award-nominated Carla Hall's Soul Food--and two children's books. She also hosts the hit podcast Chewed Up and created and stars in her acclaimed one-woman show, Carla Hall: Please Underestimate Me. Carla is active in many charitable endeavors and focuses her board member-level participation in organizations where she can make an impact advocating for children through Beyond Bedtime (formerly Pajama Program) and GENYOUth.
Lauren Chattman is an award-winning cookbook author, freelance writer, and former professional pastry chef.