Hey, friends! I'm Elise...
Welcome to Sweets by Elise- a place where home bakers can learn to master classic, comforting, and seasonal desserts! I'm so glad you're here!
The goal of this blog is to share easy, yummy, and trustworthy recipes. I want to share recipes that YOU will be able to master using tools, ingredients, and techniques that you’ll feel comfortable with.
These recipes are heavily tested, will challenge you enough to have fun, and will not end in disappointment if they are followed as written! My intent is to provide you with enough information, direction, substitutions, alterations, and tips that you can feel confident in YOUR kitchen!
More About Me...
I'm a northern VA gal born and raised, and I just graduated from Clemson University in South Carolina! I was a Human Resources major double minoring in Youth Development Studies and Nonprofit Leadership... aka I studied absolutely nothing to do with the baking and blogging world!
In my free time, you can find me running, spending time in the sun, singing show tunes, eating lactose-free ice cream, dancing to Christmas music, and loving on my friends and family!
A few random facts:
- I once pulled a muscle from eating too much pizza (medically confirmed)
- I could perform the entire Hairspray musical on my own... just ask
- 90% chance you can find me checking the UV for peak tanning

How I Started
I started baking around the age of 10 after watching my Nana, Mom, and Dad create the yummiest treats. I fell even deeper into the baking world after being completely enthralled by Cake Boss, DC Cupcakes, and several other baking shows that pushed me to learn and experiment.
I started this blog in 2015, though it was originally called Bug’s Baking Blog after my childhood nickname. When restarting after a 3 year hiatus in 2020, Sweets By Elise looked to deliver the sweetest treats to you in a slightly more professional way!
Throughout the past few years of baking, blogging, and photographing, I have been able to dive deeper in to this whole world! I am learning and experimenting every single day, and I couldn't be more grateful!
I now run my blog FULL-TIME and provide freelance food photography, recipe development, and video creation for food brands! If you're a food brand interested in working together, check out my Work with Me page!
Why I Started
I am a SIMPLE eater! I like classic desserts-not too much glitz and glamour. I think desserts should be good enough on their own, meaning that they shouldn’t need tons of toppings, fillings, add-ins…. you know the drill. Treats should speak for themselves. Whenever I went to bake something new, I was met with recipes that were too complicated, as most were showcasing flavors and techniques that seemed out of my league.
I wanted to create a space that showed off recipes and ideas that are classy, flavorful, and impressive. I wanted these recipes to be DOABLE and reliable. I wanted recipes that I could go back to and know would not give me any trouble. As much as these recipes are for you to enjoy, this is truly a documentation of treats that I want to keep in my back pocket.