Our TeamJustin Burke

Justin Burke

About Me

Justin Burke is a food writer, recipe developer, and award winning pastry chef and baker. His work includes kitchen culture and mental health, queer food, and American dessert history. Justin has contributed to many publications including Eater, Compound Butter, The Local Palate, Food & Wine, Garden & Gun, The FeedFeed, Bake from Scratch, Unpretentious Palate, and Dirty Linen. Justin lives in Columbia, SC with his partner and son.

Latest Stories

Finding Self-Acceptance and Pride Through Banana Split Poke Cake
“Without fail, every time I meet someone new and they find out I’m a pastry chef, they’ll ask me, ‘What’s your favorite thing to bake?’ It took me nearly ten years before I turned the question into an opportunity to shed more light on who I am. My answer now? Poke cake.”
Justin Burke
Jun 30, 2023
I Tried 4 Popular Cherry Pie Recipes and I Can’t Stop Thinking About the Winner
It's forever changed how I think about cherry pie.
Justin Burke
Jul 22, 2022
Ambitious Kitchen's Cherry Pie Is an Absolute All-Star
It has a smart trick for creating a super-flavorful filling.
Justin Burke
Jul 21, 2022
Smitten Kitchen's Cherry Pie Is an Instant Classic
It's a delicious reminder of the power of simplicity.
Justin Burke
Jul 20, 2022
I Tried King Arthur's Cherry Pie Recipe and Have Some Thoughts
For one, I learned some valuable lessons about quick-cooking tapioca.
Justin Burke
Jul 19, 2022
Serious Eats' Cherry Pie Recipe Taught Me Some Valuable Baking Lessons
Lesson 1: Bake your pie on a baking sheet.
Justin Burke
Jul 18, 2022
I Tried Martha Stewart’s Savory Buttermilk Biscuits, and Her Method Completely Changed How I Make Biscuits
Never again will I spend the additional time laminating biscuit dough to get perfect layers.
Justin Burke
May 13, 2022
Cranberry Jell-O Salad Is the Crown Jewel of My Family’s Thanksgiving
The slightly sweet and tart side dish balances a heavy Thanksgiving meal, complementing the herbaceous and rich flavors and pulling everything together.
Justin Burke
Nov 21, 2021
Joy the Baker’s Araby Spice Cake Is the Perfect Snacking Cake for Fall
Recipe Review
You don't even need a mixer.
Justin Burke
Oct 7, 2021
We Tried 6 Methods to Keep a Bundt Cake from Sticking and the Winner Was Magic
Skills Showdown
This DIY solution gives you a beautiful Bundt every time!
Justin Burke
Oct 7, 2021
Already Tired of Pumpkin Spice? Try This Easy Butterscotch Bundt Cake.
Recipe Review
The flavor is more subtle than you'd think.
Justin Burke
Sep 29, 2021
I Tried Ina Garten’s Famous Chocolate Cake as Cupcakes and I’m Forever Changed
Recipe Review
It changed my mind about cupcakes.
Justin Burke
Sep 24, 2021
I Tried Brown Butter Maple Blondies and I’ll Be Making Them for the Rest of Fall
Recipe Review
Sticky, chewy, sweet — what's not to like?
Justin Burke
Sep 16, 2021
I Tried Giada’s Viral Banana Bread Brownies to See If They’re Worth the Hype
Recipe Review
They're low-sugar, vegan, and gluten-free.
Justin Burke
Sep 8, 2021
I Tried GrossyPelosi’s Blueberry Cornbread — I Never Knew Cornbread Could Be So Airy
Recipe Review
A perfect marriage of sweet and savory.
Justin Burke
Aug 26, 2021
I Tried Grandma’s Award-Winning One-Pan Chocolate Cake That Surprised Reddit (and It’s Vegan!)
Recipe Review
Quick, easy, and just one dirty bowl.
Justin Burke
Aug 20, 2021
I Tried Making “Self-Crusting” Blueberry Pie and the Magic Is Real
Recipe Review
It hits a sweet spot between pie and cobbler.
Justin Burke
Aug 1, 2021
I Tried the Reddit-Famous Apple Cream Pie Recipe from 1965 and It’s a New Family Favorite
Recipe Review
Both my 2-year-old son and my boyfriend gobbled it up and asked for more!
Justin Burke
Jul 30, 2021
This Popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Has One Super-Smart Tip That Anyone Can Steal
Recipe Review
It's the secret to Instagram-worthy cookies.
Justin Burke
Jul 29, 2021
I’m a Pastry Chef and This $20 Gadget Is My Summer Must-Have
It'll save you tons of time and cleanup.
Justin Burke
Jul 15, 2021
This Peach Delight Icebox Cake Is a Toast to My Southern Queer Community
Pride Bakeshop
The dessert is simple in appearance, but the flavors are sweet and fresh, with a subtle boozy note.
Justin Burke
Jun 7, 2021
The Secret to My Great-Grandma's Cookies? Smash Them After Baking.
Finding this recipe feels serendipitous.
Justin Burke
Apr 21, 2021
Steak Is Dull and Squash Tastes Spoiled: A Chef Shares His Experience Losing His Tastebuds After COVID-19
I am considered a long-hauler, someone who no longer has COVID-19 but still experiencing lingering symptoms. After 126 days I still have unpredictable fatigue, pain and numbness in my feet and legs, shaky hands, blurred vision, insomnia, brain fog, and lack a sense of taste and smell.
Justin Burke
Nov 2, 2020