About Julie McAllister

Julie McAllister is a cake artist based in Charleston, South Carolina, who artistically transforms the centerpiece of any celebration—cake—into an astonishing lifelike representation, elevating the traditional dessert into an awe-inspiring work of art. Julie’s work has captured the attention of celebrities and nationally known Southern brands. You can watch her flex her cake skills on Netflix (Is It Cake? season 3), the Food Network and Discovery+ (Holiday Wars season 4), and she was also honored as one of the winners of the Create TV Create Cooking Challenge.

About Lauren Jacobs

Lauren, also known as The Cheerful Baker, is a talented cookie decorator and the owner of a successful cookie-decorating and subscription box business. She was a finalist on the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2022, earning national recognition for her cookie recipes and designs. With a background as an artist and former art teacher, Lauren pours her creativity into every part of her business. Her cookie subscription boxes, shipped across the US, come with custom-designed cookie cutters, stencils, and a link to a fun online class. 

Accommodations in Birmingham

The Valley Hotel is located in downtown Homewood, just over the mountain from our test kitchen. From the hotel, you can walk to dozens of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. The hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a cozy area to relax outside by the firepits.

Booking

Half of the retreat cost (50%) is due at booking. The second half of the retreat cost (50%) is due December 1, 2024. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Trip prices are in US dollars.

Travel to and from Birmingham

Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Birmingham and to the Valley Hotel on Friday, April 11, when the retreat commences. Guests will be responsible for getting themselves from the Valley Hotel to the airport or their next destination on Monday, April 14. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located a quick 5 miles away from the hotel.

Costs

The price of the trip includes hotel accommodations, baking classes, breakfast and lunch on baking days, and the welcome wine reception.

Single-occupancy, double-occupancy, baking participant plus non-baking guest, and commuter rates are available.

Your credit card will be charged by Hoffman Media, the parent company of Bake from Scratch.

Cancellation

Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance.

If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation or costs related to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, there may be limitations relating to activities. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result of changing circumstances. Please know that we are working closely with our partners to plan and execute a safe baking retreat for our guests, but there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 when traveling. By booking this baking retreat, you acknowledge and assume these risks associated with travel. 

We reserve the right to cancel this retreat if fewer than 24 participants have signed up by March 15, 2025. We will send an email confirmation to all participants when this number has been met. If Bake from Scratch initiates the cancellation, we will refund all payments.

Have a question about this baking retreat? Email events@bakefromscratch.com.

Can I extend my stay at the hotels?

If you’d like to inquire about additional nights at the hotel, please email events@bakefromscratch.com.

I live in Birmingham. Can I attend and not stay in a hotel?

Please email us at events@bakefromscratch.com if you are a Birmingham resident and would like information on a commuter package. Proof of residence in Birmingham is required to book a commuter package.

Is breakfast included?

Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be provided each morning.

Are children able to attend this retreat?

All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this baking retreat.

What will I bake?

This retreat dives deep into decorated cakes and cookies. You’ll prepare a base cake layer that will be transformed using buttercream and fondant. In addition to learning how to bake a fabulous sugar cookie, you’ll learn essential cookie-decorating techniques.

What should I plan to wear during baking classes and on the retreat?

Casual clothing and nonslip, closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be pulled back. Aprons will be provided.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking classes are hands-on. You will have your own kitchen space, stand mixer, equipment, and oven to use.

Is this retreat better suited for professionals or home bakers?

Our retreats are geared toward passionate home bakers, but professionals are always welcome.

Will we have any free time?

You will have some free time in the evenings to explore Birmingham.

I want to bring my travel companion, but they don’t want to participate in the baking classes. What can they do?

Your non-baking companion is invited to the welcome reception and for a casual lunch in our test kitchen on Saturday and Sunday if they’d like to stop by and see what you’re baking. Otherwise, your travel companion can explore Birmingham on their own.
 

To reserve your space, email events@bakefromscratch.com. You will be required to pay your deposit within 48 hours and sign a travel waiver and acknowledgement of cancellation policy via DocuSign. Reservations will be taken in the order in which we receive emails.