From the founder of CAKE PICNIC―a series of joyful, diverse, and deliciously indulgent gatherings where every attendee brings a whole cake―this cookbook of 50 baking recipes includes a guide to hosting your own confectionery events and encourages bakers to lean into play, connection, community―and lots of cake!
Part how-to guide, part recipe collection, the Cake Picnic cookbook provides everything you need to host your own delightfully decadent cake picnic. Here is practical advice for planning, hosting, and attending: how to choose a theme, prepare your guests, set up the event, encourage connection, transport whole cakes, and more. But the icing on the―you guessed it―cake is the 50 recipes within.
Organized by theme, from an Autumn Harvest Cake Picnic to an Afternoon Tea Cake Picnic, a Beach Cake Picnic to a Salty-Sweet Cake Picnic, these recipes will inspire your creativity and tempt your sweet tooth. And never apologize for trying ten slices in one sitting―happiness often comes frosted, sprinkled, and cut into generous servings. BUY IT HERE
COOKBOOK TOUR
May 16: San Francisco, CA - CAKE PICNIC x Parachute Bakery | 10-12PM
Chef Naseer celebrates the CAKE PICNIC cookbook at Parachute Bakery with special and limited edition cakes inspired by the book! Come by to grab some of the cakes and pastries, buy an early copy of the book, and get it signed by Elisa. You won’t want to miss this!
May 17: Pasadena, CA - CAKE PICNIC x Sidecar Doughnuts Pasadena | 12-2PM
To celebrate the launch of the CAKE PICNIC cookbook, Sidecar has created a special cake donut inspired by the CAKE PICNIC cookbook: Golden Hour Grey donut. A beautiful orange blossom spiced cake donut, Earl Grey glaze, orange juice and zest whipped cream, and a candied orange peel to round out the celebration. This is for the cake AND donut lovers combined. Join us at the Sidecar Pasadena location on May 17th to get early copies of the book and have it signed by Elisa!
May 19: San Francisco, CA - Omnivore Books talk and signing | 6:30PM
Join for an evening with Elisa and Dominick to chat through the cookbook, CAKE PICNIC, and more at Omnivore. Event page here. Elisa will also bring a cake to share (while supplies last!). But, what is a CAKE PICNIC book talk without cake?! Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring a cake to share! Elisa will randomly award 3 bakers who bring a cake a special CAKE PICNIC prize.
May 31: Brooklyn, NY - CAKE PICNIC x La Cabra Brooklyn | 3-4PM
What better way to celebrate the CAKE PICNIC cookbook than with more sweetness in new forms? Join us for a special event at La Cabra Roastery in Brooklyn for a special event. The team at La Cabra Bakery will present special edition pastries (Guava & Cream Cheese Pain Suisse and the Pistachio & Rose bun) inspired by the book. Grab some pastries, get a copy of the book, get it signed by Elisa, and come hang out!
June 7: Long Beach, CA - CAKE PICNIC x Moonbridge Doughnut Studio | 10-11AM
Anabelle and Elisa started Bucket List Bake Club years ago for friends and the love of baking. Today, Anabelle now runs Moonbridge Doughnut Studio and is excited to celebrate the CAKE PICNIC cookbook with donuts! Come by for special edition donuts that are inspired by some of the cake recipes in the book. Cookbook copies will be available for sale and Elisa will be around to sign them. Let’s have our cake and eat donuts too! Note that Elisa will be at the store 10-11AM for signing. The CAKE PICNIC donuts will be available all day!
June 9: Los Angeles, CA - Now Serving LA cookbook talk and signing | 7PM
Join Elisa at beloved cookbook shop Now Serving LA for an evening celebrating the release of CAKE PICNIC! Elisa will be in conversation about the story behind the viral cake gatherings, the making of the cookbook, and the joy of building community through baking. Come grab a copy of the book, get it signed and chat all things cake!
June 13: Larkspur, CA - Copperfield’s Books | 11:30-1:00PM
A North Bay stop is here! Join Elisa at the beloved Copperfield's Books in Larkspur for a midday signing. Pick up a copy of CAKE PICNIC, get it signed, and chat with Elisa about all things cake. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
July 17: Seattle, WA - CAKE PICNIC x Pastry Project | 3-4PM
Seattle, we’re bringing cake in sundae form! To celebrate the CAKE PICNIC cookbook, Pastry Project is creating a special collaboration sundae menu inspired by flavors and cakes from the book. Join Elisa for an afternoon of sweets, scoops, and summer nostalgia with limited edition sundaes, cookbook signings, and plenty of cake-loving joy. Come grab a copy of the book, get it signed, and celebrate all things dessert with us!
August 7: Menlo Park, CA - Kepler’s Books | 5-7PM
The CAKE PICNIC tour makes its way to the iconic Kepler's Books in Menlo Park! Stop by to grab a signed copy of the cookbook, partake in a mini cake picnic, and spend some time with Elisa. Details on timing coming soon — stay tuned!
Pre-order
Pre-ordering the CAKE PICNIC cookbook (out May 19, 2026) is one of the most meaningful ways to support CAKE PICNIC. Early orders help ensure the book reaches more readers and book stores. Your support helps sustain the gatherings, creativity, and shared joy that define CAKE PICNIC. Thank you for saying yes to cake and bringing this sweet movement into your world.
Waterstones (UK)
Indigo (Canada)
Dymocks (Australia)
Press inquiries
Please contact Michelle Triant, Chronicle Books at michelle_triant@chroniclebooks.com. 510-504-0431.