Joy Wilson's Blog

These big buttermilk biscuits bake up tall and flaky with a sweet jam center that turns glossy and caramelized in the oven! Breakfast never felt so bakery-worthy (especially since the bakery is literally in my backyard).

We opened The Bakehouse Texas (my monthly backyard bakery pop-up here in Bellville) last November, and every month since I’ve been packing up dozens and dozens of bakery boxes. Of course I’ve learned that every new baking venture I take on requires loads of flexibility. 

Continue reading The Bakehouse Texas Big Buttermilk Biscuits Jammers at Joy the Baker.

Friends, April’s Almanac comes to you by way of my dear friend and favorite contributor, Amy Estes. As I step into maternity leave and the whole business of matrescence, I’m so grateful to have Amy here to guide us through the month. I hope to be back in May with a little proof of life. Until then, you’re in the very best hands here with Amy and I’d also like to encourage you to subscribe to the Baked In newsletter because I’m welcoming guest writers and cooks every single week!

Continue reading The Bakehouse Almanac, April 2026 at Joy the Baker.

I love an Easter brunch because it feels like the true gathering meal of spring. It’s one where we set the table whether it’s pouring a spring rain outside or the sun is sweet enough to pull us onto the patio to eat outdoors. I come to Easter with a head full of easter brunch ideas and a deep love for a table that leans egg and produce-forward: a golden quiche, a generous platter of deviled eggs, and a super chopped, slightly unexpected salad.

Continue reading My Favorite Easter Brunch Recipes for a Cozy Spring Table at Joy the Baker.

Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac; a monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac will land like a note taped to the fridge accompanied by a mug of coffee slid across the counter. It’s our monthly guide of sorts: a mix of good intentions, short lists, seasonal thoughts, and a few personal notes from me as we move through the year together. Think of it as a vibe check as we step into each new month.

Continue reading The Bakehouse Almanac, March 2026 at Joy the Baker.

Bakery-style nursing cookies made with oats, flax, brewer’s yeast, and chocolate chips. Thick, chewy lactation cookies baked tall with crisp edges and soft centers – perfect for new moms and absolutely stocked in my freezer.

A few weeks ago I shared my pregnancy news with you and goodness, friends… you showed up! Your notes, your stories, your “me too’s” — so many of you have walked the long road I’ve walked.

Continue reading Bakery-Style Chocolate Oatmeal Lactation Cookies at Joy the Baker.

This simple homemade cake release is brushed into pans so cakes slide out cleanly every time. Made from a two-to-one ratio of fat to flour, it clings to every corner of the pan better than baking spray and turns cake release into a sure thing! We love a sure thing in the kitchen!

One mention of baking a cake in our family kitchen and my dad appears like a genie released from a bottle, already halfway to the refrigerator to retrieve the magic pan grease (or whip up a fresh batch if we’re running low).

Continue reading The Baker’s Secret for Cakes That Never Stick at Joy the Baker.

Hello, friend! I’ve been sitting on this piece of writing for a few months now. I’m going to talk about infertility and pregnancy – both of which can feel tender and complicated for some of us. If that feels like more than you want to take on today, I completely understand, and I’ll see you soon with a recipe. If you’d like to stick around and feel this one through with me, I’m really grateful you’re here.

Continue reading Is Joy the Baker Pregnant? Yes, you guys! Here’s the story behind the bump. at Joy the Baker.

A cozy winter citrus recipe roundup featuring oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and blood oranges to brighten the darkest days of the season.

There’s a particular shade of winter grey that settles in by late January/ early February. The trees are bare. The light feels a little flat. My kitchen window currently feels like a drafty porthole absent of any sign of spring. But! Because every kitchen needs a little saving grace on the counter – there’s a big bowl of bright citrus, amen!

Continue reading 7 Bright Citrus Recipes to Beat the Winter Blues at Joy the Baker.

A cozy winter citrus recipe roundup featuring oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and blood oranges to brighten the darkest days of the season.

There’s a particular shade of winter grey that settles in by late January/ early February. The trees are bare. The light feels a little flat. My kitchen window currently feels like a drafty porthole absent of any sign of spring. But! Because every kitchen needs a little saving grace on the counter – there’s a big bowl of bright citrus, amen!

Continue reading It’s Grey Outside, But These Recipes Are Pure Sunshine at Joy the Baker.

Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac — a new monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac will land like a note taped to the fridge accompanied by a mug of coffee slid across the counter. It’s our monthly guide of sorts: a mix of good intentions, short lists, seasonal thoughts, and a few personal notes from me as we move through the year together.

Continue reading The Bakehouse Almanac: February 2026 at Joy the Baker.