Welcome Bienvenido Bienvenida Welcome to Desserts World
A sweet journey through global traditions, one dessert at a time
Desserts World began with an unexpected connection between two women from different walks of life, united by a shared obsession with desserts that carry meaning. Lila Thompson, once an architect in Portland, discovered more fulfillment in assembling layer cakes than drawing blueprints. Maren Castillo, raised in a multigenerational Caribbean bakery in Miami, spoke the language of taste long before she spoke her first words. Their paths crossed in Savannah, Georgia, during a chance conversation over vanilla beans at a local market a moment that sparked a vision: to create a space where desserts from around the world could be explored, honored, and reimagined for home bakers everywhere.
That spark became Desserts World not just a recipe site, but a storytelling platform shaped by curiosity and cultural respect. From day one, the goal has been to highlight the traditions, creativity, and personal histories behind desserts as much as the ingredients themselves. Every recipe begins with a question: what makes this dessert special? We’ve answered that by researching and testing everything from Hungarian chimney cakes to Filipino leche flan, often tracing recipes back through generations or across borders. Our team, entirely self-taught, believes that great baking starts not in culinary school, but in lived experience, persistent trial, and a deep respect for the cultures that shape each creation.
Today, from our kitchen studio in Charleston, South Carolina, we continue that work with a commitment to clarity, authenticity, and inspiration. Each recipe is tested multiple times to ensure it’s accessible to home cooks without losing its heart. Beyond instructions, we offer context step-by-step guides, cultural insights, and techniques gathered through travel and collaboration. Desserts World has grown into a trusted global resource, but our purpose hasn’t changed: to connect people through the joy of baking. Whether you’re starting with a simple shortbread or tackling a complex regional pastry, we’re here to help you succeed, enjoy the process, and discover the world through dessert.
