An embattled baker, Brooke Bellamy, has announced a significant business expansion while simultaneously addressing allegations of recipe plagiarism. Bellamy, who was recently accused of copying recipes, revealed on Sunday that she is expecting her second child and plans to open two new Brooki Bakehouse locations. The announcement coincides with the three-year anniversary of her successful bakery venture.
Brooki Bakehouse, which already boasts three locations, is preparing to open its fourth and fifth outlets. “It’s kind of crazy how much has happened over the past three years,” Bellamy shared in an Instagram video. “And if you haven’t heard the news already, I’m excited to say that a second baby Brooki is on the way.”
The announcement comes as Bellamy returns to social media after a brief hiatus following accusations from two high-profile chefs that her bestselling cookbook, Bake with Brooki, contained recipes allegedly plagiarized from their work. In her comeback post, Bellamy admitted she did not “invent” the recipes, clarifying that her creations were “inspired from somewhere and someone.”
Recipe Plagiarism Allegations
RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi sparked an internet frenzy in April by claiming that her caramel slice and baklava recipes were used in Bellamy’s book without permission. Bellamy, in response, has consistently denied these allegations.
“While all of these recipes are personal to me, I cannot say that I have invented the cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or cakes in the recipe book. They are all inspired from somewhere and someone before me,” Bellamy stated. She emphasized that her mother has been her primary inspiration, teaching her to cook and bake from a young age.
Penguin Australia, the publisher of Bake with Brooki, has stood by Bellamy, denying the plagiarism claims. “I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book, which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,” Bellamy reiterated.
Industry Reactions and Expert Opinions
The controversy has drawn reactions from the culinary world, with American baker Sally McKenney joining the fray. McKenney claimed Bellamy had also plagiarized her vanilla cake recipe, highlighting the importance of crediting original recipe creators.
Experts in the culinary field note that while inspiration is common, direct copying without acknowledgment crosses ethical lines. “Original recipe creators who put in the work to develop and test recipes deserve credit—especially in a best-selling cookbook,” McKenney wrote.
“While baking has leeway for creativity, much of it is a precise science and is necessarily formulaic. Many recipes are bound to share common steps and measures: if they don’t, they simply don’t work.” — Brooke Bellamy
Looking Forward: Expansion and Legacy
Despite the ongoing controversy, Bellamy remains focused on the growth of her business. The new Brooki Bakehouse locations are set to open soon, marking a significant milestone in her career. Bellamy’s story reflects the challenges and triumphs of modern culinary entrepreneurship, where creativity and originality are constantly scrutinized.
As Bellamy prepares for the arrival of her second child and the expansion of her bakery empire, the culinary community will be watching closely. The implications of this case may influence how recipe sharing and inspiration are viewed in the industry, potentially setting new precedents for intellectual property in the culinary arts.
The move represents a bold step forward for Bellamy, who continues to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny and personal ambition. Her journey underscores the delicate balance between inspiration and originality in the ever-evolving world of baking.
