This Step-By-Step Baking Cookbook Debut By Parth Bajaj Is About to Give You A Serious Sweet Tooth

Baking is often described as a therapeutic act of self-care—but without the right guidance, it can quickly turn stressful. That’s why I’m always drawn to cookbooks that are clear, visually driven, and beginner-friendly. In his debut cookbook Plated by Parth, Instagram’s favourite baker Parth Bajaj delivers exactly that. Blending fusion desserts, global inspirations, and a generous dash of humour, the book promises a recipe list that’s been thoroughly tested—and tasted. ELLE Gourmet India sat down with Parth to chat cookie catastrophes, writing on the move, and his (literally) spicy signature bakes.

ELLE Gourmet: Writing a book is a labour of love. How has the journey been for you?

Parth Bajaj (PB): It definitely is. In fact, I ended up writing the book twice. A data issue corrupted my original file, and I had to start from scratch. I finished it while travelling through Switzerland and Germany—so technically, a third of the book was written in India, a third in Germany, and the rest in Switzerland.

ELLE Gourmet: Can you walk us through your process of developing and testing recipes? How did you ensure they’re both delicious and doable for home bakers?

PB: My only rule was that every recipe had to be a bestseller. I tested each one multiple times to make sure it was foolproof. I began by listing all the flavours I love in baking, followed by a list of baked goods. Then, I paired them in different ways to make sure the book covers a broad spectrum, so there’s something for everyone.

ELLE Gourmet:⁠ How have Indian flavours influenced your baking style? Any examples in the book?

PB: I have always tried to come up with crazy fusion dessert ideas. I feel one should always stick to their roots, even if they want to explore foreign cuisines. The book features a Kashmiri Laal Mirch cookie recipe inspired by the viral gochujang caramel cookies from Korea. It has sweet, savoury and spicy flavours, and it screams India. 

ELLE Gourmet: If your cookbook had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it?

PB: That’s a great one! Butter by BTS because my recipes are smooth as butter. Sugar by Maroon 5, for obvious reasons. And Ishq Di Chashni for a sweet Indian twist.

ELLE Gourmet:  If you could host a bake-off with three people (living or dead), who would you invite and what challenge would you throw at them?

PB: I’d call in three chefs I really admire: Joshua Weissman, Ranveer Brar, and Vikas Khanna. The challenge? Bake their signature dish… blindfolded!

To order your paperback or Kindle edition of Plated by Parth, published by Penguin Random House India, click here.