In 2025, one name is making waves across social media, cookbooks, and culinary circles: Brooke Bellamy. Known for her delectable cookies and behind-the-scenes bakery videos, Brooke has captivated millions. But recent controversies have thrust her into the spotlight for reasons beyond her baking prowess.
From TikTok Sensation to Bakery Owner
Brooke Bellamy’s journey began in the kitchens of Brisbane, Australia. As a self-taught baker, she started sharing her baking adventures on TikTok, quickly amassing a dedicated following. Her authentic approach and freewayget .com creations led to the opening of Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley in 2022 .
Her debut cookbook, Bake with Brooki, showcases 100 of her most beloved recipes, from chunky cookies to indulgent layer cakes. The book’s success mirrored her bakery’s popularity, with fans lining up daily to taste her creations.
The Plagiarism Allegations
In April 2025, Brooke faced serious allegations from renowned cookbook author Nagi Maehashi. Maehashi accused Brooke of replicating her caramel slice and baklava recipes in Bake with Brooki without proper attribution .
Brooke responded by denying the allegations, stating that she had been using and selling those recipes since 2016, predating Maehashi’s 2020 publication. To address the concerns, Brooke and her publisher, Penguin Books, agreed to remove the disputed recipes from future editions of the book .
The controversy intensified when U.S. baker Sally McKenney also accused Brooke of copying her vanilla cake recipe. Brooke maintained that her creations stem from personal experience and history, emphasizing the collaborative nature of modern recipe development .
Professional Repercussions
The backlash from the plagiarism allegations led to professional setbacks for Brooke. She was dropped as an ambassador for the Academy for Enterprising Girls, an organization she had been associated with due to her influence in the culinary world .
Despite these challenges, Brooke’s bakery continues to operate, and her cookbook remains available for purchase. She has not made a public appearance since the scandal broke, while her husband briefly addressed the media without commenting on the issue .
Looking Ahead
While the recent controversies have cast a shadow over Brooke Bellamy’s career, her journey from a passionate home baker to a successful business owner and author remains inspiring. The coming months will reveal how she navigates these challenges and whether she can rebuild her reputation in the culinary community.
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