The popular baking brand Bake with Brooki and its founder Brooki (Brooke Bellamy) are currently embroiled in a recipe plagiarism controversy that has captured the attention of the food community. Food blogger Nagi Maehashi, the creator of RecipeTin Eats, has publicly accused Bellamy of copying several of her original recipes in Brooki’s top-selling cookbook.
Launched by Brooke Bellamy, Bake with Brooki gained rapid fame through her cookie recipes shared on TikTok and Instagram. The brand quickly expanded with the opening of Brooki Bakehouse in Brisbane, which has developed a cult following among dessert lovers. In October 2024, Bellamy released her debut cookbook under Penguin Random House, which achieved remarkable success, selling over 92,000 copies in just six months.
However, the controversy erupted when Maehashi discovered what she described as “remarkable similarities” between her recipes and those included in Brooki’s cookbook. The recipes in question include a Caramel Slice and Baklava, among others that Maehashi has chosen to keep confidential for legal reasons. The allegations came to light after a reader alerted Maehashi in November 2024, prompting her to conduct a thorough review and subsequently share side-by-side comparisons on her Instagram account.
In her posts, Maehashi emphasized that this issue extends beyond mere recipe duplication; it is fundamentally about the integrity of creative work being appropriated without proper credit. “It’s about more than one recipe,” Maehashi stated, highlighting the broader implications of plagiarism in the culinary world.
In response to the allegations, Penguin Random House, the publisher of Bake with Brooki, firmly denied the claims. A representative stated, "Our client respectfully rejects your client’s allegations and confirms that the recipes in [Bake With Brooki] were written by Brooke Bellamy." This rebuttal has not deterred Maehashi, who sought to have her work acknowledged, requesting that Penguin either credit her, remove the disputed recipes, or donate profits from those recipes to charity. Instead, she received legal letters from the publisher.
As the controversy unfolds, Brooki has remained silent, with no public statements issued from her or her team. Maehashi noted that Brooki has turned off comments on her recent Instagram posts, and older posts have attracted backlash from followers accusing her of plagiarism. This silence has led many to speculate about Brooki’s next steps.
Interestingly, Maehashi pointed out that newer editions of the cookbook now feature a different version of the Caramel Slice recipe, while other recipes she flagged remain unchanged. “It’s disappointing to see my work still out there, credited to someone else,” she expressed, reflecting the frustration felt by many creators in similar situations.
In a detailed Instagram post, Maehashi explained her rationale for taking months before going public with her claims. She sought legal clarity, needed time to process the emotional impact of the situation, and initially hoped to avoid public drama. Ultimately, she felt compelled to stand up for her work and address the issue publicly, stating, “I have nothing to gain from speaking out, but staying silent would make me complicit. Because I am not the only one.”
The current state of affairs shows that Bake with Brooki continues to maintain an active presence online and in stores, and the Brooki Bakehouse remains operational in Brisbane. As of April 29, 2025, no legal case has been filed publicly regarding the allegations, but the food creator community is closely monitoring the situation.
This controversy raises critical questions about the ownership of recipes and the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism in the culinary world. While Bake with Brooki's fans are eager for a response from Brooki, supporters of RecipeTin Eats are rallying behind Maehashi, urging for transparency and accountability.
As the story develops, it underscores a larger discussion within the food blogging and cookbook publishing industries: who truly owns a recipe, and what constitutes copying? The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for food creators and how their work is protected in an increasingly competitive landscape.
In the meantime, the allegations have sparked a variety of reactions among fans and fellow food creators. Many are expressing their support for Maehashi, while others are waiting to see how Brooki will address the situation. The food community remains divided, with strong sentiments on both sides as they navigate the complexities of creativity, ownership, and recognition in the digital age.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the Bake with Brooki controversy is far from over, and its resolution may shape the future of recipe sharing and culinary integrity.
