I’m so glad you stopped by! My name is Ashika, and I started this blog as a way to share my love for baking and all the sweet (and savory) creations that come out of my kitchen.
From classic cookies and cakes to comforting gluten-free and vegan alternatives, I’m passionate about making homemade baking accessible and fun for everyone!

Hello there!

Hi, I’m Ashika, a 24-year-old with a love for all things creative and a constant thirst for knowledge!

I’m the heart and hands behind First Floor Baking — from baking to recipe development, photography, and writing, it’s all part of my passion.

By 22, I realized that no Sunday was complete without some time spent baking.

The process of creating new recipes for my family and friends became something I cherished deeply.

But before diving into the details, let me take you back to where it all began.

I was born on a chilly January day in Italy, the youngest of three sisters. Growing up, I was always the lucky one — getting that extra toy, slice of cake, or piece of chicken.

Cooking and baking were a way of life in our home, and it’s where my passion for food first started to take shape.

As a child, I spent countless hours in the kitchen, watching my parents — especially my mother — work their magic.
My father’s famous butter cake was the star of every birthday party or church event, while my mom’s delicious Biryani was always the crowd-pleaser.

And yes, my parents are from Sri Lanka and Mauritius, so you can imagine the incredible mix of flavors in our home!

At 9, I found my own love for cooking. I started with chicken curry, and it wasn’t long before I realized how much I wanted to expand my skills.

As my older sister began baking, I joined in too, though my early baking attempts weren’t exactly successful.

My first cakes were rubbery or so hard they could break a tooth! But my family never gave up on me, always encouraging me to try again and learn from my mistakes.
Because failure is just a step toward success, and no great baker starts out perfect.

They reminded me that giving up wasn’t an option.

So, I continued to bake cakes of all types, biscuits of all shapes, and muffins with all ingredients.

I took notes of what was good and what wasn’t, what was missing, and what was too much. I studied how to make soft, tall cakes and crunchy, delicious biscuits.

I tested my skills and tried new recipes because whether it’s your first batch of cookies or a perfectly golden loaf, every little mistake just makes you better.

I tested my skills and tried new recipes.

Eventually, I realized that sharing my creations with just family and friends wasn’t enough.

I wanted to share my journey with a wider audience, so I created a TikTok account.
The feedback I received was incredible, and it inspired me to start this blog, where I now share simple, budget-friendly dessert recipes.

I hope to see many of you, and…hey, I’m your baking sister from the first floor!

Why “First Floor Baking”?

You might be wondering, “Why the name ‘First Floor Baking’?”

Well, it’s simple: my kitchen is on the first floor, and it’s where all the magic happens. This blog is a reflection of that space — warm, welcoming, and full of creative possibilities.

I want you to feel like you’re right there with me, baking and laughing together, making memories one recipe at a time.

What you will find on First Floor Baking

First Floor Baking is a blog dedicated to delicious and simple baked goods recipes.

I specialize in approachable, from-scratch recipes that anyone can make at home — no fancy equipment or culinary degree is needed.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, there’s something here for you.

I believe balance is key, so you’ll find both health-conscious and indulgent recipes here; from savory bakes to sweet desserts, all made with love at home.

Baking from the heart on the first floor, this blog shares sweet and savory recipes, thoughtfully crafted to include gluten-free and vegan options for every kind of baker.

I’ve got you covered with budget-friendly, time-saving, and delicious recipes because good food shouldn’t be complicated! These recipes are easy on your wallet, quick in the kitchen, and big on taste!

Gluten-free and vegan?

First Floor Baking is a safe space for those navigating food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Whether you are looking for a soy-free or gluten-free recipe, you can find almost everything here.

When I was 23, after struggling with persistent food issues, my relationship with food changed completely.
After being diagnosed with a condition at 23 that required me to eliminate gluten, dairy, and soy, I struggled to find suitable recipes and products.

The sudden change left me frustrated and limited as someone who once ate everything. I soon discovered that many gluten-free and vegan products contained soy, narrowing my options even further.

Suddenly, everything I loved was off-limits, and even “safe” products weren’t safe enough.
I couldn’t find many treats I could eat, so I started baking my own using ingredients I could trust.

I started baking out of necessity, using affordable, honest ingredients to make the desserts I missed. That challenge inspired me to create my own — simple, homemade recipes made with accessible, allergy-conscious ingredients.
Now I share those recipes here, so no one else has to feel as limited or overwhelmed as I once did.

So, whether you’re avoiding certain foods or cooking for someone who is, I’ve got you covered with recipes that are kind to your body and satisfying to your soul.

I’ll escort you in search of desserts that will get your taste buds covered!

Discover the gluten-free and vegan ingredients I use in my recipes!

Thank you for joining me here at First Floor Baking! I hope you find inspiration, joy, and plenty of tasty recipes to try.
Let’s bake something great together!