Today I am joined by Julie McAllister! Julie is a visionary cake artist redefining the boundaries of edible art. Based in Charleston, she is renowned for crafting breathtakingly lifelike confections that capture the elegance and charm of the South—think a chinoiserie vase adorned with delicate sugar flowers or an oyster roast so impeccably sculpted, it invites a second glance. Each creation is a masterful illusion, blending impeccable technique with a deep appreciation for Southern heritage and hospitality.

Her artistry has graced the pages of HGTV Magazine, Garden & Gun, Entertain & Celebrate, Southern Lady, and SKIRT, and she has been sought after for exclusive cake sculpting tutorials in American Cake Decorating Magazine. She was a featured competitor on season 3 of the Netflix show Is It Cake?, Season 4 of Discovery+ Holiday Wars, and named a winner of the Create TV Cooking Challenge.

With a clientele that includes Reese Witherspoon, Garden & Gun, and King Bean Coffee, McAllister’s work is more than cake—it is an exquisite statement, designed to captivate, celebrate, and leave a lasting impression. Each piece is a testament to the art of indulgence, where craftsmanship and creativity converge in the most decadent way. In addition to her custom creations, McAllister travels nationally to teach cake artistry workshops, sharing her expertise with bakers of all skill levels. Whether creating an opulent statement piece for a luxury event or a sculpted masterpiece for a brand campaign, she transforms cake into an unforgettable experience.

In this episode, Julie and I talked about how she began decorating cakes, her time on several TV shows, the process of creating a hyperrealistic cake, and so much more!

Historic Charleston Foundation

Julie's Instagram

Julie's Website