Ochiltree 'Cake Boss': East Ayrshire baker on cover of D’licious Magazine

Tracey McKay became interested in the art of cake-sculpting after watching TV programmes such as ‘Cake Boss’ but had never ventured into designing any lavish cakes of her own.

When lockdown hit, Tracey decided that there was no better time to level up her home-baking skills.

Tracey with the eagle design featured on the front cover of D’licious magazine (Image- Tracey McKay)

Since then, and totally self-taught, Tracey has made multiple cakes, including a bespoke NHS cake for frontline workers, and has come up trumps at Cake International, one of the biggest and most popular sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking shows.

Now her journey has taken her to the front page of the May edition of D’licious Magazine, which features a bald eagle sculpture created by Tracey, with instructions inside on how cake makers can create their very own version.

Tracey told the Chronicle: “It’s amazing to see where I’ve come.

“From only starting out at the beginning of lockdown, to now being on the front cover of this magazine, seems a bit surreal.

Tracey McKay's stunning cake

“When you see some of the other artists who are included in the magazine, and for my design to be chosen ahead of theirs, it’s hard to believe.

“I also won a competition to go on a wedding cake course worth £1,500.

Dubbed 'Ochiltree's Cake Boss' (Image- Tracey McKay)

“I haven’t decided yet if wedding cakes is something I want to go on with, but I’d love to be able to make a living out of these designs, because so much hard work goes into them and people on Facebook seem to love them, so I’m hoping that can transfer into work.

“I’ve started Facebook groups and people love joining them and learning new tricks, so I’m always welcoming people on there too.”

Tracey’s page, ‘The Cake Sculptress’, can be found on Facebook.