Season 3 Episode 9: Kareem Queeman, Mr. Bake

In this episode, I have the pleasure of diving into the story of the extraordinary Kareem Queeman, aka Mr. Bake—an award-winning pastry chef who’s charming the nation one dessert at a time. In this interview, we explore his baking beginnings, his missions, and his memorable experiences on TV.

Kareem’s baking journey began with a box of cake mix, a humble start guided by his grandmother. Despite being from New York City, Kareem now works his magic out of the DMV area (and no, not the Department of Motor Vehicles). His work has earned him big-time accolades, like being a 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards semi-finalist.

New York vs. DMV Food Scene
Kareem may live in the DMV, but he’s a New Yorker at heart. When asked who has the better food scene, he couldn’t deny that New York’s diverse culinary landscape still reigns supreme. “It’s the melting pot of different cuisines,” he says, making a strong case for the Big Apple.

Nostalgic Baking Beginnings
When Kareem goes back to New York, it’s a bite of nostalgia with every visit. His must-stops include Carrot Top Pastries in Washington Heights and Texas Star in Harlem. These spots hold sentimental value and serve up classics like strawberry shortcake and pancakes that bring back fond memories.

The Origin of 'Mr. Bake'
Kareem’s name, ‘Mr. Bake,’ was coined by his childhood friend Jerome, during an era of unrequited crushes and burgeoning friendships. Despite initial resistance, the name stuck and even evolved—Jerome shortened it further to just “Bake,” making it feel hip and cool.

Representation in the Food Industry
The underrepresented deserve a voice, and Kareem is that voice for Black and queer bakers. After losing his mother, this mission became his driving force. His energy and authentic self have appeared on everything from Netflix to Food Network, and he ensures his visibility is more than just personal—it’s inspirational.

Journey into Food Competitions
Have you ever auditioned for a TV show? It’s a whirlwind! Kareem reminisced about his two-year journey to get his first TV gig. With frantic hand gestures—a mix of excitement and stress—he explains how persistence paid off, landing him on multiple food competition shows.

Authenticity and Representation
Kareem’s message is clear: be true to who you are. Whether competing on TV or giving motivational speeches, he emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically. Even when nerves are high—'Mr. Bake’ enters the stage and puts on a fantastic show.

Award-Winning Banana Pudding
If you love banana pudding as much as Kareem and I do, you’re in for a treat. His award-winning banana pudding is nothing short of divine. Imagine layers of custard made from scratch, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, and folded into homemade whipped cream. Add in thin slices of banana and your choice of cookies—pure bliss!

Want to keep up with Kareem and his delicious desserts? Follow him on social media at @MrBakeSweets or visit his website mrbakesweets.com for the latest updates, including his YouTube channel and newsletter.

Thank you, Kareem, for sharing your delicious journey with us. It was a pleasure, and I’m already craving some of that banana pudding!

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