Candelina is a cottage bakery I created in 2022 from my home in San Rafael, California.

I offer a selection of Italian and American cakes and pastries based on a bake-to-order model. All my products are made using only high quality ingredients and, whenever possible, are locally sourced. The menu is created seasonally and features authentic and regional Italian recipes.

You may find many of my products are less sweet and lighter than traditional baked goods. I believe that in using excellent ingredients such as top-notch butter, or the finest of chocolates, or fruit at its peak season, I can bake with less sugar. Sugar certainly provides structure and highlights natural flavors, but that special butter, chocolate or fruit is what I want to people to appreciate. I believe pastry and desserts are not treats for every day. They should be enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions, and therefore be of the best quality.

About Me

I was born and raised in Italy and moved to California in my mid-twenties for a four weeks study-vacation. Fast forward twenty years, I am a Marin county resident, married and proud mother of two, always ready to pack our Flying Cloud for a quick weekend get-away.

I have always had a passion for baking and my baked goods are a result of my Italian childhood memories and my life here in the States. I have a background in International Relations and Public Health and even in my baking creations, I have a deep respect for food provenance and for the impact it has on our environment. I started Candelina with the hope to one day grow it into a catering business.

I hope you will enjoy my pastries as much as I enjoyed making them.

P.s. Candelina means “birthday candle” in Italian and creating this business has always been my wish.

Arianna