Sharing Something Sweet with RubyBakes by Kristen
For Kristen Ruby, baking has always been something more than mixing ingredients — it’s memory, tradition, and love passed from one pair of hands to another. Some of her earliest and most cherished memories are of baking chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin bread alongside her mom. “Pumpkin bread has been a Fall staple for as long as I can remember,” she said. “Now, I make dozens of loaves each year to share with family and friends, or to sell at markets.”
The heart of Ruby Bakes by Kristen actually began in her own home kitchen. When her son was born in 2009, she knew she wanted to bake and decorate his very first birthday cake. She laughs now thinking of that early attempt — “Let’s just say, I’ve come a long way since that first cake!” In the years that followed, she began bringing treats to work and sharing them with friends. Then, ten years ago, her boss asked her to bake for her son’s rehearsal dinner. “That was such an honor. And it was my first ever two-tier cake. I knew I had to come up with a business name.” Friends and coworkers already affectionately called her “Ruby,” so RubyBakes felt natural. She added “by Kristen” to distinguish herself on social media — and the name stuck.
Today, her decorated sugar cookies and custom cakes have become beloved across the Upstate, known for thoughtful detail and soft, inviting color palettes. Kristen begins every cookie set the same way — pencil first, piping bag second. “I start each order by drawing out my cookie designs,” she shared. “Seeing the completed set all together is probably my favorite part of the design process.” There is a patience and tenderness to her work that shows: every swirl of icing is intentional, every color chosen with care.
As the holiday season approaches, Kristen’s kitchen shifts into its busiest — and most joy-filled — rhythm. “The holidays are both exciting and slightly chaotic,” she said. “I’m usually wearing my red apron covered with flour handprints.” Her evenings are dedicated to baking, decorating, packaging orders, planning the week ahead, and — most importantly — keeping the joy in the process. “People don’t realize how time consuming decorated sugar cookies are,” she explained. “From start to finish, they usually take me several evenings.”
This year, her Thanksgiving offerings include pumpkin roll cakes, fall-flavored gourmet cookies, and her signature decorated cookie platters that resemble a pumpkin pie — complete with piped “whipped cream.” For cake lovers, she also recommends her layered spice cake filled with apple butter and topped with cinnamon buttercream. And after Thanksgiving? That’s when Christmas magic begins. Kristen releases a pre-sale Christmas menu each year with giftable cookie sets, personalized options, and multiple pickup dates — a tradition many families look forward to.
But what she loves most about baking is the people. “What I love most about serving our Upstate community is the connection,” she said. “I get to bake for people I’ve known since I moved here — neighbors, teachers, friends — and see my treats at their most meaningful moments.” Birthdays, engagements, baby showers, holidays — she is part of them all, in the sweetest way possible.
Looking ahead, Kristen will be a vendor at Light Up Inman on December 6, and she’s excited to host more cookie decorating classes. She’s even dreaming about one day owning a trailer so she can take her baked goods on the go. “Maybe a coffee shop, wine bar, or private classes at someone’s home,” she added. You can almost picture it now — warm lights glowing inside, iced cookies displayed in neat rows, and Kristen greeting customers by name.
For those eager to order holiday treats, Kristen recommends reaching out early — at least 3–4 weeks in advance. Orders can be placed by messaging her on Facebook or Instagram (@RubyBakesbyKristen) or by emailing RubyBakesbyKristen@gmail.com.
And if you happen to smell pumpkin bread in the air this season, it just might lead you to Kristen’s kitchen — where every recipe has a story, every batch is made with care, and every cookie is something to be shared.
RUBY BAKES BY KRISTEN
Custom cookies, cakes & seasonal treats made in Campobello, SC.
How to Order:
• Message on Instagram or Facebook: @RubyBakesbyKristen
• Email: RubyBakesbyKristen@gmail.com
• Holiday custom orders book 3–4 weeks in advance
• Annual Christmas Pre-Sale Menu launches soon with giftable cookie sets & pickup dates
Upcoming:
Find Kristen at Light Up Inman on December 6
Interested in a cookie decorating class? Kristen is currently booking new hosting locations — coffee shops, wine bars, community spaces & private homes.