Essence

Hi everyone! I’m Khansa — the face and hands behind Essence – Custom Made Cravings! Back in 2009, as a fresh undergrad student, I found myself craving a creative outlet. At the time, custom desserts were still a novelty in Karachi, Pakistan. I started baking for friends at university — most of whom are still my biggest cheerleaders (alongside my wonderful family!). Balancing studies at one of the top business schools in the country with my new passion project wasn’t easy — but I had my mom by my side, acting as my biggest support (and unofficial sous-chef!). I still miss having her in the kitchen with me. Fast forward to August 2024 — eleven years post-graduation — and life happened. A corporate career, marriage, moving across continents, a baby born in the middle of a pandemic, and another big move. Through all of it, one thing stayed with me: the pull toward creativity. I missed the “ooohs” and “aaahs” when clients received their orders. I missed the joy of experimenting in the kitchen and the satisfaction of making something truly delightful from scratch. So here we are — welcome to Essence 2.0. I’m so glad I never let my mom sell my baking tools. Deep down, I always knew I’d come back. Swipe to see some throwback cakes and a few fun features from over the years! Please bear in mind that these are 13-15 year old cakes, so picture quality isn’t the best 😅 Picture 3: A feature in a leading English Newspaper in Pakistan @etribune Picture 6: A feature in a leading Urdu Food Magazine

Love me some macaron peels… ##Macarons #Mothers #Mothersday #Canadianmade

A closer look at our 8 in 3 layer bridal shower cake using @chefmaster Liqua-Gel colours in Violet, Forest Green, Baker’s Rose, Lemon Yellow and Sunset Orange. #customcakes #bakersofinstagram #cakedecorating #Canadian

Just joking… or not 🤪 #Instacake #customcakes #bakersofinstagram #cakedecorating

Surprise your loved ones this Mother’s Day - Delicate, dreamy, and made with love 💕 Our 4” Mother’s Day macaron cake features layers of soft pink macarons, filled with silky whipped white chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries for the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. A little treat as special as she is ✨ CAD 25 Last day to reserve: Wednesday, May 06 2026 Pickup date: Saturday, May 09 2026

How to make white chocolate stamps! Here’s a quick tutorial of how we made these Eid Mubarak stamps for our Eid Boxes. Have any questions? Comment below! #customcakes #CakeDecorating #bakersofinstagram #FrenchMacarons #Pastry

BTS of our Eid Boxes. Eid Mubarak to you all! #bakersofinstagram #FrenchMacaron #Eid #durhamregion

When food turns into art…. Using @chefmaster colours in Fuschia and Royal Blue. #customcakes #bakersofinstagram #FYP #CakeDecorating #Trends

Introducing our Eid offering! Gift your family some delicious French Macarons with Biscoff/Nutella Ganache filling. Can also add a small Eid card on top. Orders open NOW!! Last date to book is March 17 (Tuesday). Pickup on March 19 (Thursday) from Pickering. DM or email to order. Box of 6 - CAD 20 Orders of 5 or more get a 5% discount! Orders of 10 or more get a 10% discount! Please note that the packaging may vary depending on availability. Eid Mubarak, French Macarons, Toronto Bakers, Durham Bakers, Celebration.

🎂 💕 🥰 #customcakes #instafood #TorontoBaker

May your Ramadan be as sweet as this moment. 🌙✨ We’ve crafted this elegant green beauty to celebrate the start of the holy month. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with peace, blessings, and the perfect slice to share at Iftar. Ramadan Kareem from our kitchen to yours! 💚 #RamadanKareem #Ramadan2026 #CakeArt #IftarDessert #BakersOfInstagram

Hitting a personal milestone this Valentines! #Valentine #Birthday #ThirtyFive #Vintage