Dessert Can Save the World: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes for a Stubbornly Joyful Existence

by Christina Tosi

The James Beard Award–winning founder of Milk Bar and host of Bake Squad shares her personal stories and wisdom for igniting passion, following your joy, and creating a satisfying life.

Dessert connects us heart-to-heart like almost nothing else. It brings us together in good times and bad, celebration and solace. Desserts mark big milestones and small wins and create indelible memories of comfort and joy. And Christina Tosi, the founder and CEO of Milk Bar, believes it can save the world.

Does she really think the combination of sugar, flour, and butter has some magical ability to fix all the craziness of our modern existence? Of course not. Even with her trademark exuberance for baked goods that has touched millions of lives through her products, books, and television shows, Tosi knows a cookie is just a cookie. But bringing the joy a cookie holds into every area of your life most definitely can. The spirit of dessert—the relentless, unflinching commitment to finding or creating joy even when joy feels hard to come by—is what can save us. And then we, in turn, can each save the world.

In Dessert Can Save the World, Tosi chronicles her path to success in work and life. Along the way, she shares the wisdom she learned growing up surrounded by strong, amazing women who passed along the legacy of baking to harness love and create connection with others, as well as personal stories about succeeding in the highly competitive food world by unapologetically expressing her true self. Tosi also shares a few very personal and unorthodox recipes, of course. Dessert Can Save the World reveals all the secret ingredients for transforming our outlooks, our relationships, our work, and our entire collective existence into something boldly optimistic and stubbornly joyful.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food, Memoir, Cooking, Self Help, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2022

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Christina Tosi used one of my all time favorite (and entirely underrated) quotes from Wally Lamb's book "She's Come Undone", I knew it was a book for me. (The quote being: Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love.")

As a dessert lover and home cook, I really enjoyed reading this. It was filled with inspiration and motivation in the language of foodies, as well as favorite recipes, some of which you'll recognize if you're a frequenter of Milk Bar. I loved the little names she assigned to feelings and phenomenons... "joy trails", "dirty dessert secrets", etc. Even if you don't own your own business, or your favorite place isn't the kitchen, you will still walk away with something to remember from this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dessert is a celebration, and “Dessert Can Save the World” is a gentle reminder that we need to celebrate - and celebrate EVERYTHING, from the really big things like birthdays and holidays to the less big like good haircuts and the first day of June, to the really sucky times. Author Christina Tosi reminds us that even in the moments when we fail spectacularly there can be something to learn and celebrate.

One of the best ways to celebrate anything is dessert. Dessert can make bad days good, and good days awesome.

I love to bake, so I was a little familiar with Christina’s reputation as a baker and with Momofuku Milk Bar, but I really didn’t know anything about her background. I expected this to be a great recipe reference for baking, but I was so wrong. Yes, there are some recipes in here, but this is so much more than a cookbook. It’s Christina Tosi’s story, but it’s more than just a memoir too. She (and her mom, Greta) is such an inspiration. She mentions that one of her guiding principles is to look for fun in the world everyday. She strives to be a source of joy and give back - to make the world a little happier. She and her book are so fantastically uplifting and motivating. As she says -- happiness is a choice, even if it’s not the easiest choice everyday. So just bake the cake. Spread a little joy, even in the smallest way. You may not change the whole world, but you can make your little corner of it better. Even if it wasn’t what I expected, this is a book that I am so grateful to have read, and which has definitely found a permanent home on my bookshelf.

Thank you to Christina Tosi, Rodale/Harmony, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Dessert Can Save the World!

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I went into this knowing nothing other than the title and the fact that it was a cooking memoir. The name Milk Bar sounded vaguely familiar, but that was about it.

The book was absolutely delightful. It's almost more of a Self Help title than anything, though there are a few recipes and a fair amount of memoir in there as well. Basically, Christina Tosi gives you her philosophy of life with illustrative examples from her own. Her life's work is to spread joy, and to teach others to do likewise.

Reading this book made me smile. Tosi seems like such a sunny, upbeat, can-do person. I mean, I'm sure she has her off days, as do we all. But her message of spreading joy and desserts is an appealing one. I can't help but feel that the world is a better place for having Christina Tosi in it. Recommended!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the highest compliment I can give this delightful book is that, as I was nearing the end of it, I was already making plans to hop on Amazon & purchase two hardcover copies for myself & for my mother-in-law, who 1) loves food, 2) owns her own porta-potty business & 3) is a self-proclaimed tomboy girly-girl who redefined what being a boss looked like in her extremely male-dominated industry, much like the illustrious Ms. Tosi herself! (Sadly, I shortly after that realized that I won't be able to do that for a few more months until the actual pub day!! *sad face*).

Disclaimer: I've been a little bit of a Milk Bar/ Christina Tosi super fan since the days when I lived in Brooklyn & could push my toddler/ newborn-laden stroller to the Carroll Gardens location right over the F train stop, while also watching her at home as a judge on MasterChef Jr. while I breastfed my baby girl (who's now nearly 8!), so Ms. Tosi didn't need a lot of help to win me over; that job was done! But I WILL say that I do happen to also be super picky about writing styles & ability, and I'll often read books that are written by some of my faves outside of the writing world with a fair amount of trepidation, mentally sending the message "PLEASE DON'T SUCK!", and I am pleased to say that I dove headfirst into this gooey, sugary, delectable confection-with-a-soul of a book and never once cringed. Even when CT packs on the cheese & the sugar, she does so with full, unapologetic self-awareness that manages to be entirely relatable, while not compromising her own authenticity. I could also "hear" her voice narrating this entire book as I read, so I somewhat feel like I had the audiobook experience, as well! :)

This is a book that is a love letter to her family, to the people with whom she's worked along the way, to her team at Milk Bar, and (duh!) to DESSERT- in all its glorious and "dirty secret" forms. I love a good food memoir, and this one delivers with a few fun recipes and "non-recipes", lots of fun & funny anecdotes pulled from her childhood & culinary career, and heartwarming, ooey-gooey but not over-sweet, life philosophies galore. I'm now entirely obsessed with her mom Greta & her care packages (not sure if I would rather work for Greta or for Christina- can they please start a company together so I can work for them both??). I'm now fully committed to baking cakes for ALL celebratory occasions - big, small & everywhere in-between - and to the ongoing crazy scientist/ food inventor approach which Christina brings to her work and her personal life. Her "Chef's Table" biopic gave me a glimpse into the woman behind the business, and now I feel like this book gave me someone whom I now consider a mentor/ role model from afar.

In a world where it's difficult to hear anything over the shouts of the toxically "positive vibes only" privileged Instagram influencer and the death drums of this pandemic-ravaged, politically-polarized & vastly disparate world in which we find ourselves at the end of 2021, Christina's heartfelt manifesto about cultivating joy in all its forms, even in the most bleak of circumstances, by bringing it to others who need it even more than we do, resonates to the core.

There's something she shares at the end of one of her chapters (I can't officially share it as a direct quote since this book is not yet "done" & could still change) that talks about the importance of seeing a need, or a void, in the world, and creating the solution, the perfect-sized puzzle piece, to fill that void.

I believe she has done this with her ever-expanding Milk Bar empire, and now, with this beautiful book. Thank you for refusing to be anyone other than you, CT. I'm inspired to be even more me because of you being you.

*I received an advance NetGalley ARC courtesy of Rodale, Inc in exchange for my honest review*

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet (pun intended) self-help book told through the lens of dessert. I love dessert (who doesn't?) so it worked for me for the most part. I probably would have preferred a memoir type book though because Christina Tosi has a fascinating life.

This book was extremely upbeat and positive. I did a combo of audio book and e-book, and I think Christina Tosi did a great job narrating. She was great at infusing every sentence with her signature charm and warmth. There were also some good take-aways from the book, including advice on pursuing your dreams and not being ashamed of what brings you joy.

I personally felt like this book lacked the personal stories that could have taken it to the next level. There were a few sprinkled in but I could have used more. Overall, it was a fun listen, but nothing life changing.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
The instant I began listening to Christina narrate this, her joyous warmth radiated from the pages. It felt equivalent to eating a warm, delicious, gooey chocolate chip cookie—that is to say, listening to her stories felt incredibly comforting. I had first seen her featured on a Netflix program a few years back, having never heard of her before—and she just seems like she’d be an amazing friend to have in your corner—and your kitchen! Now I want to own a copy of the book, just to check out several of the recipes she mentions.

[Lauren Gibson (rocknreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I bake because it's where I know how to lose myself and find myself again"

I have been a fangirl of Christina Tosi's since her days on Masterchef. She always seemed so upbeat and had constructive criticism for contestants. I liked that she was also very true to herself. Turns out it's really who she is.

This book describes her upbringing and how her Mom Greta taught her at a young age to do something (whatever it may be) to give back to the community and to put a smile on people's faces. This gave her a sense of purpose which she built her business on. She describes how she liked to put odd combinations of ingredients together to see if and how they would work. This rebel attitude helped her to stand out in the ranks and become an amazing pastry chef. She eventually worked for Momofuku making their desserts and then branched out into the building next door when it became available. It was there that she created Momofuku Milk Bar and the rest is history.

This was an interesting read. In baking it's not often you veer so far from a standard recipe to stand out and make a name for yourself. As a home baker myself I can't imagine how hard it would be to come up with some of these recipes but Christina never gives up until it's just right. She describes being stubborn (I get that) and how it really helped her to excel with her business. I liked how she described owning up to her mistakes and not just apologizing for them, but actually making the effort to fix them. For instance on Valentine's Day 2021 when the whole world in the middle of the COVID pandemic was having shipping issues, she too had issues which caused orders to arrive late. I would think most people would understand, but to her it was unacceptable. She ended up mailing out additional packages to everyone in an attempt to fix the mistake. Actions speak louder than words.

At the end of the story she talks about the Equal Justice Initiative and ACLU. She and a former employee held a bake sale across the country to raise money for the cause. I have even more respect for her after reading that.

The overall message is one of service. To do service for your family, friends and community. What a message it is and what a wonderful chef Christina Tosi is. Loved this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Rodal Inc for a copy of this ARC

[Elizabethe Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read about desserts, happiness, and finding your own reason to do the hard work. Tosi is extremely peppy, but as the chapters went on, I grew to appreciate that and to becomes inspired. I WILL try the recipes and look forward to mixing salted chips into my own cookie dough. This is a wonderfully real experience written by an endearing person.

[Stephanie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired me to start baking and thinking of the world and people as different ingredients all mixed together. Have to admit my macarons turned out the best ever after reading this book. The tips and tricks of applied baking to one’s life made everything go down with a spoonful of sugar.

[Katie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am amazed by this book. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to have a little more joy and eat a few more desserts.

[HollyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to enjoy this wonderful memoir. I enjoyed the story of how the author’s specialty became dessert and what that love grew into being. There are some recipes in this collection but it is not solely a dessert cookbook, but more a story of how the business came into being and has grown.
Sweet read.
#DessertCanSavetheWorld #NetGalley #RodaleInc #Harmony

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think about my curated home library, the books I decide to purchase and the books I keep on those shelves are connected to me in some way such as a committee I served on, an autographed copy from an author visit, a gift, and also a book I've read that I *must* own.

Tosi's book might be a book I have to buy and own. I listened to the audiobook which was fantastically narrated with levity and inspiration (and recipes too) about her life in the pastry business. I generally pick these books because they're food memoirs and I have no reference point for their fame because I do not watch food/cooking shows- I don't like them- and I don't pay attention to names, restaurants, or locations. So I'm always surprised when I can make a connection or find out they're famous. And in this case, Tosi was connected to the guy that wrote his food memoir which I had listened to that audiobook: Eat a Peach.

But back to the book. Tosi's mom is basically me. Any excuse to send a little care package and always spreading dessert around. And yes, dessert CAN save the world. It is my love language so I fell hard for her sweeping messages about connection through food and then enjoyed her side stories about the dirty desserts we all have (I actually don't think I have one?!? If I do it's buried so deep that I don't know I'm doing it and can't remember in order to share it) and even the chapters about her long hours and working on efficiencies as her patisserie took off and she branded her milk bars. The discovery is what I love about pastry chefs. I don't experiment and that's the difference between people like her and me.

Either way, this listening jaunt was delightful (and delicious) to hear. I think I might need to own the book because the title is another mantra I can get behind.

Update: Rereading turning 40 and continue to love the messages she's imparts, the recipes she shares, and her life in the kitchen.

[Allison Floyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet (sometimes cloying) and not a ton of substance—kind of like dessert! This book is clearly heartfelt, and intended to be a force of good in the world, so I almost resigned myself to keeping these thoughts to myself, but heck, this is my reading diary, and I can say what I want here.

Believe me (and my elastic waist pants), I absolutely understand the appeal of dessert, but I also understand the risks of cavities, obesity, and Diabetes. And sugar untempered by anything else, well, is saccharine. Not very interesting, or good for you.

Something that kept nagging at me: while I don't doubt the sincerity of this work, it just honestly feels a little disingenuous for someone this enterprising—and entrepreneurial!—and this widely known and successful as a businessperson (Milk Bar! It’s a business!) to be all, "Aw, shucks, if rent were free and sprinkles rained from the sky, I'd give it all away!" I don't doubt there's a deeper motivation here than the strictly financial aspect, and I get that money's not everything, but it's not nothing either, especially if you have a family to support! Money is, in many ways, freedom, and can help us to design the lives we want! The author's aversion to in any way embracing this seemed odd and not entirely convincing.

I did enjoy when she skirted the edges of her Scorpio rage, though! That's more like it!

A random thought—wouldn't it be hilarious if Ayn Rand had written a baking book? #currentlycraving

[Hannah Turley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fellow baking enthusiast, I admire Christina Tosi and everything Milk Bar stands for: delighting in the indulgence and fun that is dessert. Her book is part memoir, part quasi-inspirational/self-help guide to creating joy in unlikely and mundane situations. I have read several chefs’ memoirs, and the common thread among them is that the career ups and downs of the most driven chefs are enough to create an engaging book without using the paradigm of “here’s how my advice can make you a better person.” So, while Dessert Can Save the World was ultimately as charmingly random and benignly quirky as the most popular of Milk Bar’s signature desserts, I think it would have worked better as a straight-up memoir. Learning about Christina’s ascent from lowly pastry chef who cut her teeth at Bouley and wd~50 to James Beard-winning superstar was more interesting to me than the constant advice parables.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of great advice and delicious recipes. Finding your “joy trail” (whether it’s dessert or anything else that makes you happy). Spreading kindness (a single cookie can brighten someone’s day). Etc etc

My favourite chapter was about “dirty dessert secrets” - those guilty pleasures you only eat when you’re alone and how finding the strength to be vulnerable with others and share things like your weirdest craving can foster connections in a world that can be so isolating.

Great on audio read by the author.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christini Tosi believes that dessert fixes everything - have something to celebrate? The answer is cake! Going through a hard time? Ice cream can make it better. And for Tosi celebrating even the smallest victories is made better by dessert. She grew up seeing her Mom work a demanding job and still make time to bake and give treats away to everyone in her path. Tosi started experimenting with baking at an early age and quickly found her creativity sparked by dessert concoctions. She decided to go to culinary school and eventually worked in some of the most well-known restaurants in New York City including wd-50 and Momofuku. She eventually opened Milk Bar, first an offshoot of Momofuku, then a multi-location empire with cookies and ice cream in grocery stores. In this book Tosi explores her life philosophy by way of desserts. Each chapter focuses on an idea that applies to both desserts and life. Tosi is an optimist and that definitely shines through in the book. Each chapter also includes a few recipes that relate to that chapter's topic or stories. Overall, a very uplifting book that encourages readers to not only eat the cake, but make it too and then share it with friends, family, coworkers, and strangers.

[M Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why I'm surprised that I loved this one way more than I expected given my love of all things sweet. I went into this one thinking it would be another cutesy memoir about a few ups and downs that ended with a successful bakery and career. But it was so much more. It's a book about caring for one another, sharing joy and hope, celebrating the little things and finding purpose. This one is on the shorter side, but it packed quite the punch of emotion. I'm now an even bigger fan of Christina Tosi.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for access to this audiobook (available 3/8/22) in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be seen at www.instagram.com/justonemoorebook.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir, part motivational self-help, part cookbook, this book crammed so much in! I fell in love with Christina Tosi when she was a judge on Master Chef Junior, and we got to know her a little better when she was the subject of one episode of the documentary show Chef's Table...and of course we've sampled the mass produced Milk Bar Cookies when we see them in our local stores ;-) So of course I was going to pick up her memoir when I saw it pop up on NetGalley. I was delighted to discover that she grew up in Ohio like me, and in a nice coincidence had her only daughter around the same time I had mine. Her ever present optimism shines through the book and truly makes the reader want to follow her advice to make the world a better place - whether that is through baking cookies or whatever other hobbies we hold dear.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who bakes to relieve stress and receives yummy noises from taste testers like applause, this book was right up my alley! I’ll admit that I thought it was going to be more of a cookbook but it’s a happy memoir with lots of fun and funny stories from the author’s childhood and culinary career. Not to worry, there are a few yummy recipes included! This book is a ray of sunshine in this crazy time in history, I highly recommend it, it’s guaranteed to make you smile.

Thank you Netgalley, Rodale Inc and Christina Tosi for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Publication date is set for March 8, 2022

[Kimberly DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, all of my family’s many gatherings focused on food. - especially pies, cookies, and cakes. So this book was truly a joy for me to read. All the women in the family (5 of us) are really good bakers. Last week at our Mom’s Memorial Service Luncheon, my sister-in-law surprised us all with a table with everyone’s favorite dessert - angel food cake, 2 chocolate pound cakes, lemon chiffon pie, 2 pumpkin pies, cherry pie, apple pie. Pecan pie, chocolate meringue pie, butterscotch pie plus 10 different batches of cookies including some of Mom’s favorite Christmas cookie, Russian Teacakes. All the desserts were on Mom’s blue willow dishes. It was the most beautiful tribute to our Mom who loved baking and taught us all how to bake. I totally understand the passion for baking and the joy it can bring to me and to those who enjoy my results. What a delightful book! Thank you, Christina, for sharing!

[Ashley Offill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book not only made me feel joy, it made me want to go out and spread joy to others. I want to be Christina Tosi when I grow up.

“Eating cookies can’t heal a broken heart or fix global disarray any more than wishing can make taxes or family drama vanish. But I do believe that the spirit of dessert—the relentless, unflinching commitment to finding or creating joy even when joy feels hard to come by—can save us, and then we, in turn, can save the world.”

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dessert Can Save the World is a super positive and genuine memoir that you'll enjoy even if you don't have a sweet tooth. Tosi just seems like an A+ human, her energy and caring spirit are overwhelming in a way the world needs more of. I enjoyed this memoir extra just because she was the narrator. I loved hearing her talk about her mom and how Milk Bar came to be. Now let's eat some candy!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there is a lot of sweetness and some very interesting sounding recipes in this book,; it is not all light hearted.. This is a really positive outlook on celebrating the special times in life and letting go of your negative thoughts and providing a different mentality in the workplace. The book provide a very positive take on this oh so negative world.

[Hannah Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book from start to finish! Tori makes it a really fun and relatable read! She ties in the recipes really will to the storey she tells each chapter and I will definitely be trying the recipes! It was one of the most fun Cooking memoirs I have read in a long time. #indigoemployee

[Alyssa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I wanted to read this book because I love baking! Reading and baking are my two favorite hobbies. I had never heard of Milk Bar until I started reading this book and I now really want to order something off of their website to try it. I think the stories I found the most interesting were her stories about Milk Bar and at some of the restaurant jobs she had when she was first starting out as a pastry chef.

[cora lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

very positive and fun, but not a ton of depth (but i guess it is part cookbook 🤷)

⭐3.5⭐

[Barbara Williford · Rating 4 out of 5]

While sharing how Christina Tosi created her ideas behind the Milk Bar, how she got started, her family background and recipes, Tosi also shares how to make the world a better place. How to make the most out of your situation, the good, the bad and the ugly. How to treat others and yourself. This is a positive and uplifting book.

[Jamie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this one ridiculously inspiring in terms of running a business with heart.

[Kammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed feeling her optimism as she shared her passion for sharing her dessert creation talents! I think my dirty dessert secret was making homemade Tootsie rolls, but hardly ever rolling them. We just ate them out of the bowl!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Dessert Can Save the World.

The first book of 2022 and it's a goodie!

This book is right up my alley because I am MADDD for dessert.

I'm that person who checks out the dessert menu first when I go out to eat.

I'm the person who eats less of her main meal or entree to ensure I always have room for dessert.

I'm that person who may just have enjoyed dinner at a great restaurant but if dessert sucks, all I remember is how bad dessert was, not how amazing the most of the meal was.

That's me. I am a dessert lover. A chocoholic. Lover of all things carbolicious and sweet.

I eat something sweet every day, even if its just a small square of chocolate.

Naturally, I was excited when my request was approved.

As a native New Yorker, I know Milk Bar and the founder/CEO Christina Tosi is just as famous as the company she built from the ground up with her innovative and creative desserts.

Dessert Can Save the World isn't just a great title of a sweet memoir of the author, it's the author's reminder that food and dessert connects us, humanity, together.

We celebrate the good and the bad with dessert; when our hearts have been broken or we are sad, when we are happy, get a new job, celebrate a birthday or anniversary or new baby, there's always dessert. It almost never disappoints.

A memoir with a few recipes dashed in for good measure, the author details her path to success in work and life; back breaking work and grueling hours in the culinary world perfecting her craft and, along the way, discovering her destiny and her path in life.

She shares the wisdom she learned growing up surrounded by strong and generous women; her stories about her mother are my favorite; they're hilarious and laugh out loud sweet.

After I finished reading, I wanted to meet her mom!

The narrative pretty much outshine the recipes in my opinion; Tosi's tone is strong and passionate; she's funny, sincere and warm.

Her love of baking and sharing her creations with the people she loves and the world shines through, which leads directly to the title.

Dessert Can Save the World is a metaphor; world peace isn't going to happen if Biden and Putin share a milk bar cookie but a positive attitude, being true to yourself, doing good and being empathetic and radiating goodness with those who need it when they least expect it can improve not just our personal outlooks but the world at large.

This was an optimistic and joyful read at improving your life and the lives of others.

If you're having a bad day, that's okay.

Have a cookie (or pie or ice creak or cake), step back and recharge.

Tomorrow is another day to be you and do good.