Hello!

Welcome to Butter Mafia

At Butter Mafia, we're more than just a dessert shop. We're passionate artisans on a mission to create decadent, tasty gluten free desserts that tantalise your taste buds and nourish your soul. Hidden away in a warehouse in Northcote, our kitchen is a haven for dessert lovers who crave the finest quality and flavour without compromising on dietary needs. 

Our Story

Butter Mafia was born out of a love for baking and a determination to make the world a sweeter place for everyone. Our founder, Kenn discovered the joy of baking while at Melbourne University Law School. What began as a hobby blossomed into a full fledged passion, leading to the creation of Butter Mafia.

The Full Story

I still remember these moments vividly. Even though it was many years ago in 2011, it sometimes feels like only yesterday... 

One tray of tiramisu and this happened...

Way back in 2011, I made a Tiramisu for a Christmas Pot Luck. After dinner, the host, Ben approached me and asked “can you make this for me to sell in my restaurant?” 

I thought nothing of it at first as I had been working as a corporate lawyer. I had time off to go a much needed holiday and was really looking forward to the break. Making desserts was the last thing on my mind. I let Ben know about my holiday and we agreed to chat once I got back.

Upon getting back, Ben asked for a sticky date pudding and a lemon tart. These desserts had been requested for a function. Making desserts for complete strangers was nerve wrecking enough but for a group function... Just the thought of this made me so nervous! Up to that point, I only baked for fun and for friends and family. I had no idea where this would lead to but said yes anyway, promising Ben that I would deliver. Therefore, I had to keep my word.

I baked the sticky date pudding and lemon tart, double and triple checking everything along the way. Back then, I only had a hand mixer so literally everything was made by hand - the old fashioned way. After baking, I dropped the desserts off to the restaurant and hoped for the best. 

Looking back now, it feels like that was a test. The restaurant was the examiner and I would be scored on whether the desserts were good or not. Even though it was just a lemon tart and a sticky date pudding, I had put my heart and soul into making them. I wanted more than anything for them to be enjoyed and to "pass this test".

Once I got home, I crashed on my couch from exhaustion. A couple of hours later, I was woken up by a phone call. It was Ben calling to let me know both desserts went down a treat and there was nothing left. Additionally, he wanted 2 of each every week! I was so excited that I had this opportunity, as a home baker to make desserts for a restaurant!

The Side Hustle

And just like that, my baking "side hustle" came to life.

I would wake up early and start baking at 4 or 4.30am, clean up and then head in to work my lawyer "day job". After work, I’d rush back home to deliver the desserts to the restaurant for dinner service.

Every so often, the restaurant manager would and ask for an ETA for the desserts. Their customers were happy to wait but we didn’t want to keep them waiting too long. I was also told that customers were ordering their desserts in advance when placing their reservations. Only then did I realise that maybe there was something special that I needed to explore. 

Quitting Corporate

Two years on, I got to a point in my corporate career where I wasn’t enjoying my work. For me, being a lawyer was miserably mind numbing whereas baking was deeply satisfying - especially because I was making treats that made my customers happy! It wasn't long before I made the decision to quit working as a lawyer. Shortly after, Butter Mafia officially started. 

Reflecting on how we started, my heart swells with gratitude for all love that my team and I have received through the years. This inspires us to keep making quality desserts that deliver joy.