Karrot Bakery inspired by late mum’s carrot cake recipe

Kyle Bashford, 37, is the founder and head baker at Karrot Bakery, a family-run venture dedicated to Julie Bashford, who died of cancer in 2023.

He is keeping her memory alive by sharing the carrot cake recipe she baked for him and his brothers.

The bakery is a huge favourite at Bolton’s Heaton Fold Garden Centre’s artisan market, returning tomorrow (Sunday) for the first time this year.

The market brings together independent traders and activities for the family.

The Bashfords (Image: Supplied)

“Growing up, my mum would always bake carrot cake,” said Kyle, from Blackburn.

“I just loved it and would have as many pieces as I could before my family members grabbed it.”

A few months before she died, Julie taught Kyle the famous family recipe.

“It was close to Christmas, and I made it for everyone on New Year’s Day.

“Mum gave me the thumbs up,” he said.

After her death, Kyle began to consider turning the recipe into a business in her memory.

He experimented with different flavours, including chocolate, lemon meringue and cherry Bakewell.

The Bashfords (Image: Supplied)

After eight months of trial and error, he set up Karrot Bakery in 2024.

Working from his home kitchen in Blackburn, Kyle now sells his cakes at markets across Blackburn, Bolton and Birmingham, as well as offering home delivery.

He said market events remain his most successful outlet.

(Image: Supplied)

The Bolton News first discovered the bakery at Heaton Fold’s Christmas market in December.

“I think customers are initially drawn to the cakes, brownies and cookies,” said Kyle.

“When they see my mum’s picture and story, it adds meaning to the bakery.

“A lot of bakeries have a reason for starting out.”

(Image: Supplied)

Kyle also runs a filmmaking business with his twin brother, Liam Bashford.

“They’re completely different, but I love baking and filmmaking,” he said.

“I want to keep pushing forward with the bakery to keep my mum’s legacy alive.”

(Image: Supplied)

Kyle’s younger brother, Pierce, and his father, Trevor, help run the market stall and support the business where they can.

He said his family were the original taste testers when he was setting up the bakery, and they “absolutely love it”.

The bakery can be found on Instagram by searching karrotbakery.