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A World of Sweet Traditions and Flavors
It's a Sweet World invites you to bring the rich, nostalgic flavors of Bea’s Bakery, a California institution, into your home with a blend of Jewish, Nigerian, and global recipes perfect for any occasion.
Bea’s Bakery has been a beloved part of California’s Jewish baking heritage for over fifty years. Founded in 1968 by Sol Litwak and his son Jules, Bea’s Bakery was named after Sol’s wife, Beatrice—fondly called “Bea.” Since then, it has stood as a comforting symbol of traditional Jewish bakeries in America, delighting the community with timeless treats and flavors that evoke family memories and bring people together.
Experience the rich legacy of Bea’s Bakery in your own kitchen. In 2023, Bea’s Bakery was entrusted to new owners, Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri. This husband-and-wife duo brings their unique backgrounds and love for tradition to this debut cookbook. It's a Sweet World offers readers a journey through Bea’s most cherished recipes, from classic Jewish staples to Nigerian-inspired delights and international favorites. With each recipe, readers can expect step-by-step instructions, heartwarming stories, and suggestions for enjoying these treats at special occasions, making it easy to recreate Bea’s bakery magic at home.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A unique collection of recipes that celebrates Jewish cuisine, timeless baking traditions, and global favorites like challah, honey cake, lamingtons, and Red Velvet Kola Nut Cupcakes.
- Engaging stories and easy-to-follow steps for each recipe, making this an ideal traditional baking cookbook for bakers of all ages, whether you’re searching for classic or multicultural inspiration.
- A thoughtful baking gift for kids and families who want to explore Jewish baking, with plenty of variety to create delicious treats and sweet memories together.
If you liked 100 Cookies, Baking Yesteryear, or Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book, you’ll love It’s a Sweet World.
“I have had black and white cookies everywhere in the country. Bea’s Bakery is by far the best I’ve had for the last forty-five years. Same recipe, same deliciousness, the very best way to celebrate a cookie day, the beginning of the day, the best way to celebrate any day.”
—Henry Winkler, author of Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond
“Whenever I see a Bea’s Bakery box, a wave of excitement washes over me. Inside the promise of the best dessert, ready to turn any moment into a celebration.”
—Missy Birns, head of talent development and casting at Warner Bros. Discovery
“Bea’s Bakery’s Ube Challah always reminds me of the pound cake from my home country, Zimbabwe. Every bite of the soft and sweet treat brings back fond memories.”
—Tongayi Chirisa, actor behind Cheetor in Transformers: Rise of the Beast
“There is no other bakery in the world that can match Bea’s Bakery’s mouthwatering rainbow cookies. The marzipan flavor is undeniable in every bite.”
—Steven Paul, chairman and CEO of Crystal Sky Pictures
“My kids and I love Bea’s chocolate rugalach. We always make it a point to stop at Bea’s Bakery where Lenny and Adaeze bake the best sweets in Los Angeles.”
—Tom Arnold, comedian and actor behind Arnie Thomas on Roseanne
“I had the great pleasure of working with Lenny and Adaeze on an episode of Mystery Diners several years ago. And we have been friends ever since. As an entrepreneur myself, I have always been amazed at not only Lenny’s level of business skills and integrity, but also his deep commitment to always producing the highest quality and freshest products in the industry. When it comes to restaurants and bakeries, Lenny knows his stuff. He’s smart, articulate, and has a talent for creating baked goods that people love so much, they keep coming back for more.”
—Charles Stiles, host of Food Network’s Mystery Diners and president of Mystery Shopper Services
“Hands down, the rugelach at Bea’s Bakery is my favorite. There is always a surprise flavor in the filling—be it nuts, chocolate or fruit. Whatever the variety, I will eat Bea’s rugelach any day of the week.”
—Brad Pomerance, host & executive vice president of Jewish Life TV
Table of Contents
Preface
Foreword
Introduction: History of Bea’s Bakery and a Tribute to the Original Owners
Chapter 1: Breads
- Traditional Challah with Variations—Apple Honey, Chocolate Chip, Raisin, Seeded (Jewish)
- Ube Challah (Filipino)
- Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Loaf (American)
Chapter 2: Cakes & Bars
- Sour Cream Cheesecake (Greek)
- Poppyseed Roll (Ukrainian)
- Honey Cake with Variations (Jewish)
- Nigerian Pound Cake (Nigerian)
- Napoleon (French)
- Hungarian Seven-Layer Cake (Hungarian)
- Yum Yum Cake (Southern)
- Red Velvet Kola Nut Cupcakes (Nigerian)
- Lamington Coconut Bars (Australian)
- Lemon Bars (American)
- Nigerian Coconut Candy Bars (Nigerian)
- Pecan Bars (Southern)
- Flourless Chocolate Cake (Italian)
Chapter 3: Cookies
- Ube Cookies (Filipino)
- Chinese Cookies (Russian)
- Rainbow Cookie (Italian)
- Butter Cookies (Danish)
- Mexican Wedding Cookies/Snowballs (Mexican/Ukrainian)
- Triple Chocolate Cookies (American)
- Spritz Cookies (German)
- Chocolate Rugelach (Jewish)
- Sugar-Free Cinnamon Raisin Rugelach (Jewish)
- Nigerian Ground Nut Cookies (Nigerian)
- Almond Horn (Danish)
- Black & Whites (American)
- Green & Whites (Nigerian)
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (American)
- Mandelbrot (Jewish)
- Coconut Macaroon (Jewish)
- French Rolled Florentine (French)
- Italian Cannoli (Italian)
- Gingerbread Cookies (Egyptian)
- Almond Macaroon Cookies (Italian)
Chapter 4: Pies & Puddings
- Fresh Fruit Tart (French)
- Bea’s Classic Pumpkin Pie (American)
- Lemon Meringue Pie (American)
- Adaeze’s Southern Sweet Potato Pie (Southern)
- Lenny’s Famous New York Apple Pie (American)
- Chocolate Mousse Pudding (French)
- English Bread Pudding (English)
Chapter 5: Muffins & Scones
- New England Bran Muffin (American)
- Blueberry Muffins (American)
- Double Chocolate Muffins (American)
- Kichel—with Sugar-Free Variation (Jewish)
- British Buttermilk Scones (English)
- Oat Currant Scone (Scottish)
Chapter 6: Specialty Sweet Breads
- Chocolate Babka (Polish)
- Irish Soda Bread (Irish)
- Nigerian Cornbread (Nigerian)
Chapter 7: More Sweet Treats
- Apple Noodle Kugel (Jewish)
- Matzo Kugel (German/Jewish)
- Nigerian Egg Rolls (Nigerian)
- Éclair (French)
- Danish Pastries (Danish)
- Butter Streusel (German)
- Brownies (American)
- Rum Balls (Danish)
Acknowledgements
About the Authors