“Queen of Cakes” Sylvia Weinstock has died

Known as a luxury cake baker who created wedding cakes for the rich and famous, Sylvia Weinstock has died aged 91 according to People Magazine. Weinstock did not begin baking professionally until she was 50 years old, following a successful battle against breast cancer. She started with a small business that blossomed into a world famous venture.

Unlike many wedding cake designers, Weinstock eschewed fondant and exclusively used buttercream icing. “I hate fondant. It’s cheap and easy,” she told The NY Times. “We only use buttercream.” Considered a pioneer in the industry, Weinstock’s signature handcrafted sugar-flower work modernized wedding cake design.

Weinstock shared her vision through her two cookbooks, Sweet Celebrations and Sylvia Weinstock’s Sensational Cakes. She died “peacefully in her home in Tribeca, surrounded by her loving family,” according to a spokesperson.