Samantha Benjamin

After moving to NYC in 2007 with degrees in both business and art Samantha needed a creative outlet to put her artistic talents to use. Since she didn’t have access to traditional art materials she opted to use her kitchen as a studio. Cake, cookies and other desserts became her medium. She discovered the fun and excitement in making edible art and it quickly became her passion.  Her love of art and baking helped turn her dreams into a reality and with that she launched her company THE DESSERTIST.

THE DESSERTIST has since then become a well-recognized brand and Samantha has become a notable artistic pastry chef with a growing list of clients across the country. Her ability to create customized, one-of-a-kind desserts has captured the eye of many giving her the privilege to create pieces for notable chefs and celebrities. As the brand expanded, Samantha has become a voice within the culinary industry and not only inspires but also educates her followers. She is an ambassador for working mothers, as she takes part in many parent organizations. Her daughters, Charley and Laney, are constantly featured as part of THE DESSERTIST brand. 

Food Network described Samantha as an - “An easy-to-love chef’. Someone that kids and adults can relate to, and professionals and experts in the field can respect. Her expert knowledge of flavor combinations and unique concept of presentation makes her stand out. She is always working on the next "big" thing and her ability to create edible beauty is one-of-a-kind that has been well noticed.

An award-winning chef, her unique approach to desserts in both flavor and design have gained her recognition within the culinary and design worlds. She regularly makes appearances at national food festivals and charity events sharing her love of edible art. She is often a guest writer for multiple publications, recipe developer and a guest culinary instructor in schools across the area.  

THE DESSERTIST is a business that gives back by supporting many charitable organizations, including Cookies for Kids Cancer, No Kid Hungry and Westchester Food Bank. THE DESSERTIST has supported and sponsored numerous organizations and charities on both local and national levels, with a strong belief to use the brand for the greater good. 

THE DESSERTIST was a successful retail bakery in Croton on Hudson for 6 years.  During the pandemic Sam and Matt (Husband aka Mr. Dessertist) saw a massive growth in the wholesale side of the business. They decided to make that their focus, along with catering large events such as weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. In the Fall of 2021 they closed their storefront and built out a brand new production facility and dessert studio. THE DESSERTIST is now a fully wholesale and dessert catering company.  Their products are sold in more 50 stores and their wholesale partnerships continue to grow. They also have partnerships with the New York Yankees, New York Knicks and New York Rangers.