Junior Bake Off star Aleena is hoping to become the next internet sensation with her quirky kitchen creations.
The bubbly teen, from Bury, is currently smashing it on the kids version of the Channel 4 show - only just narrowly missing out on being crowned Tuesday’s star baker.
She’s caught the attention of judges Prue Leith, Bake Off favourite Liam Charles, and host of the show comedian Harry Hill with her talent and creativity in the kitchen.
Her illusion biscuit dish which looked just like a pizza received high praise from Liam, who said the sea salt and pistachio flavours were the “perfect marriage”, adding that the dish was “wicked”.
The Bury Grammar pupil might only be 15 but she has already been learning her craft for six years - and can’t wait to make a name for herself in the online baking world.
“She’s been baking since she was nine,” said her brother Faizan, 20. “She learnt to bake by watching YouTube videos showing how to make recipes. She decided to give it a go and turned out to be really good at it.
“She started off making things like cheese cake, then she went on to baking bread, which she is especially good at. Her carrot cake is probably one of the best in the world.
“After getting herself a camera and tripod she’s recently created her own Instagram page, making recipe videos, such as how to make profiteroles, and people are praising her creations.”
Aleena has certainly demonstrated an impressive imagination - her showstopper brain cake on Monday received high praise from judges, as did Tuesday’s Bellissimo biscuits.
Faizan said: “She’s really creative with the flavours. With the brain cake, which she made on the first episode, she made that with coffee and walnut, so she likes to try out new things.”
As well as baking, Manchester United fan Aleena is a keen football and basketball player - and enjoys playing sports with her brothers in the garden of their Bury home, which she shares with her parents and three siblings.
But despite an active home and school life, Aleena’s heart firmly lies in the kitchen - which works out quite well for her family, admits Faizan.
“The only time we’re allowed in the kitchen is when there is washing up to do.” he joked.
“But it’s a good trade because thanks to her, we pretty much had a dessert every night.”
To see Aleena's creations, visit her Instagram page @aleenam.bakes .
Junior Bake Off continues weekdays from 5pm on Channel 4.
