Bailey Rowland

Behind Crème de la Cocoa are Bailey and Nils Rowland, the husband-and-wife team whose creativity, dedication, and hospitality have helped make the bakery a beloved destination in St. Augustine. Together, they have built Crème de la Cocoa into a brand known for elegant desserts, beautifully crafted cakes, and a thoughtful customer experience rooted in both artistry and heart.

At the center of the bakery’s creative identity is Chef Nils Rowland, whose pastry talent, artistic eye, and commitment to craftsmanship have brought both local admiration and national recognition. Known for his refined technique and imaginative approach to dessert, Nils has helped shape Crème de la Cocoa into a place where every creation feels elevated, memorable, and visually stunning. His work reflects a deep passion for pastry, from polished celebration cakes to inventive flavor combinations and show-stopping desserts that balance beauty with exceptional taste.

Nils’ talents have reached well beyond the bakery walls. He recently competed on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars, where he brought his creativity to a national audience and ultimately emerged as part of the winning team, earning the season’s $50,000 grand prize. His presence on the show showcased not only his technical skill, but also his ability to create bold, imaginative desserts under pressure while proudly representing both his family and the St. Augustine community on a national stage.

His television career includes additional appearances on Halloween Wars (multiple seasons), Big Time Bake, and Cake Wars, further underscoring his reputation as a pastry chef whose work stands out on some of the country’s most visible culinary platforms. These appearances have helped establish Nils as not only a talented local chef, but also a nationally recognized pastry artist with the creativity and composure to shine in high-level competition.

Alongside him, Bailey Rowland plays an essential role in shaping the heart of Crème de la Cocoa. Together, Bailey and Nils have created more than a bakery — they have built an experience centered on celebration, beauty, and meaningful connection. Their partnership blends creative vision with genuine hospitality, allowing Crème de la Cocoa to serve weddings, special events, and everyday moments with a level of care and polish that has become part of the brand’s signature.

What makes their story especially compelling is the way their shared vision comes through in every part of the business. Bailey and Nils have cultivated a brand that feels both elevated and personal, where artistic desserts meet warm service and every detail is designed to make people feel celebrated. Through growth, recognition, and continued innovation, they have remained focused on creating desserts that are not only delicious, but unforgettable.

At its core, Crème de la Cocoa is a reflection of Bailey and Nils Rowland’s passion for excellence, creativity, and community. With Bailey’s leadership and Nils’ nationally recognized pastry artistry, the bakery continues to stand out as a place where beautiful desserts and memorable moments come together — and where local craftsmanship has earned a place on the national stage.