TikTok: CakesbyKaity, SweetTreatsByAshley
TikTok creators SweetTreatsByAshley and Cake by Kaity have become the center of a viral baking controversy after one accused the other of stealing a cake pop recipe, leading to millions of views, canceled brand partnerships, and an apology.
The dispute began after Cake by Kaity claimed SweetTreatsByAshley had shared a Fruity Pebbles cake pop recipe from her paid cookbook without permission.
Ashley denied ever using the cookbook, saying she created her own recipe, and her response quickly went viral as viewers debated whether recipes can be copyrighted.
Here’s everything that’s happened between the two creators.
Why are SweetTreatsByAshley and Cake by Kaity arguing?
The drama started in June when Cake by Kaity posted a now-deleted TikTok accusing SweetTreatsByAshley of sharing one of her Fruity Pebbles cake pop recipes online.
In the video, Kaity said the recipe came from her paid virtual cookbook, which she claimed was protected by copyright, and asked Ashley to remove her video within 24 hours.
“When someone has a copyright, you cannot take and distribute the work within that book,” Kaity said, adding that similar situations happen to her “very, very frequently.”
Ashley responded with an emotional TikTok that has since been viewed more than 19 million times.
“I never thought I’d f**king have to make a video like this, like I’m f*cking crying in a Walmart parking lot, for God’s sakes,” she said.
Ashley explained that she had never purchased Kaity’s cookbook and instead created her own Fruity Pebbles cake pop recipe using boxed cake mix while referencing cake pop ratios Kaity had previously shared publicly.
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“She’s f*cking made a whole video about me, threatening to sue me, because I stole her copyrighted recipe,” Ashley said. “Girl, I don’t have your recipe. I never bought your f*cking cookbook.”
The controversy quickly spread across TikTok, where many users pointed out that while cookbooks can be copyrighted, recipes themselves generally are not protected under U.S. copyright law.
The debate even caught the attention of Fruity Pebbles, which reposted its own cake pop recipe on social media.
Cake by Kaity apologizes after facing backlash
Following Ashley’s response, many TikTok users sided with her, with reality TV star Snooki among those offering public support.
The backlash also affected Kaity’s business partnerships.
DaisyMakes announced it was indefinitely suspending its Cake by Kaity Cakesicle Popper collaboration, while B&B Sweets said it would no longer actively promote the product, stating that “kindness, respect, and professionalism will always matter.”
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Kaity later posted an apology video, saying she regretted how she handled the situation.
“Good morning, friends. Yesterday I really f—ed up, and I’m not proud of how I handled the situation,” she said.
She added that she now better understands copyright law and admitted she “didn’t lead with kindness.”
Kaity also said she had received death threats, racial slurs directed at her family, and other abusive messages following the backlash, while taking responsibility for her actions.
Ashley later urged viewers to stop directing hate toward Kaity.
“I’m sure she got the point and will do better in the future,” Ashley wrote. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel the way I felt when this all started.”
She added that she wants to move on from the dispute and encouraged viewers to stop leaving hateful comments.
“I see your messages and know I am grateful for the love but please stop the hate.”
The dispute is the latest TikTok controversy to escalate well beyond the platform, with creators urging viewers not to harass those involved after millions weighed in.
It follows another recent viral incident in which an Oklahoma father asked users to show compassion after a man who confronted him in a public restroom was identified online and later lost his job, as internet backlash increasingly spills into real-world consequences.
