By Lisa Porada
Owner, Cake Designer
Chocolate Carousel, a true old-fashioned sweet shop, located in Wall, NJ

All the cake shows on TV today have definitely peeked people’s interest in the art of cake. While that’s certainly a good thing for the cake industry, these shows do not necessarily accurately depict the current trends in cake design.  Many people are requesting more difficult cake designs and challenging shaped cakes for just about every occasion because they have seen these elaborate designs on television.   It is exciting to see people realize that cakes can be so much more than just a round cake with flowers that say’s “Happy Birthday”.   However, these extravagant cakes usually come with an equally extravagant price tag which doesn’t always fit into today’s budgets.  Changes in the economy have impacted every part of society and cakes are no exception.  Just like many other aspects of today’s lifestyles, cakes are getting back to basics.

Today’s trends in cake decorating are simple, elegant, creative and colorful all at the same time.  Cakes have seen a resurgence of butter cream frosting.  Butter cream was once the traditional frosting for wedding cakes, but in recent years the fondant covered cake was thought to be more desirable for its sleek appearance.  Now, thanks to advanced techniques that allow butter cream to look just as smooth as fondant, cakes iced in butter cream are becoming popular again.   This trend is terrific because butter cream frosting tastes better than fondant and is much less expensive.  Additionally, we have seen an increase in chocolate frosted cakes, even for elegant occasions like weddings.  Gone are the days where brides hid their decadent chocolate cakes under mounds of white fondant.  Today’s more simple approach welcomes a cake elegantly iced in a velvety chocolate frosting that looks as mouth watering as it does beautiful.

The use of color on cakes is another current trend in cake design.  Bright, cheery cake designs are very popular.  The use of blues of every hue and bright pinks and yellow make today’s cake styles fun, festive and cheerful.  Funky retro styles are also in, featuring colorful peace signs, tie-dyed backgrounds and whimsical flower cut-outs.   These colorful cake designs will bring a smile to any party goers face.  Even wedding cakes are becoming more colorful.  This season, blue was all the rage, with wedding cakes iced in turquoise, aqua marine or tiffany blue being featured.   By the same token, the classic black and white cake is always in style for the elegant occasions, although we are currently seeing these classy creations featuring a burst of bright color like fuchsia or orange. And don’t forget fresh flowers!  Cakes decorated with colorful fresh flowers like gerbera daisies, orchids, roses and hydrangeas are chic, elegant and affordable alternative to more expensive hand- made sugar flowers.

Additionally, cakes are now being considered more than just dessert.  The cake has become the centerpiece for the party.  Cakes are being designed with the guest of honor’s personality in mind.  Cake personalization is definitely a trend in cake design today.  The recipients’ interests, favorite colors, favorite flowers and favorite flavors are all considerations when designing a cake.  Cakes for every occasion are being created in the essence of the groom’s cake.  The groom’s cake, which is typically a southern tradition, is designed to honor the groom’s interest in a fun and dramatic way.  The popularity of the groom’s cake has grown nationally and has spilled over into cakes for all occasions.  More and more, messages are becoming part of the cake design.  The days of just writing “Happy Birthday” on the cake are evolving into inscribing a more personal message to the recipient.  You can write a favorite poem or verse from a song on a cake, your wedding vows, a list of your favorite sports teams or even the names of the seashells you love on your cake.  These inscriptions help to personalize the cake and make it more of a gift than a simple dessert.

Interestingly, cake flavors are also getting back to basics.  Golden yellow cake with fluffy chocolate mousse filling, devil’s food cake with creamy peanut butter filling or traditional red velvet cake with cream cheese filling are all the rage.  Simple flavor combinations are sophisticated and very timely.

With cakes today, creativity is the name of the game.  With care and creativity today’s cake designers can create simple, elegant cakes that are not only delicious but also encompass the recipient’s personality making it easy to have your cake and eat it too.