Enticing cake trends to look out for (with Australia's top cake artists!)

Confession: we often fantasise about being surrounded by decadent, almost-too-pretty-to-eat cakes. So when we were invited to check out the incredible International Cake Show Australia in May, we felt like we were literally walking into a dream.

Bringing together some of Australia’s top cake artists to showcase their talents, the event included a special haute couture wedding marquee, filled with royal wedding-inspired creations – and yes, we totally made a beeline for that! With attendees asked to vote for their favourite design, the featured cake artists really brought their A-game and presented elaborately decorated tiers that we can only describe as baking wizardry. Congratulations go to Caitlin Mitchell from Brisbane’s A Little Cake Place, who took out the top prize with her intricate, regal design.

We asked some of Queensland’s most talented cake artists what’s inspiring them at the moment and what trends to watch out for in 2019…

Caked Cakes

What’s popular for wedding cakes at the moment? Have you noticed any emerging trends?

“I’m finding that most clients are opting to serve their cake as a dessert, so they’re swaying towards soft-iced and semi-iced creations.” Sarah-Jane, Cake That!

“Bespoke, unique cakes that match the rest of the wedding’s look are everywhere at the moment. And cakes with buttercream icing don’t seem to be going anywhere either.” Caitlin, A Little Cake Place

“‘Buttercream art’ is huge right now!” Zoe, Zoe Clark Cakes

“Wedding cakes seem to be moving away from being all about traditional white fondant icing to being more artistic and colourful. Using fresh flowers and greenery for cake decoration is also big, tying in with the overall look of weddings.” Jordan, Caked Cakes

“I’m seeing a lot of gorgeous fresh flower arrangements on cakes, as well as cakes with soft icing.” Vas, Frosted Indulgence

“The focus for wedding cakes at the moment seems to be on making an impact with texture and height.” Louisa, Cakes Alouisa

“Dessert-style cakes decorated with rich, creamy buttercream icing have become a real mainstay.” Shayne, Mount Tamborine Couture Wedding Cakes

Cake That!

We loved Harry and Meghan’s lemon elderflower cake! What are some of the unique fresh and fruity flavours you’re baking at the moment?

“I love using native ingredients and spices in my cakes, like lemon myrtle and wattleseed. A very popular option is my spiced vanilla chai with Byron Bay honey creme.” Sarah-Jane, Cake That!

“Since the royal wedding, my lemon mud cake has become really popular! Another favourite is my tropical Queensland mud cake with mango, passionfruit, pineapple and banana.” Caitlin, A Little Cake Place

“My favourite flavour combination at the moment has to be a classic vanilla or white chocolate cake, teamed with a punchy raspberry preserve.” Zoe, Zoe Clark Cakes

“My chai tea and dried fig cake! It’s a super-moist cake with cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla bean and dried figs.” Jordan, Caked Cakes

“One of my specialty flavours is a baklava-inspired mud cake with plenty of spices, crushed almonds and traditional baklava syrup.” Vas, Frosted Indulgence

“My orange coconut crunch cake would have to be one of my most popular flavours at the moment.” Louisa, Cakes Alouisa

“Some of my most requested flavours include Madagascan vanilla with either lavender or violet.” Shayne, Mount Tamborine Couture Wedding Cakes

Zoe Clark Cakes

What’s your prediction for the next big thing in cakes?

“I see clients personalising cake designs to suit their personalities, rather than conforming to traditional tiered designs.” Sarah-Jane, Cake That!

“I’m noticing plenty of taller wedding cakes that really make a statement.” Caitlin, A Little Cake Place

“I think a focus on layers and textures will be something to look out for.” Zoe, Zoe Clark Cakes

“The ‘cake trio’ trend. It’s a great way to show a few variations of style over two or three separate cakes and adds something extra to your cake table.” Jordan, Caked Cakes

“Cake trios, just like the one served at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding!” Vas, Frosted Indulgence

“I think we’ll see a continuation of the ‘texture’ trend, where cake artists alternately layer cakes with different types of icing and meringue.” Louisa, Cakes Alouisa

“Quirky and unusual cakes will be big, with a focus on the couple’s personal tastes.” Shayne, Mount Tamborine Couture Wedding Cakes

Inspired? Click below to check out the talented cake artists’ work…