From illusion cakes to boozy bakes, there was a host of trends on display at the Cake & Bake Show held at London’s ExCeL last weekend (6-8 October).

Some were displayed as part of the impressive cakes entered into the best of British competition – here’s a gallery featuring the standout pieces – while others were visible in the demonstrations and the products available to buy at the show.  

Here’s our pick of the trends:

Illusion cakes

From sandwiches to suitcases, corgis and even a bust of Queen Victoria, illusion cakes were a big part of the Cake Competition. It even extended to the cupcakes, with many featuring components of a full English breakfast, such as a fried egg complete with crispy edges and baked beans.

Need further proof of their trend status? Contestants on the first episode of this year’s Great British Bake Off were tasked with creating an illusion cake in the showstopper.

Blood and gore

This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Conveniently, the Cake & Bake Show took place in October meaning spooktacular cakes, such as the above bleeding heart or zombie cake, were not out of place. Gory cakes are gaining popularity, though, as bakers find ways of creating more realistic blood and gore for truly scary, but impressive, centrepieces.

Boozy bakes

Brits love a boozy bake, from G&T cupcakes to chocolate porter cakes. This is evident from the sheer volume of alcohol brands at the show, such as Aluna Coconut rum, Darnley’s Dry Gin and Mozart Chocolate Liqueurs – great for sipping, but also for baking. The latter even recommends recipes on its website from a chocolate liqueur cupcake to a boozy chocolate cream gugelhupf (a yeasted marble cake made in a Bundt mould).

Edible bouquets

Why send flowers when you can send doughnuts? Or cakes? Say sorry, say I love you, or treat that special someone with an edible bouquet. They’re growing in popularity, with many seen during National Cupcake Week, and are likely to grow further as Valentine’s Day draws near.

Cake stencils

The devil is in the detail, as the old adage goes. Bakers can add detail to their cakes and bakes with stencils, such as the ones pictured above found at the Sugar Vanilla Stencils stand. From spooky spiders to cheerful Christmas designs, beautiful flowers and more, they’re great for adding patterns to cakes with the use of lustre or royal icing. 

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