If there’s one thing we know from watching social media, food trends don’t just evolve — they explode. One moment a cake is a local favourite, the next it’s on every TikTok feed in the world. At Jack and Beyond, we love keeping an eye on what’s hot so we can bring fresh inspiration (and maybe a new creation) to our Battersea bakery.
Let’s take a look at what’s catching fire in the cake world for 2025–26 — the trends, flavours, and visual statements that are making mouths water and feeds stop scrolling.
What Makes a Cake Go Viral
Before diving into specific trends, it’s useful to understand why some cakes go viral. The ones that tend to blow up have a strong visual “wow” factor, a twist on a beloved classic, or a flavour that feels new and exciting. They also often come with a story — something people want to share — and they lend themselves well to short, satisfying video content on TikTok and Instagram.
With that in mind, here’s what’s trending now.
Hybrid and Mash-Up Creations
Desserts are crossing boundaries. Cakes that blend two dessert types — cheesecake and sponge, mousse and cake, or even tarts baked into layer cakes — are getting attention online. Bakers and brands are also revisiting classics, like the Victoria Sponge, with modern twists and unexpected fillings. Our Tiramisu Basque Cheesecake is a great example of this, blending two beloved desserts.
Retro and Ornate Designs
What’s old is new again. Traditional buttercream piping, ruffles, pearls, and decorative borders are returning in a big way. These nostalgic designs, once seen as old-fashioned, are being embraced by a new generation of bakers who love their maximalist charm.
Lambeth Cakes dominate the bakery scene at the moment with their timeless elegance and potential for easy customisation (e.g. with ribbons or coloured buttercream).
Floral and Botanical Flourishes
Fresh flowers, edible petals, herbs, and greenery are being used not just as accents but as the main design feature. This natural, organic look is ideal for weddings and celebrations, offering a delicate contrast to sleek or modern cake styles.
We've incorporated edible petals into the designs for our popular Matcha Cake, and our Blue Viola and Sunset Rose Birthday Cakes, to enhance their elegance in a natural way.
Global and Unexpected Flavours
Flavour innovation continues to drive viral popularity. Cakes inspired by global ingredients like miso caramel, matcha, yuzu, black sesame, ube, and pistachio are everywhere. Pistachio, in particular, has become a breakout star, appearing in everything from cookies to elegant layer cakes. These flavours bring a sense of discovery and sophistication to familiar desserts. Our Pistachio & Raspberry Cake has quickly become our bestselling Celebration Cake, whether for birthdays or as a Wedding Cake.
Sensory and Experiential Cakes
The newest viral cakes don’t just look good — they engage the senses. Think cakes that crack open to reveal hidden fillings like Piñata Cakes, scented cakes inspired by perfume notes, or desserts that surprise with textures and sounds. These interactive creations turn dessert into an experience, not just a treat.
Health-Conscious and Balanced Indulgence
While indulgent cakes remain popular, there’s also growing interest in balance. Bakers are exploring ways to make cakes that feel lighter, less sweet, or made with more natural ingredients. The focus is shifting from restriction to balance — creating desserts that satisfy without being overwhelming. At Jack & Beyond we pride ourselves on our focus on natural ingredients and real flavours, and our recipes are designed to have the perfect level of sweetness.
How Bakeries Can Use These Trends
At Jack and Beyond, we see viral trends as inspiration, not instruction. The key is to experiment carefully, introduce new ideas through limited editions or slices, and always prioritise taste over spectacle. Trends are exciting, but great flavour and texture never go out of style. It's important to think about what actually works for your bakery and customer base when deciding on whether to follow a trend or not.
Final Thoughts
From pistachio flavours to sculptural showpieces, the world of cake design continues to surprise and inspire. Whether you love simple classics or extravagant creations, 2025–26 promises to be full of bold ideas and beautiful bakes.
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