Bakery trends

Cake Trends: Stats and Trends Shaping 2024

Caroline PriceAuthor

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In a world of ever-changing tastes, one thing remains constant: our love for cake. But even this timeless treat isn't immune to evolution. 

As we cut into 2024, the cake industry is experiencing a renaissance that's redefining what it means to have your cake and eat it too.

Gone are the days when a simple sheet cake could satisfy every occasion. Today's cake lovers are craving experiences as much as flavors, seeking creations that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. From health-conscious alternatives that challenge the very definition of cake to intricate designs that blur the line between pastry and art, the world of cakes is expanding faster than yeasted dough in a warm kitchen.

This transformation isn't just about following fads; it's a response to deeper shifts in consumer values and global concerns. Sustainability, health consciousness, and a desire for unique, shareable moments are all trends in modern cake-making.

This new landscape presents challenges and opportunities for bakers and pastry chefs. Those who can adapt their recipes and techniques to meet these emerging demands will find themselves rising to the top. But navigating these changes requires more than just a good set of piping tips; it calls for innovation, creativity, and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional baking.

In this article, we'll slice into the top trends reshaping the cake world in 2024. Whether you're a professional baker looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a dessert enthusiast eager to understand what's new in the world of sweets, these insights will give you a taste of the future of cake.

So, preheat your ovens and sharpen your knives. It's time to explore the layers of innovation that are making 2024 the sweetest year yet for cake lovers everywhere.

The top 10 cake trends shaping the industry

1. Health-Conscious Options

Many cake lovers today are in their guilt-free dessert era.

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global gluten-free bakery market, which includes cakes, is expected to reach $7.59 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2020 to 2027. This shift in consumer preferences is pushing bakers to innovate, creating a new generation of treats that satisfy both sweet tooths and health-conscious minds.

Bakers can respond to this trend by:

  • Developing gluten-free cake recipes

  • Creating vegan cake options

  • Reducing sugar content or using natural sweeteners

  • Incorporating functional ingredients like protein or fiber

Erin McKenna's Bakery, with locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando, has built its entire business model around gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free cakes and other baked goods.

2. Mini Cakes and Individualized Portions

Sometimes, all people want is a little sweet treat. 

Taste Tomorrow highlighted individual desserts and mini portions as a top trend. While people may be generally more health-conscious, 65% of consumers would rather consume less or go for smaller portions, preferring not to compromise on taste and enjoyment. 

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Cupcake versions of popular cake flavors

  • Mini layer cakes for individual servings

  • Cake "shots" or dessert cups

  • Single-slice packaging for grab-and-go convenience

Baked by Melissa, founded in 2008, has built its brand around bite-sized cupcakes, expanding to multiple locations across the United States.

3. Botanical and Floral Flavors

Flower power is blooming in the cake world. The global floral flavors market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2021 to 2026, according to Grand View Research.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Cakes with lavender, rose, or elderflower flavors

  • Botanical-infused frostings and fillings

  • Partnerships with local flower farms for edible flower decorations

  • Floral decorations and piping

Loria Stern, a baker and chef based in California, has gained fame for her pressed flower shortbread cookies and cakes, which feature edible flowers as both decoration and flavor enhancers.

4. Vegan Cakes

Plant-based cakes are rising to new heights. A report by Grand View Research indicates that the global vegan dessert market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2022 to 2030.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Developing egg and dairy-free cake recipes

  • Creating vegan frosting alternatives

  • Offering vegan options for popular cake flavors

  • Educating staff on vegan baking techniques and ingredients

JUST Egg, a plant-based egg alternative, has partnered with several bakeries to create vegan cakes, demonstrating the growing demand for plant-based baking options.

5. Textured and Painted Cakes

In the age of Instagram, cakes are becoming edible art. Cakes with intricate textures and hand-painted designs have become increasingly popular on social media platforms.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Cake decorating classes focused on texturing techniques

  • Investments in tools for creating unique textures (e.g., specialty combs, stencils)

  • Collaborations with local artists for hand-painted designs

  • Signature textured designs for branded cakes

Maggie Austin Cake, based in Virginia, is renowned for her hand-painted wedding cakes that often resemble fine porcelain, showcasing the artistry possible in cake design.

6. Vintage Inspired Piping and Designs

There's a growing trend towards vintage-inspired cake designs that pay homage to the elegant and intricate styles of the past. This trend is part of a broader movement in the baking industry that values craftsmanship and traditional techniques.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Elaborate piping techniques reminiscent of Victorian-era cakes

  • Incorporation of classic design elements like bows and ruffles

  • Use of vintage color palettes and patterns

  • Revival of old-school cake decorating tools and methods

Saint Street Cakes, based in Brooklyn, New York, has become renowned for their vintage-inspired designs. Founded by Morgan Knight, the bakery specializes in intricately piped cakes that feature delicate sugar flowers, elegant ruffles, and perfectly crafted bows. Their signature style combines classic techniques with a modern twist, resulting in cakes that are both nostalgic and fresh.

7. Nostalgic Flavors with a Twist

Old-school flavors are getting a gourmet makeover. Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Reimagining classic flavors with unique ingredients

  • Creating fusion flavors that combine nostalgic tastes

  • Developing "grown-up" versions of childhood favorites

  • Offering limited-edition nostalgic flavor releases

Momofuku Milk Bar (now known simply as Milk Bar) has become famous for its Cereal Milk Soft Serve and related cakes, which evoke the nostalgic flavor of the milk left at the bottom of a cereal bowl.

8. Interactive and Surprise Element Cakes

Cakes are becoming more than just dessert – they're an experience. Cakes with hidden centers, color-changing elements, or interactive features have gained traction on social media.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Cakes with surprise fillings or colors when cut

  • “Burn away” cakes

  • Edible "hidden messages" within cakes

  • Customizable interactive elements for celebration cakes

  • "Breakable" chocolate domes or shells

Palermo Bakery has embraced this trend with their innovative Secret Message Cake. This cake features a top layer that can be peeled away to reveal a hidden message underneath, adding an element of surprise and interaction to the cake-eating experience.

9. Sustainable and Locally Sourced Ingredients

Eco-conscious baking is on the rise. The National Restaurant Association's report highlighted locally sourced ingredients and zero-waste as key trends in the food industry, including bakeries.

Key aspects of this trend include:

  • Sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers

  • Implementing zero-waste practices in bakeries

  • Offering seasonal cakes based on local produce availability

  • Educating customers about ingredient sourcing and sustainability

Kim Gregory Pure Pastry in Beverly, Massachusetts has gained recognition for its commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients and homegrown herbs, fruits, and veggies in all its baked goods, including cakes.

Embracing Sweet Innovation

Bakers who successfully adapt to these changes – prioritizing health and sustainability, leveraging visual appeal, and meeting the demand for unique experiences – will be well-positioned to thrive in this new era of cake-making.

To remain competitive, cake brands must stay alert to emerging trends and be prepared to quickly adjust their strategies. The key is to remain flexible and responsive, continuously aligning with the evolving preferences and expectations of cake enthusiasts in the years to come.

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