Although cake may not be the most obvious art genre, its capacity for artistic expression is limitless. Just like any other type of art, this mouthwatering medium can be used to convey any idea or tell any story, which is why, even in this niche genre, there is still so much variation — from gravity-defying constructions to bafflingly realistic imitations to more simple cartoon creations. There are many different forms of cake art, but we managed to narrow it down to four broad types that encapsulate most cakes:

The First Slice

Traditional

This type of cake is what comes to mind when we simply hear the word “cake.” Cakes in this category can include the classic round cake, sheet cake, or tiered cake, but can also include the cute animal or character cakes we see in bakeries.

Shilla Bakery | Bear Cake, online store

Land O’Lakes | Birthday Cake Recipe, online recipe

Preppy Kitchen| Naked Cake, online recipe

Artists in this genre still maintain the essence of “traditional” cakes (in terms of structure), but add a bit of their own edge. We think of “advanced traditional” as the elevated rendition of cake that places more emphasis on the creative design of cake, and seeing how far that can go.

Advanced Traditional

Instagram | whiskandsugar.cakery, online profile

Instagram | gracecouturecakes, online profile

Instagram | cakeadoodle.qa, online profile

Sculpture

As the name suggests, sculpture includes anything that requires the artist to sculpt or manually shape a cake in a non-traditional way. This genre of cakes not only pushes the structural boundaries, but also tends to fall more on the creative side.

Bluebird Sweets | Sculped Cakes, online portfolio

Cake by Jason Hisley | Sculped Cakes, online portfolio

Lucas Rorvick | Sculped Cakes, online portfolio

Just like hyperrealism in traditional art, there’s a whole genre of cakes that are made solely to imitate a real object. From real or cake trends on social media to shows on Netflix, there is no shortage of realistic cakes. Don’t be fooled though – recreating objects with cake is no cakewalk. It requires a high level of skill and attention to detail that few possess.

Realism

Cakes Decor | Little Cherry, digital profile

Rosanna Pansino | Hyper Realistic Pizza Cake, online recipe

Veena Azmanov | Burger Cake, online recipe

Artist Spotlight: Let Them Eat Cake

Jamie Tan

@jamie.jt

World of Buzz | Meet Jamie Tan

Natalie Sidesurf

@sidesurfcakes

Sidesurf Cake Studio | I Turned Myself Into a CAKE

Hyun Jung Jun

@dreamcaketestkitchen

dreamcaketestkitchen | Nasturtium Parasol Summertime Vegan Swan Cake

Cake in Review

Netflix | Is It Cake?, television show

Is it Cake?

In this game show series, contestants choose an object from a given selection and replicate it as closely as possible using realistic cakes. All objects— from delicate seashells to bloody steaks— are up for grabs! Once the time is up, celebrity judges are brought in to view a lineup of different variations on the same object, and they have to guess “Is it cake?” If the contestants manage to fool the judges, then they win $5,000 and play the game themselves for the chance to win an additional $5,000!

Netflix • 2 Seasons ★★★☆☆

Food Network | Cake Wars, television show

Cake Wars

Similar to the renowned reality TV baking show, Cupcake Wars, this series follows four different bakers in each episode, all competing for a $10,000 prize. Different episodes have different themes, including things like Star Wars, The Simpsons, and Willy Wonka! Contestants face off in two elimination rounds: Batter Up and Cake Off, where they create an advanced cake based on the episode theme. A panel of three judges then evaluate the cakes, and choose a winner from the two remaining bakers!

Tubi • 5 Seasons ★★★★☆

Netflix | Baking Impossible, television show

Baking Impossible

This unique competition series combines something we normally don’t see together: baking and engineering! The contestants compete in pairs, with one baker and one engineer. Together, they work to create something that conforms to the given challenge (such as creating a boat out of cake, a building that can withstand an earthquake, and a fully edible car). When the time is up, their creations are subject to “stress tests” and evaluated by a panel of judges. At the end of each episode, one pair is voted off and another gets a special advantage for the next challenge.

Netflix • 1 Season ★★★★☆