If you are still hung up on cake pops, I hate to break it to you but it is terribly last season. After having our fill of hybrid desserts such as cronuts, duffins and townies, it is now time for popsicle-inspired cakesicles. These bites of cake heaven on an ice cream stick have caught the fancy of all and sundry.
According to Joonie Tan, Executive Pastry Artist at Lavonne, “It was sometime early last year that I was fascinated by the cakesicles made by Raymond Tan, the cake artist from Australia who popularised cakesicles. I love how versatile a canvas it is. It can be adapted to any theme and for any event. Also, they are super cute, delicious, and charming. Everybody loves them.”
Shilka Babu, a corporate trainer says, “I saw images of cakesicles flood my Instagram feed and I could not resist trying to make them. I am an amateur at this but having made cake pops and cake balls in the past, I didn’t think this would be tough, except that it was. The ones I made were really simple with no particular theme. They were just colourful and I dipped them in chocolate and edible gold dust.”
“Cakesicles were the a huge hit at my four-year-old’s birthday party last October,” says Dimple Sharma-Naidu, a homemaker, adding, “I think the fact that it appeals to adults and children alike, makes it super popular and a go-to option for events like this. We had selected a superhero theme and so we had cakesicles inspired by Spiderman, Superman, Captain America, Hulk, and the rest. We were so impressed by the clean and intricate work, that my husband ordered almost 200 of them for his employees for Christmas. Those bore the monogram and the colours of his company.”
Maaria Tanveer who owns Café Adoniya, in Chennai, says, “I came across the trend first on Instagram and wanted to try it but didn’t get a chance until a client wanted it for her dessert table after seeing my good friend and Bangalore pastry artist, Joonie Tan’s post on Instagram. That is how I got a chance to first make them. I love the versatility, colours, and the open canvas cakesicles give to unleash one’s creativity. And it is always exciting to create something this delicious as the flavour possibilities are endless.”
However Maaria admits making cakesicles isn’t all fun and games. “Keeping the cakesicle stick clean is one of the toughest jobs. If you are looking to give it a shot, make sure your cake inside is not too cold or the chocolate coating will crack.”
Collegian Zania George got to try out cakesicles on a vacation in Sydney. “I tried out reindeer and Christmas-tree themed cakesicles. They were times I contemplated not eating them. All I wanted to do was photograph them for Instagram and preserve them.”
Pastry artists around the country are having fun incorporating innovative themes into their creations. While Maaria’s royal prince theme cakesicles won her much appreciation, Joonie says, “The minion theme cakesicles that I created initially became a design that inspired a lot of other bakers who tried their hand at making cakesicles. From unicorns, emoji, Easter bunnies and reindeer to cherry blossoms, Moana, and Halloween-themed cakesicles, I love creating these works of art that have found a fan following not just at our store but online as well.”
The internet is swamped with cakesicle ideas and a number of pastry artists are either making them for sale or imparting their knowledge in the form of classes. Cakesicles have become a popular choice for giveaways at weddings and birthday parties. So before the trend finds its way out, check out these treats that taste as good as they look.