There is a new cake trend making its rounds on social media, and it could be the perfect way for you to set fire to the last decade of your life or reveal the gender of your baby with one flame.
Burn-away cakes have garnered hundreds of millions of views on TikTok since the beginning of 2024, according to Eater.
While videos show that the technique has been around a couple of years, the trend gained popularity when cake maker Denise Steward made a New Year’s-themed burn-away cake in December 2023.
The trend was further popularized by Ontario-based baker Namaya Navaratnarajah, according to Eater.
Navaratnarajah has shared videos of burn-away cakes on her TikTok account, which has more than 130,000 followers. Some of her most-popular videos include a Pokémon cake with a double reveal that goes from Charmander to Charmeleon to Charizard. That video, posted in January, has more than 39 million views.
Burn-away cakes are made by layering printed edible sheets. A frosting sheet is used for the bottom layer while wafer paper, usually made from potato starch, is used for the top image.
The flame from a candle burns through the top layer to reveal the image on the sheet below. The end result is a metamorphic cake that can fit into your “Death to your 20s” party, gender reveal or any other special occasion that warrants a surprise message.
For those looking to hop on the cake trend here in Massachusetts, the following are a couple of bakers that offer them:
The Sugar Connection (Haverhill/Boston)
Jelissa Lamboy, founder of The Sugar Connection, offers burn-away cakes in addition to her online portfolio of desserts. Cakes vary in price based on size, flavor fillings and piping style, but Lamboy priced one of her 8-inch cakes at $150. While Lamboy is based in Haverhill, she delivers to Boston where most of her clients live. You can order a cake by going on The Sugar Connection’s website or by messaging Lamboy on Instagram.
Cakes by Ally (Dedham)
Allison Price charges $90 for her 6-inch burn-away cakes and $130 for an 8-inch cake, but it costs more depending on pictures and other decorations. The easiest way to order cakes from Cakes by Ally is to text 857-930-9301 for the quickest response or email Allisonp88@gmail.com. Price will only deliver cakes for larger events that require set up; otherwise, all cakes must be picked up in Dedham. You can check out Price’s work on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.
Sugar Coated Cakes (Dracut)
Sugar Coated Cakes offers burn-away cakes that can only be picked up at the store at 1794 Bridge St. in Dracut. Pricing depends on size, flavor and design, but the shop’s 6-inch round starts at $70, owner Jennifer Gryckiewicz said. Orders can be placed online or through email at sugarcoatedcakes@live.com.
Kay Sweets (South Shore)
Kay Sweets offers burn-away cakes, according to multiple reels posted to the dessert shop’s Instagram. The shop is pick-up only and people can check availability/policies on the shop’s Instagram below before placing orders.
Did we miss bakery that offers burn-away cakes in Massachusetts? Email dcifarelli@masslive.com to let us know.
