Happy New Year, dear cake enthusiasts! As we step into another promising year filled with sweet possibilities and endless inspiration, we’re thrilled to continue our journey of bringing you the most exquisite cake designs and delectable recipes. But before we dive headfirst into the exciting new trends and stunning creations of the current year, let’s take a nostalgic look back at the crème de la crème from 2013. We’ve meticulously sifted through hundreds of posts published over the past twelve months, analyzing your pageviews, Facebook likes, and Pinterest pins to uncover the designs that truly captured your hearts and imaginations. Yesterday, we celebrated the Top Recipe Posts of 2013 (if you haven’t indulged yet, it’s a must-see!), and today, we’re shining a spotlight on the visual masterpieces: the most adored cake designs of the year. Get ready to be inspired as we unveil the Top Cake Designs of 2013!
Prepare to be utterly enchanted! This curated collection of cake designs from 2013 is nothing short of breathtaking. Every single creation we feature on The Cake Blog embodies an incredible blend of talent, boundless creativity, and impeccable style, and this elite selection stands as a testament to the extraordinary artistry within the cake community. These top eight designs serve as a delightful reminder of the many fabulous cakes that left us swooning throughout the year, perfectly capturing the most prevalent trends and innovative techniques that defined the cake world. From intricate details to bold statements, these designs showcase why 2013 was such a memorable year for cake artistry. Let’s rediscover your absolute favorite cake designs that garnered the most attention and admiration!
Celebrating the Artistry: Your Top 8 Cake Designs of 2013
Each of these cakes represents a pinnacle of design, technique, and creative vision from the year. They are not just desserts; they are edible works of art that set trends and inspired countless bakers and enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve into what made each of these designs truly exceptional.
No. 1 : Favorite Things Birthday Cake
Taking the coveted top spot for 2013 is this absolutely enchanting “Favorite Things” Birthday Cake, a design that perfectly encapsulates joy and personalized celebration. This masterpiece brought together a delightful array of elements, from vibrant confetti and festive balloons to all the unique “favorite things” cherished by the birthday girl, creating an unforgettable 2nd birthday party theme. We were instantly captivated by the fabulous tiered cake, an intricate display of whimsical details and impeccable craftsmanship. Equally adorable was the ridiculously cute matching smash cake, designed to delight the littlest guest of honor. This design brilliantly showcased how personal touches can elevate a cake from mere dessert to a heartfelt centerpiece. The expert behind this beloved creation is Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, whose talent for transforming abstract concepts into edible art is truly unparalleled.
No. 2 : Ruffles & Dahlias Cake
Securing the second spot is the exquisite “Ruffles & Dahlias Cake,” a testament to timeless elegance and delicate artistry. This stunning white ruffle cake features layers upon layers of meticulously crafted, delicate ruffles, creating an ethereal and luxurious texture that captivated everyone. These intricate ruffles are beautifully paired with a cascade of gorgeous dahlia sugar flowers, adding a touch of sophisticated natural beauty. The design subtly nods to the popular honeycomb trend of 2013, incorporating geometric inspiration within its soft, flowing lines. Its graceful style and serene beauty had us all utterly smitten, proving that sometimes, simplicity in color allows for unparalleled complexity in texture and form. The brilliant mind behind this captivating creation is Charlotte Tyson of Sugar Ruffles, whose ability to create such intricate floral and textural details is truly inspiring.
No. 3 : Pretty Black Wedding Cake
Coming in at number three, the “Pretty Black Wedding Cake” proved that in 2013, black truly was the new black when it came to sophisticated celebrations. This striking wedding cake defied traditional wedding palettes by embracing an all-black aesthetic, transforming a classic design into a daringly modern statement. It masterfully incorporated black in a fresh and non-traditional way, showcasing that dark hues can be incredibly elegant and romantic. The design’s boldness combined with its inherent prettiness resonated deeply with our audience, making it a standout favorite. This cake is a perfect example of how stepping outside the box with color can result in a truly memorable and chic centerpiece for any occasion. It’s no wonder we all adored this oh-so-pretty, modern black cake. This sophisticated piece was expertly crafted by Erin Gardner of Wild Orchid Baking Company, who consistently pushes the boundaries of cake design with grace and style.
No. 4 : Sleek Ruffles & Stripes
Earning the fourth spot, the “Sleek Ruffles & Stripes” cake perfectly embodied 2013’s growing love affair with bold, graphic patterns and sophisticated textures. This design is a masterclass in clean lines and stylized elegance, featuring crisp, modern stripes alongside beautifully refined ruffles that offer a playful yet chic contrast. Its aesthetic is undeniably bold, incredibly crisp, and impeccably clean, making it instantly appealing and easy to see why this design soared to the top of our charts. This cake didn’t just look amazing; it inspired many to try their hand at these techniques. It’s no surprise that many of you also loved learning how to create these stunning effects yourselves! This iconic design was brought to life by Jessica Harris of Jessicakes Blog, renowned for her innovative and accessible cake decorating techniques.
No. 5 : Spirals & Poms Baby Shower Cake
Holding strong at number five is the absolutely delightful “Spirals & Poms Baby Shower Cake,” a design that perfectly captures the joyous anticipation of a new arrival with whimsical charm. This precious cake drew its inspiration from playful pom poms and cheerful striped party straws, translating these charming elements into an edible art form. A standout feature is the vibrant tier created from hundreds of meticulously placed sugar petals, nestled together to form a very frilly, pom-pom-like texture that is both intricate and fun. The cake is elegantly topped with delicate sugar spirals, more adorable poms, and a personalized sugar name banner, adding a bespoke touch. It’s truly a little slice of party heaven, radiating warmth and celebration. This enchanting creation, a testament to intricate detailing and imaginative design, was once again brought to us by the incredibly talented Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design, showcasing her versatility and creative flair for any occasion.
No. 6 : Preppy Nautical Cake
Sailing into the sixth spot is the incredibly charming “Preppy Nautical Cake,” a design that beautifully integrated one of 2013’s most popular party decor staples: the flag banner. This cake is a vibrant celebration of bold stripes and playful polka dots, masterfully combined with an adorable miniature flag banner that evokes a sense of festive adventure. While it retains the classic red, white, and blue color scheme synonymous with nautical themes, this design elevates it with a charming and unexpected twist. The addition of delicate pink and elegant Tiffany blue accents provides a fresh, modern update, making the traditional palette feel utterly contemporary and chic. This clever infusion of color makes the cake feel both timeless and trend-setting. This perfectly executed design, a true embodiment of stylish party aesthetics, was created by Tessa Huff of Style Sweet CA, whose knack for creating beautiful, cohesive themes shines through every detail.
No. 7 : Romantic Peonies & Anemones
Gracing the seventh position, the “Romantic Peonies & Anemones” cake soared to the top of our charts, propelled by our collective love for soft, ethereal color palettes and breathtaking floral artistry. This gorgeous cake is a vision of understated elegance, featuring delicate shades of blush and pale rose that blend seamlessly to create a truly romantic atmosphere. These gentle hues are harmoniously paired with subtle textural elements on the cake tiers, adding depth and visual interest without overwhelming the design. The true stars of this creation are the breathtaking sugar flowers – meticulously crafted peonies and anemones that look incredibly lifelike, arranged with an artistic flair that speaks volumes of the designer’s skill. Every detail of this cake is meticulously tailored, resulting in a design that is not just beautiful but profoundly gorgeous and inspiring. The exquisite craftsmanship behind this romantic masterpiece belongs to Andrea of Andrea Nicholas Cakes, whose ability to capture such delicate beauty in sugar is truly remarkable.
No. 8 : Rustic Buttercream & Sugar Flowers
Rounding out our list at number eight is the enchanting “Rustic Buttercream & Sugar Flowers” cake, a design that perfectly encapsulated the relaxed elegance and charming simplicity prevalent in 2013 weddings and celebrations. This rustic buttercream cake, with its artfully applied texture, exudes an inviting warmth and sophisticated charm. The true highlights are the blossoming sugar flowers – each petal delicately crafted and artfully arranged to create a look that is as pretty as can be, full of natural beauty and undeniable allure. These intricate sugar florals add a touch of refined artistry to the rustic aesthetic, creating a harmonious balance between casual and chic. It’s a design that feels both romantic and effortlessly gorgeous, proving that buttercream can be just as stunning and versatile as any other medium. This beautiful and captivating creation was envisioned and brought to life by Erica O’Brien of Erica O’Brien Cake Design, whose expertise in combining rustic charm with exquisite detailing truly shines.
What an incredible journey through the most beloved cake designs of 2013! Each of these cakes not only showcased exceptional talent but also reflected the evolving tastes and trends of the year. From whimsical birthday celebrations to elegant weddings and charming baby showers, these designs continue to inspire and remind us of the boundless creativity within the cake decorating world. We hope this retrospective has filled you with renewed enthusiasm and a wealth of ideas for your next baking adventure. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible cake artists who shared their passion and skill with us, and to you, our wonderful readers, for your continued support and love for all things cake. Don’t forget to tell us in the comments which of these top designs was your absolute favorite!
Be sure to join us tomorrow as we continue our year-end review, taking a closer look at the most popular DIY projects and inspiring tutorials from last year!