Cake picnics: the sweet trend that brings dessert lovers together - with a side of chaos

Cakes have long been a source of joy, but now they are also a catalyst for community and connection, thanks to the burgeoning trend of cake picnics.

This unique social gathering, where attendees are required to bring a cake to enjoy together, has sparked interest in places around the globe, including London, Lagos, Muldersdrift, Amanzimtoti and San Francisco.

But just like the cakes that grace their tables, these events can experience their own triumphs and tribulations.

One cake that recently became a symbol of survival amidst the devouring of cakes is a Smarties cake crafted by TikTok content creator Candice, known for her "Single Girl Stories".

During a weekend cake picnic in London, her creation stood out not only for its colourful decoration but also for its unexpected status as the last cake standing.

“The cake picnic came to London this weekend, which was a giant gathering in a park with over 200 people who made cakes,” Candice recalled.

With an array of beautifully crafted cakes spread across long tables, participants were given pizza boxes to fill with slices from whichever cake they pleased.

“I’ll be the first one to admit, it wasn’t the prettiest cake at the picnic,” she said, showing her five-layered Smarties cake adorned with sprinkles.

Despite its less-than-perfect appearance, it seemed fate had reserved a place for her sweet creation as others were quickly devoured.

Candice shared with a hint of laughter how her cake garnered some attention, with several guests sampling it, yet it was the only one not entirely consumed at the event.

In stark contrast, the cake picnic experience in Lagos turned into a chaotic escapade, as illustrated by participant Melody Okoli.

“The first-ever cake picnic in Lagos, and it was a mess,” she lamented.

Excited to share her own homemade 12-inch lemon strawberry cake, Okoli faced disarray upon arrival.

“I saw that they were still selling tickets to people who didn’t bring any cake. That was the first mistake they made.”

The organised chaos escalated before the event officially commenced.

Okoli recounted how guests were caught up in a frenzy, rushing for the cakes as her dreams of sharing her own creation dissolved.

“I didn’t get to taste my cake or any cake, in fact,” she expressed, her disappointment palpable as the tables emptied before she could even secure a slice.

The rise of cake picnics highlights a growing desire for communal experiences centred around food.

Established by Elisa Sunga of Saltedrye in 2024 in San Francisco, the concept originated from cookie exchanges and tea parties aimed at gathering cake lovers.

The first Cake Picnic took place on April 27, 2024, at Potrero del Sol Park, marking the genesis of a new social phenomenon.

Today, cities like London, Durban, and Lagos are embracing this sweet trend, encouraging participants to bring their best cake creations or store-bought options to share, fostering a sense of camaraderie among attendees.

Ticket resale at such gatherings, particularly in Lagos, raised eyebrows and undoubtedly contributed to the unfortunate experience Okoli described.

Clearly, event organisation is crucial; successful cake picnics ensure that there is focus on creating an orderly and pleasurable atmosphere for sharing delicious cakes rather than descending into a disarray reminiscent of post-birthday party clean-ups.

As cake picnics continue to gain momentum, anticipation grows for how these sweet gathering styles will evolve and which culinary delights will emerge.

Interestingly, the rules remain consistent: “No cake, no entry,” ensuring all attendees contribute to this flourishing cake-loving community.

The laughter, camaraderie, and, of course, cake itself promise a delightful experience that is hard to resist.