It's no surprise that this new Korean cake trend has taken over bakeshops and Instagram feeds. It is, after all, just as good as it looks!
Since the lockdown in March, we've seen an uptrend in all things Korean. Suddenly, it wasn't just about Netflix K-dramas and Korean pop music anymore. New food trends from the country came freshly imported from our screens: dalgona coffee, for one, and then more recently, baked samgyup. These days, it's all about those cute minimalist cakes online. You've probably seen them floating around your Instagram feed — neatly iced, pastel-coloured cakes with a minimalist design that's somehow managed to be recognisable yet completely versatile.
What's interesting about these cakes — which originated from South Korea way before Filipinos took notice of it in 2020 — is that they're so simple, but there's also so much a creative baker can do with it. Most of them only hold single layers, so there's not a lot of frivolities involved in creating them. Yet Korean (and now Filipino!) bakers have managed to design clean, eye-catching cakes with simple drawings, words, and buttercream flowers. On many levels, the process is just as much about the aesthetic as it is about the taste — which is why we're so curious about them today.
If you're craving one of these creations (but can't fly out to South Korea just yet), then check out these local bakeries that are just as worthy of your attention!
Read also: Where To Buy: Alcohol-Infused Desserts That Are Perfect For Both Merienda And Happy Hour
1. Cakes By Alyanna
Cakes by Alyanna has the cutest minimalist dedication cakes. Choose from a "pitch-black message" cake — which features black frosting contrasted by white icing letters — or a "light leak" design where a swathe of (customisable) ombre colours streak boldly through the top (of the cake).
Don't forget to check out their custom character cakes too! Have them draw the people you want to celebrate — whether it be your friends, your family members, or even just an oppa you love. It'll be the perfect way to celebrate at home.