Recently, the UAE has emerged as a focal point for global food trends, adding a distinctive twist. From the popular kunafa chocolate to the innovative chocolate drink and iced karak, residents are continually devising fresh ideas to propel food trends into the spotlight. A current trend gaining traction on social media is the lifelike sponge cake. This cake, which closely mimics a dishwashing sponge complete with Fairy washing liquid, exemplifies the realistic cake trend with its clever and playful design. The cake is crafted to look like a typical kitchen sponge, featuring a yellow porous texture and a green scrubbing pad on top.
The 'washing liquid' is fashioned from edible gels or colored icing to resemble dish soap, while the cake base is a soft, light sponge that naturally mirrors the texture of a kitchen sponge. Food coloring is applied to the cake and frosting to match the vibrant yellow and green hues of a dish sponge. One of the cake's standout features is the surprise element it introduces. When displayed at gatherings, it can easily be mistaken for a real dishwashing sponge, which, while not visually appealing, adds to its intrigue.
The moment of revelation when someone slices into the cake and discovers its true nature often elicits amazement and surprise. This playful deception is a key reason why these cakes have gained immense popularity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where videos of the cake being cut often go viral. Influencers across the UAE have also embraced the trend, traveling to Fujairah to sample the viral cake at Erythrina Cafe in Kalba City, priced at Dh25.
“It’s a soft cake with a layer of jam that provides the perfect sweet and tangy flavor. Both the yellow and green parts are sponge cakes, but they’ve dried them out to achieve that texture,” describes Mahak from Tidding Official, who recently tasted the treat. “The foam is just whipped cream, and the washing liquid is made from sugar syrup.” She adds, “It tastes better than it looks,” likening it to a British tea cake with jam, which she found enjoyable.
However, many social media users have deemed the cake ‘unappealing,’ stating they wouldn’t try it due to its overly realistic appearance. Realistic cakes are created using various baking and decorating techniques to achieve their lifelike appearance. This trend has captivated audiences on social media with their hyper-realistic looks, often resembling everyday objects, animals, food items, and even people.
Bakers and cake artists share videos and photos of their creations, particularly capturing the moment of cutting into the cake to reveal its true nature. These “cake-cutting” videos are highly popular, playing with viewers’ expectations and offering a satisfying reveal. The hashtag #RealisticCakes or #IsItCake has amassed millions of views, with users enthusiastically sharing and reacting to the content. Beyond the visual appeal, the trend has also sparked discussions about the artistry and craftsmanship involved in baking, showcasing the skills and creativity of bakers and blurring the line between art and food.
Tutorials and how-to videos have proliferated, offering aspiring bakers tips and techniques to achieve similar results. So, if you’re seeking weekend activities, why not plan a road trip and try the viral sponge cake yourself?
