FOLLOWING a generation that puts great emphasis and importance to how well things look on photos, cake decorating has also seemed to undergo a certain kind of creative revolution. A few years ago, the trend was fondant cakes with a certain character and great attention to details. Sometimes, they are the center of the party because of their great sizes and weight.
But as the Gen Z and the millennials -- the same generation that coined the word "Instagrammable" -- had started to take their fondness for aesthetics even on cakes, cake decorating and styling took a significant turn. There's a trend that has since started in other Asian countries but is also now in Davao City. These are the minimalist cakes where "less is more."
Kara Sarmiento, the owner of Desserts Bar in Central Park, Bangkal, Davao City had since been a firm believer of the "less is more" principle even when it comes to her fashion and make-up.
"Minimalist cake designs started in South Korea and when one of my customers asked if I can make one, I immediately fell in love with it and started creating more. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, there is also an unbelievable wide variety of designs for minimalist cakes," Kara shared.
She had been doing the pastry business for five years online and on her 6th anniversary in 2019, she was able to open her physical store. Now in her 7th year, her burning passion to improve her craft and to learn more continues.
"Designing minimalist cakes is pretty straightforward. Customers will just say their preferred cake flavors, colors, and dedication, then that's it. To save them the time in conceptualizing their cake designs, it's our job to know and understand what they want and execute it the way they want," she said.
As a cake decorator, she observes how people now want simpler choices and appreciate cakes as long as their preferred flavor and color were followed.
But as with anyone dealing with food, Kara believes that the taste of the cake should still be the top priority. Just as much as it looks good, it should also taste as good.
"What you see on the outside are extra layers of inspiration and creativity. I want my customers to be satisfied not only with the visual beauty of the cake but also with how the flavors tickle their taste buds. After all, people buy cakes to eat them, not just to look at them," added Kara.