Vintage Decorated Cakes Are Enjoying a 21st Century Revival

From elaborate shell and swag motifs to candied cherry decorations and pastel color palettes, vintage decorated cakes are constantly in our Instagram and TikTok feeds, and for good reason. The beauty of these cakes lies in their classical designs and their almost-too-pretty-to-eat appearances. Learn more about the style and sophistication behind vintage decorated cakes.

The vintage cake aesthetic was initially inspired by the elegance and extravagance of the French Rococo style popular in the mid-1700s.

According to an article in Elle, British pastry chef Joseph Lambeth published a book titled “Lambeth Method of Cake Decoration and Practical Pastries,” which took the “over-piping” frosting technique into mainstream tastes. In the book, Lambeth discussed in detail how to create these edible works of art.

After a wave of popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, these cakes enjoyed a resurgence during the 1970s and 1980s. Now, these cakes are gracing cake pedestals and tables for special occasions again with social media continuing to fuel the growth of vintage cake designs.

With inspiration for vintage decorated cakes coming from so many places, cake decorators like our professionals at Frost Artisan Bakery are finding endless sources of inspiration for their edible masterpieces.

Ruffles and shells fashioned from buttercream, hand-piped messages that look like calligraphy on top of the cake, and edible glitter cherries and sugar pearls all combine to elevate the vintage cake style with a style and sophistication that befits the 21st century.

Vintage decorated cakes don’t always have to be tiered cakes. Think cupcakes and other mini dessert cakes festooned with floral designs and lace patterns.

The drama and sophistication of vintage cakes make them perfect for special occasions that call for elegantly designed cakes, including anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings.

Retro or throwback-style galas and benefit dinners are ideal occasions to infuse cakes with Edwardian and Victorian themes that conjure up images of feasts by candlelight with strolling musicians and elegant evening wear.

At Frost, we love creating vintage-style cakes that convey our customers’ personalities and tastes. Stop in or call us to consult with a member of our talented team who can transform inspiration into an edible creation.