Building With Cake On World Baking Day

Did you know, there was once a competition that celebrated cake constructions?

Sunday, the 17th of May, marks World Baking Day. It’s a chance to indulge in the sweet side of life and explore the hobby. Whether it’s with kids, loved ones or friends, baking can be a great way to bond with the people around you and can have a major impact on mental health. 

However, this World Baking Day, we want to take a look back at a very British annual event, which saw the worlds of construction and cake-making clash together. 

The Great Architectural Bake-Off 

Back in June 2015, a new, short-lived tradition was born. WATG or Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, an architectural services company, decided to inject some fun into the summer season. Partially riding on the success of The Great British Bake Off, a new competition was formed that put designers to the test. 

The task was a simple one on paper. To recreate a famous building or landmark out of cake. However, with talented architects and experts coming together, each year a new theme tested their resolve as they sought to create life-like structures. While the competition ran in person until 2018, there was a digital revival in the early 2020s. For now, the aprons are off though. 

Triumphant Builds 

What was built during those years is truly astonishing. Because so many of these architectural dessert-based reimaginings were spectacular. From Battersea Power Station to Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, some true British classics were brought to the table. 

It was Squire + Partners who won the inaugural event with a cake inspired by the Serpentine Pavilion. Meanwhile, Benoy picked up the final victory back in 2018 with the Barbicake, which was influenced by the Barbican Estate. While there is no news on whether this event will return, what is clear is that some of the nation’s greatest constructions don’t just look good… they taste great too.