Bakers answered the call as the Ideal Home Show Cake Competition returned—and in 2025, it was all about illusion cakes!
We’re challenged you to create hyper-realistic cakes that look just like everyday household objects and appliances. From a teapot that’s actually a sponge cake to a remote control with a chocolate ganache centre, we wanted to see how convincingly you can trick the eye. Did you make the judges double-take before they realise—it’s cake?
📌 Entry Details:
Theme: ‘Illusion Cake - Home Edition’ – It brought the heart of your home to life in cake form! Whether it’s your favourite appliance, a cosy corner of your home, a cherished accessory or piece of home décor, a go-to cleaning product, a statement piece of furniture – or even an entire room – we challenged you to showcase your skills and creativity by crafting the ultimate home-inspired illusion cake.
🥇Our Winners:
🥇 1st Place: "Scrub-a-Dub" by Joanne Matthews
Joanne's creation, a washing-up bowl complete with plates, Fairy liquid, and sponges, was so meticulously detailed that many onlookers were tempted to reach out and start scrubbing!​
🥈 2nd Place: "Seafood Dreams" by Danielle Rigg
Danielle's stunning cake featured a seafood platter with a realistically painted lobster and an assortment of fish, all laid out on a plate that seemed ready for a seaside banquet.​
🥉 3rd Place: "Addicted to Coffee" by Daisy Brydon
Daisy amazed spectators with her life-like coffee machine cake, complete with coffee pods and a steaming cup of coffee, all edible and exquisitely detailed.
The competition this year was particularly fierce, with entries that looked too real to slice. The judges faced a tough decision as each cake not only showcased exceptional skill in baking but also in artistic presentation. Visitors were left marvelling at the ingenuity and flair displayed, proving once again that the Ideal Home Show is a pinnacle of not just home innovation, but also of culinary artistry.
Final Judging: Took place at the Ideal Home Show Spring 2025 Eat & Drink Stage with Oli the Choc
Who entered?: The Ideal Home Show Cake Competition was open to bakers of all ages and levels.
