Cake has easily become a new medium for art. Scroll on social media, and it’s likely that you’ll come across some innocent-looking object on the other side of a knife, only to realise reality is a lie and that couch was actually cake the whole time.
Is it cake? has become a valid question for the unsuspecting onlooker, so much so that there’s an entire show of the same title, dedicated to answering the question on Netflix.
In Cape Town, don’t be fooled or think you’re losing your marbles if you happen to see fellow locals taking a bite of a rose or sunflower. If you happen to be at a birthday or wedding, don’t feel confused at the sight of others celebrating by tucking into what you assumed was the decor.
These flora for the foodie are the work of Katie Briggs, a cake artist in Hout Bay, and they may just be the most delightful creations you’ll come across for a long time.
Crumbs Custom Cupcakes in Hout Bay is the creative brilliance of Katie. Beginning with a sense of crisis as the first ingredient, Katie quickly turned distress into masterpieces.
Katie had run a successful self-catering guesthouse in Hout Bay. When the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry doubled over thanks to the blow, impacting a host of employees. The pandemic coupled with needing to make an alternative plan for her future saw baking form part of the solution and doubled as a way to bring sweet delights to others at a time when we all needed a little sweetness.
She began baking for the volunteers in Hout Bay who were handing out food parcels within the first lockdown. Later on in 2020, her baking would flourish as she took inspiration from cake artists who were sharing their unique creations on Instagram. This is where the floral cupcake bouquets began to grow.
Katie was determined to make a business out of her baking solace, and so ‘Crumbs Custom Cupakes’ began with the first buttercream Protea – now a bestseller and even tasted a slice of fame by being featured in the Netflix movie ‘Angeliena’.
These buttercream floral creations tantalise both the eyes and tastebuds and serve as the intersection between art and baking wonders.
You’d be forgiven if your mouth is already watering and your fingers are buzzing to share the news with your friend still searching for that extra ‘wow factor’ for their event, your business function that’s looking a little grey and in need of sweetness and colour, or the best bouquet your bride will ever receive.
Here’s a little more information for your next order:
- Crumbs Custom Cupcakes is based in Hout Bay. Currently, Katie doesn’t usually deliver outside of Cape Town, and so it’s a beautiful day to be a Capetonian. Orders are collected in Hout Bay usually, but there are some exceptions for wedding functions and other South African-wide or international orders.
- Order as far in advance as you can, but her lead time is around two months.
- The cupcakes last in their optimum freshness for up to three days from when they’re collected.
Contact details:
- Keep up with the flowery goodness on Instagram @crumbscustomcupcakes
- Or email [email protected]
