This Baker’s Eye-Popping Cakes Look Straight Out of a Fantasy Film
Hana Betakova is the creative brainchild behind Růst Cakes, a confectionary brand whose cakes are unlike anything you’re used to seeing. Colorfully complex, each cake is unique and eye-catching, taking you on a journey through Betakova’s artistic vision.
Her love for baking began in 2007, finding it to be not only a creative outlet, but also a therapeutic one. Some years later, a friend showed her contemporary cake makers and artists on Instagram. The imagery inspired Betakova to step beyond the boundaries of typical baking to create the world of Růst Cakes, a freely-expressive and oftentimes messy land of confectionary artsy-ness.
The name Růst Cakes comes from the natural process of rust, which is symbolic of organic artistic expression. The actual meaning behind Růst means ‘to grow’ and came from Betakova’s mother’s language of Czech.
As for flavors, Betakova’s confections aren’t too sweet, yet still rich with flavor. They’re made using plant-based butter, which retains the classic cake-y texture you’re accustomed to. Each cake is a stand-out, from a purple floral palette coconut cake with passionfruit cream cheese and strawberries to a botanically accented dark chocolate cake with pistachio cream cheese and fresh raspberries.
As Růst Cakes’ strange and bizarre appeal has grown in popularity, Betakova has been asked to exhibit her creations as art. Besides cakes, her exhibits include hand-made sculptures which further showcase her eye for design.
When asked how she wants Růst Cakes to make people feel, Betakova explained, “I want them to be happy, to be able to meet with their loved ones and spend time together while eating something tasty, beautiful and a bit weird.”
Růst Cakes can be ordered online only and picked up at Cafe Neundrei. To ensure a timely delivery, it’s requested that orders are placed a week in advance.