Last year the 2D cartoon cake (also known as comic cake) flooded social media feeds. Eye-catching and colorful, the cakes resemble two dimensional drawings at first glance before you realize they’re actually edible. The optical illusion went viral, inspiring food content makers to create their own comic-like confection. 

@tigga_mac Replying to @julie HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE! ? #tiggamac #okiedokie #cakevideo #cakedecorating #caketrends #cartooncake #cartoon #cakevideo #birthdaycake ♬ original sound - Tigga Maccormack

Ironically, making one is a piece of cake. It’s like any regular ol’ cake, except it's outlined using black fondant strips or black icing. Adding outlines gives it a “hand drawn” look that creates the 2D effect. 

The trend began picking up steam towards the end of 2022, and based on the number of new posts showcasing peoples unique versions, it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. 

A quick search of the hashtag #cartooncake on Instagram reveals 117k posts, with numerous being shared each day. Even more revealing, on TikTok, videos that feature the hashtag have garnered a collective 124 million views. 

Whether it fizzles out in the coming months or continues sweetening up people’s feeds, it’s a fun and interesting approach to cake making. Will you request a 2D cake for your next birthday or next special occasion?

@thejonnycakes Cartoon cake trend ? but with cheesecake. So fun! Inspired by @Tigga Maccormack and everyone else who has been making these. #cake #cakes #cartooncake #cartooncakes #cakedecorating #spongebob ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery - Dante9k Remix - David Snell