From 22 to 23 March 2025, the baking and cake decorating community came together at CAKE & BAKE, the largest trade fair for cake decorating and baking in Germany. The event in Dortmund attracted both national and international participants and offered a comprehensive insight into the latest trends, techniques and products in the industry. Germany's largest cake competition delighted visitors with around 150 impressive and creative creations in various categories.

Dortmund, 27.03.2025 - The international cake fair CAKE & BAKE was once again a magnet for beginner and professional bakers from Germany and abroad. Taking place alongside CREATIVA, it effectively highlighted the strong passion for baking, cake design, and creative sugar crafting. This year's event once again impressed with a top-class stage programme, numerous hands-on activities and the largest competition show of its kind in Germany.

Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Group: ‘In recent years, CAKE & BAKE has become a permanent fixture in the international cake art calendar. The interplay of creative diversity, international exchange and the enthusiasm of our community makes this trade fair an extraordinary experience. It impressively demonstrates that baking is much more than a craft - it is an art form that connects people worldwide.’

Satisfied visitors and strong exhibitor response

The positive mood was also reflected in the results of the visitor survey: according to an independent survey, around 92 per cent of respondents said they were very satisfied or satisfied with their visit to the trade fair. The variety of exhibitors, the range of hands-on activities and the stage programme with prominent guests were particularly emphasised. The overall concept of the trade fair, with the cake competition as the emotional centrepiece, was also rated positively across the board.

The feedback from exhibitors was equally positive: Many were impressed by the quality of the discussions, the professionally interested audience and the high number of visitors on both days. CAKE & BAKE thus confirmed its position as the leading platform for cake art and creative baking in German-speaking countries - with growing international appeal.

International presence

Away from the CAKE & BAKE Stage, the diverse selection of international exhibitors from countries including the UK, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania and the Czech Republic impressed visitors with a wide range of products that left nothing to be desired. A special highlight was the International SugarArt Collaboration, which presented an impressive exhibition on the theme of ‘Beach Time’ under the direction of Tortenkünstler Deutschland e.V. (Cake Artists Germany). More than 30 international cake artists created extraordinary showpieces for this. In addition, the stand attracted numerous visitors with a series of entertaining events, making it a central meeting point for the community.

Germany's largest cake competition

Around 150 impressive showpieces were presented as part of Germany's largest cake competition. In a total of thirteen categories - including special categories for children (7-11 years) and teenagers (12-17 years) - the participants put their skills to the test. Under the strict rules of Tortenkünstler Deutschland e.V., the aim was to demonstrate the highest levels of precision, creative design and technical skill. The decisions were made by a 15-member jury made up of renowned personalities from the scene. Key members included chief judge Jennifer Holst, her deputy Doreen Zilske, and competition coordinator Marina Dewald.

Jennifer Holst was extremely satisfied: ‘It was a great pleasure to judge these impressive creations. The cakes were extremely varied and there were many creative ideas. Some of the categories were outstanding and the entire organisation ran smoothly.’ The best showpiece of all entries, also known as Best of Show, went to Pornprapa Saenglert, who completely won over the judges in the ‘B: One-tier motif cake’ category. Noemi Hes and Jaden Schmitt won Best of Category in the junior categories.

Diverse stage programme & prominent guests on the CAKE & BAKE Stage
The CAKE & BAKE Stage was the centre of the action on both days of the fair and the rows of spectators were filled to capacity. The colourful programme kicked off with Kabel 1 presenter Madita van Hülsen. On Saturday, content creator Carlo Sommer, also known as CasaCarlo, provided entertainment while decorating with his impressive Instagram community of 500,000 followers. The stars of Das große Backen and Das große Promibacken - including Bettina Schliephake-Burchhardt, Manuela Wisbeck, Patrik Schäfer and Raheem Haidar - gave an impressive demonstration of their skills on stage. Reality TV star Julian F.M. Stoeckel and his companions Eva Jacob, known from the Jacob Sisters, and singer Stefanie Simon, amazed the visitors with ‘Glamour and Glitter’. Another highlight followed on Sunday: entertainer Ross Antony delighted the audience at the Super Streusel stand.

Workshops & education for all levels

The trade fair offered numerous exciting offers and highlights for baking professionals and beginners alike. Cake artists such as Robert Haynes, Roger Hassler, Marianne Daubner and Anita Willems presented their art and gave the audience valuable insights in their showcases. The diverse workshops also met with great interest. Both international artists such as Kristina Rado and the training courses offered by the exhibitors - including Saracino - were very popular and were always well attended.

Save the date 2026

The next CAKE & BAKE will take place again in March 2026 (25 to 29 March 2026) alongside CREATIVA. Advance booking starts in autumn 2025 at cakeandbakemesse.de/en-gb/besucher

All winning cakes from the 2025 cake competition can be found on the official website of the Cake & Bake trade fair.
>> www.cakeandbakemesse.de/en-gb/tortenwettbewerb-2025