Just in time for National Cake Day, celebrated on November 26th, we have the picture-perfect way to mark the occasion: a showcase of the world’s best photographs of cake. Cake is a universal symbol of joy, celebration, and comfort, and there is no better way to showcase its beauty than through photography.
The World Food Photography Awards celebrates the very best in cake photography through its Tiptree Cake Award, one of the global competition's 25 categories.
More info: worldfoodphotographyawards.com | Instagram | youtube.com | x.com
#1 Theodora Tsilikopoulou - Swan White Chocolate Cake
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
Bored Panda reached out to Theodora Tsilikopoulou, a photographer and videographer based in New York. If you’ve scrolled through our list of stunning photos, you might have noticed the captivating shot of the ‘Swan White Chocolate Cake,’ which was actually captured by Theodora. We were eager to learn more about the process behind this photo.
First, we asked the photographer about her approach to styling and composing the Swan White Chocolate Cake photo. Here’s what Tsilikopoulou shared with us: “The Swan Cake, in its sculptural elegance, demanded a minimalist black-and-white composition. The simplicity of the frame speaks volumes—conveying the essence of the moment in its quiet, understated beauty. As I reflect on the fleeting passage of time, this image evokes a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of how quickly these precious moments pass.”
#2 Baiba Opule - Blueberry Cake
Blueberry cake topped with cream, fresh berries and flowers.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#3 Chs Creative - Decadent Black Forest Cake
Tasked to deliver an extremely atmospheric, opulent cake using gold and chocolate with a mouth-watering dripping effect. The cake was to illustrate decadence at its extreme and illustrate the extravagance of indulgence
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
When asked about the specific details Theodora considers to make the photographed subject visually appealing, she kindly responded: “In every image, each element plays a distinct role, much like a theatrical production. Some components take center stage, while others work in harmony to complement the scene. The interplay of contrast, light, color, and subtle pops of detail all contribute to the final composition. With the Swan Cake, however, we’re witnessing a monologue—where the subject itself commands the attention, allowing the upsenses of surrounding elements to enhance its presence.”
#4 Carolin Strothe - White & Black Currant Swiss Roll
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#5 Maja Smend - Rahul's Strawberry Cake
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
Next, we were curious about how photographing cakes and other desserts differs from shooting other subjects. The New York-based photographer shared with us: “Each subject requires its own unique treatment, and while there are general principles most photographers adhere to, the approach can be as individual as the subject itself. I’ve always found a special kind of joy in photographing cakes and desserts—especially since I often bake them myself. There’s something inherently creative about the process of capturing them. It’s not so much a set method as it is an instinctive flow, an added spark of creativity that comes from within. Every cake, every dessert, every food or drink it seems to inspire its own narrative, and I find that spontaneity to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the craft.”
#6 Ming Tang-Evans - It's Raining Cake, Hallelujah!
A celebration of cake with 'My Little Cake Tin's' signature colourful and stylish edible floral decoration.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#7 Barbora Baretic - Blood Orange Cardamom Cake
Creating this image as a symbol of long-awaited spring was a pure joy. Blood oranges are incredible by their texture, colour and shine and that's what I wanted to capture.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
Lastly, the photographer told us more about her upcoming projects in the world of food photography: “A major source of inspiration for me comes from the world of arts. I often find myself studying the works of iconic artists like Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso. Their ability to convey complex emotions and stories through visual art often sparks new ideas for my own work. Currently, I’m immersed in a project inspired by Frida Kahlo, drawing on my interpretation of one of her paintings. The way her work blends symbolism, emotion, and personal narrative resonates deeply with me, and it’s influencing the direction of my next creative endeavor.”
#8 Kris Kirkham - Bundt Cakes
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#9 Barbora Baretic - Chocolate Fudge Pearl Cake
Made using the finest dark chocolate. I wanted to bring out and highlight this cake's elegance and magnificence. It was a pure joy to create.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#10 Chisom Okoye - Purple Ranunculus
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#11 Barbora Baretic - White Chocolate Ganache Sculpture Cakes
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#12 Fiona Hugues - Pear Trio
A trio of sugars layer cake with spiced cream and salted caramel pears.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#13 Barbora Baretic - Lilac Inspired Cake
A cake that I made for my daughter's friend - a little princess and her magical birthday party in the park.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#14 Wout Hendrick - Blueberry Cheesecake
Best cheesecake ever for Bake Off Flanders!
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#15 Kamile Kave - Moments In Time
Capturing two moments in one image.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#16 Baiba Opule - Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Chocolate raspberry cake topped with icing sugar on dark wooden table.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#17 Donna Crous - Chocolate Pear Loaf
Baked pears in a chocolate and molasses loaf.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#18 Costas Millas - Curves, Curls & Swirls
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#19 Anna Merkurova - The Final Touch
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#20 Steve Painter - Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#21 Barbora Baretic - Chocolate Cake Dressed In A Beautiful Morning Light
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#22 Sally Hulse - An Incandescent Glow
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#23 Petrina Tinslay - Chiffon Cake With Candles
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#24 Alessandra Bartoloni - Flower Madeleines
Madeleines are just nineteenth century ladies wearing the most elegant gowns for the Grand Ball.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#25 Hein Van Tonder - Madeira Cake
A cheeky drizzle of glaze on just-baked Madeira cakes.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#26 Lucy-Ruth Hathaway - Jam Roly Poly
Shot by photographer Aaron Tilley, as part of a series about traditional British puddings.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#27 Katie Smith - Apricot And Ricotta Cake
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#28 Photo By Frankie Turner, Styled By Keiron George - Let Them Eat Cake!
One image of a series called 'Beauty of Destruction'. Photo by Frankie Turner, styled by Keiron George.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#29 Lottie Covell - Toblerone Torte
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#30 Winifred Harms - Naked Carrot
A delightful merriment of rustic charm and wholesome indulgence.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#31 Evgeniya Nadeykina - About Chocolate Cake
It's a story about a foodie... who always loved chocolate.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
#32 Winifred Harms - Biscuit Cake
Biscuits at their best.
Image credits: Tiptree Cake Award
