by Diana Rodov
Across almost every culture, there are few things as universally loved as cake. Young and old alike, male or female, all will agree that there is something special about this delicious delicacy. No party or celebratory gathering is complete without one. From chocolate to confetti to carrot, something about a fresh-baked cake slathered in scrumptious icing brightens up any mood. So it's no surprise that many of the masterful chefs at cake bakeries go above and beyond in their mission to make the world's most delicious and delightful cake creations.Cake baking can be much more complex than opening a box and adding eggs and oil. Once a time-intensive process, cake baking has become incredibly simple over the years, so just about anyone with a few basic kitchen utensils can whip up their own cake in no time. But even as the basics of cake baking become more and more accessible, the prestige and possibilities of gourmet cakes grow. Cake bakeries seek to make this dessert staple ever more interesting, be it the unique flavors in the recipe or the elaborate decorations.
Layered and carved, covered in edible fondant that can mimic any color or texture, these cakes can take on just about any form imaginable, to the point that they are as much sculptures as they are desserts. There is simply no denying that the creations of the finest cake bakery are no less than works of art.
Sure, anyone might be able to whip up a tasty baked good. But thanks to the recent rise in the popularity of gourmet cakes, due in part to reality shows like Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss, cake bakeries are constantly outdoing themselves in the creation of more and more incredible desserts. Many-tiered wedding cakes have all the ornate beauty of the chapels they are served in, while they bloom all over with ultra-realistic fondant flowers. A child's birthday cake can take the form of his or her favorite cartoon character in breathtaking detail. Or a college graduate can celebrate with a cake styled as his alma mater's mascot. The possibilities are endless for any cake bakery that's worth its salt.
But some of the most accomplished chefs at cake bakeries choose not to rely on flashy looks. The flavors speak for themselves. Forget about the visual appeal of an edible dinosaur cake or a delicate butterfly made of icing - few things in this world can compare to the mouth-watering flavors and just-right textures of an expertly made red velvet cake, or a gooey, warm rum cake fresh from the oven. Take a stroll through the borough and check out some of the many cake bakeries to see for yourself how this seemingly simple dessert can be turned into such a complex and amazing masterpiece.
