Netflix just added another layer of cream to their baking shows. Premiered on the platform on 18 Mar 2022, Is It Cake? features a baking competition that plays around the creation of unbelievably hyperrealistic cakes in the form of everyday items. Nine talented bakers take their kneading skills to the test to outwit one another.
Per episode, three bakers are pitted against each other. They’ll choose an item to replicate, depending on the category of the episode. Once the contestants have finished baking, each cake is placed with four similar-looking everyday items, like burgers, sneakers, and bowling pins.
Each hyperrealistic cake along with the four decoys is presented to three visiting judges. They’d have to find the odd one out: a masterfully crafted cake disguised to blend with the other four.
Sounds just like a piece of cake? Well, that’s what all the judges say the first time they step into their podium. Yet, once the tables turn (figuratively and literally), everyone starts scratching their heads, trying to find the real cake.
Unlike some cooking shows (e.g. Chef’s Table) featuring Michelin Star chefs, Is It Cake?’s contestants are regular professional bakers. But, what they are capable of baking is nowhere near “regular”. First episode winner Jonny Manganello only has three years of baking experience and just started making realistic cakes during the pandemic. When asked to describe his baking experience, Jonny said: “What I do is the weirdest thing in the world. Like, there are people saving lives, and I am making cake look like other things.”
Way to go, Jonny!
Kidding aside, hyperrealistic baking is certainly a weird and quirky craft, and not everyone in the world has this as a skill set. These bakers have overwhelming patience and a keen 20-20 eye vision for details that borders supernatural mental strength. Amazingly, yet unsurprisingly, we have Kababayans who could do it too! *waves the Philippine flag*
Also read: Cebu’s Local Cuisine Was Just Featured on Netflix!
Filipino bakers who can compete on Netflix’s Is It Cake?
Cupcakelabph
Check out this Rolex-inspired velvet cake from Cupcakelabph. If you order this for a friend’s birthday, you can call them up and tell them you got them a Rolex!
Also read: Local Pet Cafe Makes Dog-Inspired Cakes Along With Other Treats
How about this cake inspired by the Dior x Air Jordan 1 collab? This cake looks so real that we could wear it for a day rather than sell our kidneys to get an authentic pair. it’s so good that I’d wear this cake for a day, rather than sell my kidneys for $2000 to get an authentic one.
AA Cake Design
Where’s the cake, you ask? Everything in this picture is a cake made by AA Cake Design. These saccharine succulents and flowers are the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
Also read: Heads Up, Army: This Local Bakery Makes BTS Cakes & Cupcakes
Imagine this cake being placed on banana leaves and served with lechon sauce — an authentic Pinoy experience, except that the lechon is not crunchy at all. Prepare to get some mixed reactions when you serve cake by Lovelotscakes.
Our #PinoyPride is once again on full display with these masterpieces of our very own. We wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix’s Is It Cake? invites a Filipino baker to compete in the next season. Remember, you heard it here first!
Featured image credit: Is It Cake? | Netflix
