Last Saturday I went to the That Takes the Cake! competition in north Austin. I hadn’t planned on going but by the time I got around to being an active human being, it was too late to go to the juggling festival like I planned, so I decided on the spur of the moment to go here instead. I’m so glad I went! There were tons of great cakes and it was an incredible display of talent – congrats to anyone who entered a cake.  I was thoroughly impressed by everything, from the six and unders’ cakes to the professionals’!

I couldn’t possibly show all the amazing cakes I saw, so I decided to post my favorites and classify them as winners of entirely made up categories.  Enjoy!

“Cutest Video Game Cake”

First up is this cute Kirby cake from the kids’ division.  I have a special fondness for Kirby, as Kirby’s Avalanche! is the only video game I’ve ever had any aptitude for.

“Best Alice in Wonderland Cake”

It’s a popular theme, but this vendor had all the competitors beat. Drink in the crazy eyes and the massive hat!

“Best Cake with Feathers”

This was my favorite of the bird/feathered/peacock cakes.  It’s just a detail of the tail, but I loved the colors used and it’s a great way to really absorb how much time and effort these creations take.

“Best Domestic Arts Cake”

Not that there were that many, but I a) thought the cake was adorable b) have fond memories of playing with my mother’s sewing tools and c) love the way the picture turned out.

“Cleverest Concept”

 I give you the upside down cake!

“Adventure I most want to be on!”

This is a detail from a cloud cake – I’m not sure what the specific inspiration is, if there was any.

“Delicious Interpretation of a Deadly Animal”

Seriously.  I know hippos look fat and adorable but it’s all just a cute, deadly act.

“Best Nerd Cake!”

My favorite part is the melting Storm Trooper.  Imagine the garbage compactor scene, but with the heroes melting in their Storm Trooper costumes instead.

“Creepiest Smile.”

It may not be my favorite AIW cake, but it is the one that’ll haunt my dreams tonight.

“Best Hat Cake”

Hats were another popular cake concept, and this one was my favorite – I love the elegant curve of the lines and the deep purple color.

“Cake I most want at my next Birthday Bash”

Who wouldn’t want this cake at their 5th (or 25th, hint-hint) birthday parties?

“Best Ferocious Tree”

It’s cute ’cause he’s grumpy.

“Best Peanuts Tribute”

It’s a cake accessory, rather than a cake, but I liked it more than any of the Peanuts cakes, so it wins.

“Best Wizard Cake”

Not a terribly popular category – this was the only one, I think, but it was huge-probably more than 3 feet tall! And I absolutely love the Golden Snitch.

“Best Dr. Seuss Cake”

Again, it was the only one but I loved it so much it’s a winner anyway.

“Most Elegant Cake”

Doesn’t it remind you of the Romanovs? I suggest we hide a piece in the freezer and name it “Anastasia.”

“The Trifecta!”

This cake wins because it is equally cute, elegant, and creepy as fuck.

“Most Terrifyingly Realist Cake”

“Most Terrifying Cake, Period”

“Also, the Cake whose Maker I most want to Meet”

This cake is fantastic.  Seriously.  I am incredibly jealous of whomever got to eat that sweet, sweet crocodile tail.

“Best Vendor Display”

For obvious reasons.

“Participation Award”

Whereas I try my hands at decorating and realize, sadly, that my true talent lies in the eating of these delicious confections rather than the making.

That’s all, folks!