What Are Dot Cakes? The Viral Cake Trend You Can't Stop Seeing Online
Here's what they are — and where to try one.
Javier Zayas Photography/Getty
Every so often a new dessert enters the online sphere that people can't seem to get enough of. Right now, it's cake. Well, not just any cake, but cakes coated in multicolored, spherical nonpareils known as dot cakes.
The viral dot cakes rose to fame from The Dotcakes bakery, a family-owned business in Roslyn, New York. However, many other bakeries and businesses have hopped on the bandwagon, like La La Land Cafe, and people can't seem to get enough.
We have the lowdown on the viral dotcakes, from what they are to where to get them — and yes, that might involve waiting in line for several hours in New York City, at least for right now and how to make them with the help of Pillsbury's Funfetti.
What are dot cakes?
Dot cakes are cakes covered in buttercream and topped with vibrant nonpareils. The bakery sells them in various sizes, but the viral ones people are referring to online are actually called “dot cups” by the bakery: eight-ounce, single servings as opposed to layer cakes. They’re available in four flavors — classic vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chip (confetti) and red velvet — all of which have the signature sprinkle topping. You could make one at home in any flavor you want, but it’s worth noting that the bakery only uses white vanilla frosting so the nonpareils stand out.
Dot cakes are super nostalgic and great for social media. Many users have taken them online to make ASMR videos running their spoons across the top and chomping on the sprinkles, racking up millions of views in some cases.
Where can you buy dot cakes?
You can get the original dot cakes from The Dotcakes storefront in Roslyn, or at Butterfield Market in New York City.
If you plan on heading to Butterfield Market in the Upper East Side, then you'll want to make sure to arrive early on Wednesdays and Saturdays (when the drops happen). They've been selling out within hours after each 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. drop, with the line often wrapping around the block. Customers are limited to buying two per person since they are so popular.
As for price, they are currently $13 at Butterfield Market and $32 for four 8-ounce cakes via The Dotcakes website.
How to make your own dot cake at home
If you can't get to New York City to get your hands on the viral dot cake in person, you can always make your own. This is a great option if you want to recreate the trendy dessert while having more freedom to choose your preferred flavor combinations. Spoiler alert: You can make a Pillsbury Funfetti® dot cake at home in less than an hour. No professional baking experience is required, and the results are colorful, joyful and fun.
Whether you're an self-proclaimed professional baker or simply want to recreate the trend at home for a birthday party, anniversary or holiday celebration, here are a few products that can help you try your hand at the viral dessert.
One of the best things about using Pillsbury products is that they make it easy to create a bakery-worthy cake at home. Plus, there are plenty of ways to customize your dot cake with different cake mixes and frostings. If Classic Funfetti® isn't your favorite, try Funfetti® Strawberry or Funfetti® Yellow Cake Mix instead. The same flexibility applies to the frosting. Funfetti® Hot Pink Vanilla Frosting and Confetti Funfetti® Chocolate Fudge Flavored Frosting can create a different look and flavor profile while still delivering the signature colorful finish.
Related Content:
