Cake Piknik: Where sweet creativity meets community spirit
This September, Kuala Lumpur is about to get a whole lot sweeter.
SINAR DAILY REPORTER
What happens when a group of passionate bakers decides to turn cake into a community celebration? You get Cake Piknik, a homegrown movement that started as a casual idea and has now blossomed into a series of much-anticipated gatherings for cake lovers of all ages.
“Earlier this year, the concept of a cake picnic was introduced in the US by Elisa Sunga and her team. It got a lot of traction, went viral and continue to be an inspiration to the cake community around the world,” said co-founder Nadia Halina of Grey Cube.
Inspired by the global buzz, the Malaysian version took root almost by accident.
“Our Cake Piknik was shortly after formed – randomly! One of us, Sarah of Baking Junkie, posted on social that she longed to create a similar event locally for our bakers, all of us responded with our interest to build a similar community event – next thing we knew, she put us all in a group and that’s how it started,” Nadia recalled.
The founding team, comprising bakers Amalina Jamil of Jars by AJ, Mae of Bttrswt Empire, and self-proclaimed cake lovers Julieann Ragojo and Nadia, bonded over function, friendship and a shared passion.
“Looking back to when we started in January, this team is formed out of function, accelerated friendship and sheer passion in building and gathering the cake community around us,” she added.
A family day out with cake
This September, Cake Piknik is rolling out not one but two different experiences. First up is Cake Piknik: Family Edition, happening on Sept 14 at Lumi Park, Tropicana.
“Building the community this year, we’ve met a lot of mums and dads who have expressed their hopes to have children at our events,” said Nadia.
Initially, children under 12 were restricted due to venue limitations and concerns about handling the cakes. But being mothers themselves, the organisers wanted kids to join in the fun.,” said Nadia.
Initially, children under 12 were restricted due to venue limitations and concerns about handling the cakes. But being mothers themselves, the organisers wanted kids to join in the fun.
“We generally have a soft spot for children at the end of day, especially as some of us are bakers who are always creating cute treats and cakes for them.
"To summarise, the Cake Piknik: Family Edition is one of the earliest ideas we had in mind, just that we didn’t have the opportunity or right time to give it a go till now!” she said.
This edition puts children and parents at the centre, encouraging them to bake together, share their creations, and explore activities tailored for little ones.
“We pride ourselves by calling ourselves celebrators of creativity – celebrating bakers, cake lovers, and others in this industry on their love and passion for cakes and all that falls under the umbrella.
"Hence, for the Cake Piknik: Family Edition we’re celebrating children and families in centre,” Nadia said.
Among the highlights are cake-sharing sessions between parents and kids, a kids’ workshop with free activity hours, and even a kids’ marketplace where young entrepreneurs get to run their own booths.
The Makan Grounds will feature 12 food and beverage vendors - their biggest lineup yet - alongside best cake prizes, lucky draws and door gifts sponsored by over 20 brands including Lumi Marketplace, Kitmens Smart Kitchen Equipment, LUMOS Projectors, MyFlavor, Sunway Lagoon, Dejaa Vuu, and Iremia Organics.
Cakes meet art at MITEC
Two weeks later, Cake Piknik takes on an entirely different flavour. On Sept 27, the team partners with CIMB Art & Soul: Artober at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, where cakes will be presented not just as desserts but as works of art.
“Humbly, gratefully to our surprise, happily, we were approached by the CIMB Artober team themselves about four months ago. We presented our ideas to their theme, they loved it and incredibly we’re part of this prestigious event!” Nadia said.
For this collaboration, selected cake artists including some well-known names in the business, will showcase edible masterpieces.
“For the CIMB Artober collaboration – we’ve worked through a selection process to handpick interested Cake Artists (some, renowned cake businesses!) to be part of the event.
"The team has also been working together with bakers to bring their proposed concepts to live – from ideation, planning on structures and how they envision their entire presentation. It’s definitely exciting!”
Visitors can expect tiered creations, intricate piping, fondant modelling, hand-painted finishes, sugar art sculptures, and even mirror-glazed designs, a true showcase of skill where confectionery meets fine art.
“From creativity, skills and techniques that are going to be showcased on the table. We can expect, tiered creations, intricate piping techniques, fondant modelling, hand painted works, sugar art sculptures, mirror glazing designs and more!” Nadia said.
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