AKE & BAKE 2026: International Highlights, a Focus on Bread, and Germany’s Largest Cake Competition

Spectacular sugar art, special guest stars, and a diverse range of offerings at Germany’s largest cake fair.

CAKE & BAKE 2026 offered a diverse experience for all the senses on March 28 and 29, 2026, at Messe Dortmund. Amateur bakers, beginners, and professionals alike gained numerous new ideas, techniques, and trends in baking and cake design. Germany’s largest cake competition wowed visitors with 260 unique and extraordinary creations.

Dortmund, March 31, 2026 – With 75 exhibitors from nine countries, including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, CAKE & BAKE 2026 once again underscored its significance as a staple of the baking and cake design scene. Germany’s largest trade fair for cake design and baking brought together international trends, creative inspiration, and personal encounters, while also setting an important tone for the format’s content development with the new BREAD & SAVORY section. “CAKE & BAKE has established itself as a major meeting place for the industry and, year after year, brings together people who share a passion for the art of baking, cake design, and creative worlds of indulgence. The fact that we once again saw strong international participation this year underscores the fair’s growing relevance far beyond Germany. With the new BROT & HERZHAFT section, we have also specifically expanded the event’s profile,” says Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe.

International Highlights of Sugar Art
Under the theme “Royal Tea Time,” the International SugarArt Collaboration presented impressive works that blended sugar craftsmanship with artistic presentation. Under the direction of Doreen Zilske, a richly detailed exhibition space was created in the style of a Victorian tea room. A particular eye-catcher was the elaborately crafted fondant replica of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands by international cake artist Michael Wehrmann

Equally impressive was the International Biennale of Sugar Art under the artistic direction of Mary and Nuni Cocciolo. It was dedicated to Italy’s cultural richness and showcased detailed interpretations of architecture, cuisine, and art history crafted from sugar.

Successful Launch for BREAD & SAVORY
With the new BREAD & SAVORY section, CAKE & BAKE has specifically expanded its range of themes this year. Together with premium partner BROT MAGAZIN, a dedicated stage was created featuring a diverse professional program focused on artisanal bread baking and savory baking ideas. Both beginners and experienced baking enthusiasts received practical tips, fresh ideas, and inspiring suggestions there.

“The new ‘BREAD & SAVORY’ section was a huge hit and far exceeded our expectations. The area in front of the stage was bustling with activity the entire time; the visitors’ enthusiasm was palpable, and the activities were a real hit. Over 1,000 sourdough loaves found their way to the guests, and everyone had a blast and beamed with joy. I can’t wait to be back next year—even bigger, more colorful, and even more spectacular,” says Sebastian Marquardt of BROT MAGAZIN.

Germany’s largest cake competition with strong international participation
With around 260 entries in 16 categories, this year’s cake competition saw exceptionally high participation and was more diverse than ever. Particularly striking was the strong participation of young talent: separate categories for children aged 7 to 11 and teenagers aged 12 to 17 clearly demonstrated the importance of young talent in the scene.  The title “Best of Show” ultimately went to Magdaléna Jana Větrovká, whose work particularly impressed the jury in Category N, “Sugar Art (Almost) Without Limits.” In the two junior categories, Hanna Roslan won the Best of Show Junior award.

The live competition also provided pure excitement: Various teams took on the “Magic Black & White” challenge and created impressive works in black and white, complemented by a custom color accent. Team 3, “Zuckerschock,” ultimately secured the victory.

Live shows, celebrity guests, and interactive baking experiences

CAKE & BAKE offered a diverse stage program on both days of the event, featuring international cake artists, well-known TV personalities, and participants from “Das große Backen.” Highlights of the program included Tine Wittler with Easter ideas and Alexander Mazza from the current season of “Das große Prombiacken,” as well as celebrity guests such as Julian F.M. Stoeckel, Nicole Belstler-Boettcher, Jörg Draeger, and Matthias Mangiapane, who brought creative baking to life alongside professionals. The program was complemented by numerous workshops led by international professionals.

Save the Date 2027 The next CAKE & BAKE will take place on March 20 and 21, 2027, once again alongside CREATIVA, Europe’s largest creative trade fair.