CAKE & BAKE 2026 with initial highlights and exciting innovations

New BROT & HEARTY area represented for the first time.

From March 28 to 29, 2026, CAKE & BAKE at Messe Dortmund will once again be a hotspot for all baking enthusiasts and cake fans. The first highlights are already known: Germany’s biggest cake competition with a renowned jury, a live competition, a new themed area (“BROT & HERZHAFT”) and other creative innovations.

Dortmund, 09.10.2025 – Whether artistic cakes, creative baking ideas or new taste experiences – CAKE & BAKE 2026 will once again bring the national and international baking community together at Messe Dortmund. For one weekend, everything will revolve around sweet creations, new trends and, this year, savory variations. With the new “BREAD & HEARTY” theme area , the tried-and-tested cake competition, a top-class expert jury and an expanded stage program on two show stages, the trade fair offers even more space for creative diversity.

Germany’s biggest cake competition: register now

The popular cake competition is an integral part of CAKE & BAKE. Once again, passionate cake bakers have the opportunity to submit their impressive showpieces for the competition. Participants can choose from 14 different categories, from detailed modeling to elaborate theme cakes. There is also something for young baking fans in the junior categories. Registration is now open. Further information on the categories, the jury from Tortenkünstler Deutschland e.V. and conditions of participation can be found here.

The showpieces will be judged by an international panel of experts. Under the direction of Doreen Zilske, experienced sugar artists, baking professionals and cake artists from all over Europe, such as Cindy Sauvage, Sophia Fox and Adelina Baicu, will come together. They not only bring a wealth of expertise in modeling, decorating and design, but also their experience from competitions and workshops worldwide.

On Saturday, 28.03.2026, a live competition will take place in which a maximum of five teams, each with up to five participants, will create a showpiece live on site.
>> Further information

New area: BREAD & HEARTY

CAKE & BAKE is setting a new focus with the new topic “BREAD & HEARTY”. Together with CAKE & BAKE’s premium partner, BROT magazine, it will provide in-depth specialist knowledge about baking bread. The focus will be on baking with natural ingredients, sourdough and artisan techniques. For the first time, there will be a separate stage for this topic area, which will bring the art of bread baking closer.

Two stages and twice the baking pleasure

With the expansion to two stages – the classic CAKE & BAKE Stage and the new stage of the “BROT & HERZHAFT ” area – the trade fair is not only doubling the show area, but also the variety of content. The CAKE & BAKE Stage will be hosted for the first time by kabel eins face Madita van Hülsen on both days of the fair.

Ticket store open: Combined ticket for CAKE & BAKE and CREATIVA

The ticket store for CAKE & BAKE 2026 is now open. Fans of cake decoration can now secure their admission tickets – as a practical combined ticket: the ticket not only gives you access to CAKE & BAKE, but also to CREATIVA, which is taking place at the same time.
>> To the ticket store