Forget traditional birthday cakes! Paris is experiencing a pastry revolution, and the main attraction is the spectacular XXL cake. These eye-catching creations, often more beautiful than delicious, are taking the Instagram world by storm, becoming the must-have centerpiece for any birthday party.
A Taste of Contemporary French Pastry
The legendary French patisserie, Lenôtre, has joined the trend, offering a unique twist on the classic birthday cake. Their Raspberry Tree cake boasts a crispy biscuit base, topped with a soft cake and pastry cream, all adorned with raspberry macaroons, red fruits, and flowers for an unforgettable presentation.
Lenôtre offers this masterpiece in various sizes: a “number cake” for six people starting at €8.50 per person, or larger cakes with two figures, needing at least twelve servings.
Cédric Grolet’s Masterpiece
Cédric Grolet, the world’s best pastry chef, has a secret weapon: a Saint-Honoré cake shaped like numbers. This creation, made with croissant dough, Isigny butter, caramelized cabbage, and vanilla whipped cream, is a true work of art. Be prepared to wait for assembly time, but the result is worth every minute.
Affordable Chic: Picard’s Rainbow Cake
Who says extravagance comes with a hefty price tag? Picard, a French supermarket chain, has launched a budget-friendly rainbow cake that will make even the pickiest eaters happy. This cake, perfect for six people, is priced at €14.50.
The Kitschy Delights of Les Délices de Belleville
Les Délices de Belleville, a cult address in eastern Paris, offers a unique experience with its personalized photo cakes. Imagine a cake covered in whipped cream, glitter, and 1980s colors, all adorned with your favorite photo! This vibrant and colorful cake, reminiscent of 80s American films, will surely be the talk of the party.
Bogato: The Pioneers of Bespoke Cakes
Bogato, a Parisian pastry workshop, is the brainchild of pastry chefs who are also graphic designers and architects. They are masters at turning any idea into a cake, from a Star Wars replica to a pair of Louboutin shoes! Their current favorite is the unicorn cake with Madeleine biscuit, cotton candy mousseline cream, and fresh strawberries.
Gabriel Pastry: A Twist on Classics
Gabriel Pastry offers a unique take on classic pastries like Saint-Honoré, Opéra, Paris-Brest, and Mont-Blanc. They transform these beloved treats into original birthday cakes, perfect for those who want something special but familiar.
Bouchra: Sculptures Made of Sugar
Bouchra, a pastry chef known for her artistic touch, creates masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Her sugar flower sculptures, so realistic you’d swear they’re real, are a testament to her talent. Bouchra’s creations are a treat for the eyes and the palate, attracting a jet-set clientele.
Bastien Blanc Tailor: Monumental Creations
Bastien Blanc Tailor is the go-to pastry chef for those who want monumental cakes that push the boundaries of creativity. His creations often touch the ceiling, catering to the extravagant requests of showbiz personalities and the elite.
Stoney Clove: American Classics with a Parisian Flair
Stoney Clove, a lab-boudoir run by director Philip Andelman and pastry chef Beth Bejh, brings American classics to Paris. Their custom-made layer cakes are a hit among the fashion elite, offering a touch of Americana to the Parisian scene.
Cake Boy: Authentic US Birthday Cakes in Paris
Cake Boy, the American pastry chef who brought authentic US birthday cakes to Paris, is known for his buttercream cakes. Despite his reluctance to wear an apron full-time, Cake Boy readily accepts orders for his decadent creations, bringing a taste of home to Parisian celebrations.
Hinalys: Trendy Pastries and Extraordinary Cakes
Linda Lam, aka Hinalys, was a dental technician before she became a pastry chef. Now, she supplies trendy coffee shops with pastries and creates extraordinary layer cakes to order. Her rainbow cake topped with smarties sweets is a delightful tribute to classic US favorites.
Lily of the Valley: Artisanal Pastries with a Touch of Love
Lily of the Valley, with its charming tea room and take-away counter, offers a range of bespoke cakes, from themed creations to layer cakes and small pastries. Everything is made with love and care, bringing a touch of home to the Parisian pastry scene.
