Hyper-real cakes have become a phenomenon, in large part due to social media and the hit Netflix series ‘Is It Cake?’. Of course, bakers have been making hyper-real cakes for years but the trend has exploded as both professional and amateur bakers share their creations online. One of the most popular is Ben Cullen aka The Bake King. Not only does Cullen make hyper-real cakes, he also regularly makes spectacular character cakes, which are often full-size. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram, Cullen is a baker whose name and work are very familiar to those with an interest in cake decorating.
Now, Cullen is ready to share some of his secrets with the release of his book ‘Cake or Fake?’. In an unprecedented move, Cullen is sharing step-by-step guides to 21 of his hyper-real creations so you can recreate them (or at least try to) in the comfort of your own kitchen. Each of the 21 tutorials in the book is accompanied by lots of pictures and detailed instructions, making it as easy as possible for you to create these jaw-dropping cakes. Before diving into the tutorials, Cullen outlines the key equipment you’ll need to take on these hyper-real cakes and this really is one of the most important parts of the book. Less skilled home bakers won’t have a clue where to start but Cullen is there to guide them through.
Next up are Cullen’s key recipes, giving you the tools you need to have the right base for your creations. From ganaches and buttercreams, through to vanilla cake and simple syrup, you need to get to grips with these as your first step. Once you’ve got all that down, it’s time to choose which of the incredible creations you’re going to make first. You can work your way through the recipes in order, or you can pick and choose depending on what you fancy. For example, the idea of creating a pancake stack out of cake might seem too daunting for your first effort so maybe making a lemon might be an easier way to start.
Cullen’s ideas are fantastic, taking familiar everyday objects and showing you how to recreate them as edible showpieces. Each tutorial lists out the ingredients you need along with the equipment so you can ensure you have everything to hand before you begin. The best thing to do is read the tutorial from start to finish BEFORE you dive in, that way there won’t be any surprises along the way. The level of detail for each tutorial is impressive. Cullen takes you through every single step, offering tips and sharing his expertise to ensure that you have every chance of succeeding. From cake carving to colour matching, he leaves no stone unturned and it’s quite remarkable just how much work goes into making a hyper-real cake.
If you really fancy a challenge, you could opt to make the Burger & Fries or the Pizza cakes. Both require an insane amount of detail, and if you follow Cullen’s clear instructions, you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Other highlights in the book include a Potted Plant, a Violin (you’ve really got to be brave to try that one) and a Skull. If you manage to work your way through all 21 tutorials, it’ll put you in good stead to be able to tackle any hyper-real cake you attempt in the future.
If hyper-real cakes are something you want to get into, then this is the best book on the market. Not only does it teach you the basics, it also gives you all of the techniques and tools you need to go on to explore your own ideas. Carving the cake is only the beginning – the devil really is in the detail and getting those details right is going to take practice. You’ll be amazed by Cullen’s tips and tricks, as he shows you how to create realistic textures, colours and so much more. Fingers crossed he has some more books to come in the future as this is one of the best cake decorating books I’ve ever come across.
Publisher: OH / Headline Publishing Group Release date: 10th June 2025 Buy ‘Cake or Fake?’ now
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