Top 10 Baking Trends for 2026
By Mich Turner, Founder of Little Venice Cake Company
Baking has always reflected how we’re feeling, and in 2026 it’s wonderfully joyful, thoughtful, and a little bit playful. Here are the baking trends I’m seeing—and loving—as we move into the year ahead.
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Global flavour adventures
Bakers are travelling the world from their kitchens, embracing flavours like matcha, cardamom, yuzu, tahini, and dulce de leche.
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Gentle nostalgia with a twist
Beloved classics are being refreshed—think Victoria sponge with new fillings, or sticky toffee pudding made lighter and more elegant.
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Mini but mighty bakes
Small cakes, individual pastries, and bite-sized treats are everywhere. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying without excess.
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Rustic, relaxed beauty
Perfectly imperfect cakes, soft finishes, and natural textures continue to shine. Less polish, more personality.
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Plant-forward baking
Vegan and dairy-free bakes have truly come into their own, focusing on flavour and texture rather than compromise.
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Natural colour palettes
Soft pastels and earthy tones from ingredients like berries, cocoa, pistachio, and beetroot are replacing harsh artificial colours.
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Celebration-at-home cakes
People are baking to mark moments—birthdays, new jobs, quiet wins—proving celebration doesn’t need a big guest list.
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Bread as therapy
Slow, comforting bread baking remains popular, from sourdough to enriched loaves that fill the kitchen with warmth.
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Playful decoration
Hand piping, fondant details, and personal touches are back, with decoration becoming part of the joy rather than a chore.
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Baking for connection
Above all, baking in 2026 is about sharing—recipes, stories, and homemade treats that bring people together.
Baking continues to be a deeply human pleasure. It’s creative, comforting, and endlessly generous—and that’s a trend I hope never fades