These Tsunami Cakes Are the Most Hypnotic Cake Trend of 2021 — You Have to See Them

Ever come across a dessert that's just as captivating as it is tasty? Introducing the most mesmerizing cake trend we’ve spotted this year: the "tsunami cake" (though some might call it a "waterfall cake"). Imagine a velvety cascade of frosting slowly flowing over the edges of a light and fluffy layer cake—this dessert has certainly captured our attention.

To put it simply, these cakes are pure fun. Whether you're hosting a girls' night or keeping the kids entertained, they’ll be the highlight of the event. They have the feel of a science experiment and act as the perfect base for any outlandish topping or flavor combo you can dream up. *Sprinkles, Cocoa Puffs, edible glitter—let your imagination run wild!*

The moment I spotted these jaw-dropping "pick-me-up" cakes on my feed, I knew I had to recreate them at home. All it took was a trip to the craft store for some clear acetate sheets and a special order of two unfrosted sheet cakes from my local bakery (yep, no baking required on my part!).

Here’s how I made my own miniature tsunami cakes right in my kitchen.

Miniature Tsunami Cake

Here’s what you'll need

• Clear acetate
• 3" circle cookie cutter

Ingredients List

• Premade unfrosted sheet cake
• Cake frosting
• 1 ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cup milk
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 can condensed milk
• Desired toppings

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Heat over medium and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the condensed milk and whisk for a few more seconds. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Optional: cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Using a cookie cutter, cut cake rounds from the sheet cake and place them on a baking sheet. Frost half of the cake rounds and stack the remaining rounds on top to form double-layer cakes. Chill in the fridge until the cream topping has completely cooled.
3. Wrap each cake base with a sheet of clear acetate, securing it tightly with tape to create a long tube. Spoon a generous amount of cream topping over the top layer, making sure it doesn’t leak between the cake and the acetate. Decorate with your choice of toppings. When ready to reveal the cascading effect, carefully loosen the acetate from the base and pull it upward swiftly.