The Cake Picnic Goes Viral
Elisa Sunga (@saltedrye) shares how she made a cake potluck for the masses.
Cake friends,
Earlier this year, I saw an event announcement on Instagram that demanded my attention: a cake picnic in San Francisco. I wasn’t sure exactly what a “cake picnic” was, and although I knew I couldn’t travel across the country on a pastry whim to find out more, just the fantasy of a park blanket piled high with sweets captivated me.
I wasn’t the only person who was intrigued. Elisa Sunga’s announcement post went lowkey viral, at least in the online baking world, where she’s an active participant sharing creations like Thai tea Basque cheesecake under the handle @saltedrye. Over a hundred bakers of varying abilities and cravings turned up to trade cakes in the park, and a few weeks later, Elisa followed it up with an even more bountiful Cake Picnic in LA.
There is something so heartening about the communal joy of strangers showing up to swap sweets with one other, so I hit up Elise to share a bit about how she brought Cake Picnic to life and where it’s going next. Yes, the tour continues.
P.S. We’re throwing a launch party for our new issue Candy Land at Public Records in New York City next Thursday, 7/18. It’s our biggest party yet. Tickets are almost gone and won’t be sold on door, so grab yours now. And come say hi to us there!
—Aliza
1. How did you get the idea for the CAKE PICNIC™?
I hosted a cookie exchange for the first time in December 2023 that was super fun! It was so exciting to see all of these new friends coming together around a love of baking. I received so many messages after the event saying how wonderful it was and how we should have more events. A few months later, I had the itch to do another event, but slightly different. I thought to myself, “Wouldn't it be amazing if a group of 15 friends met up at a park with cake? We’d form a small circle and introduce ourselves and our cakes.” So the origins of CAKE PICNIC™ is inspired by the cookie exchange, the tea party in Alice in Wonderland, my friend Brenna’s story about a cake brunch, and a deep desire to eat a lot of cake.
2. How was the first CAKE PICNIC™ experience in SF? How did it compare to the second tour stop in LA?
I posted the invite for the first CAKE PICNIC in SF for April 2024 and somehow the event went really viral! Every time I looked at the RSVP page, the numbers were up by 50! It peaked at around 360 before I had to close it down. Since the event didn’t have actual tickets, I couldn’t accurately predict how many people would actually turn up the day of. I prayed and hoped for the best while reminding myself that it would still be a dream come true if only 15 people and 15 cakes came to party with me. I was surprised by the turn out! SF showed up with ~185 total cakes! It was such a beautiful day full of cake, sunshine, and new friendships. I loved every second!
A few weeks later, I hosted the second tour stop in LA at Alondra Park. Again, the invite went viral and I had to cap registrations. I was equally nervous, especially in a new city. But the power of CAKE PICNIC is really amazing because LA showed up with 253 new friends and 253 cakes! We brought in 12 8ft tables and every inch of the table was filled with cake. It was a glorious buffet. I’ve never been around that much cake in my life. CAKE PICNIC is truly a grand time.
3. What were your highlights/fave bites from the day?
From the SF stop, I loved this spiced chocolate cake and a savory cake made by my friend Sabi. And, of course, a massive 2 tier showstopper cake by my friend Dominick (@ladyjasminecakes). From the LA stop, someone made a stunning tarte tropezienne that I wanted to eat all by myself! Both events included a parade of the most gorgeous and creative cakes I’ve ever had the honor and pleasure of seeing. One of the SF attendees said it was like a cake gallery, and I wholeheartedly agree.
I also loved meeting IG friends in real life for the first time! It’s like a gathering of all the friendly and lovely faces I see each day online. I also loved seeing all of the groups laid out on their picnic blankets and excitedly sharing their cake slice hauls with each other. Each box was such a fun peak into what everyone likes — some boxes were filled with only chocolate cakes, most with a varied mix, and some only went for the fruity cakes.
I can’t wait to see how the NY CAKE PICNIC turns out!
4. What's next for the future of CAKE PICNIC™?
I have one last tour stop for 2024! NY CAKE PICNIC on October 26th. Currently still trying to finalize a venue (if anyone has any tips please lmk!).
For 2025, not 100% sure yet but likely going to do SF, LA, NY, MIAMI, and LONDON. There are a few others that I’m considering adding to the tour list. Follow @cakepicnictour for more info on tour dates and locations!
Thank you for all of the support and excitement around CAKE PICNIC! It’s so beautiful to see the baking community come together in this sweet way.
Follow Elisa and Cake Picnic on Instagram.
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Drink: Key lime pie slushies from our fave Cait’s Key Lime Pie at Edith’s in Brooklyn, available starting Sat!
Attend: A virtual pie-baking workshop from pastry pro Rose Wilde of Red Bread Bakery this Sunday, July 14.
Read: On constructing a food archive in Mold.
Support: A community bake sale to benefit Alaa Asfour’s family in Rafah at Beatrice Valenzuela’s Studio in Los Angeles, CA.
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Prospect Park would be a great location for the NYC picnic!