That Bitch With Cake Takes Cake Picnic
If Cake Picnic NY and I could say I do...would!
Disclosure: It is has taken me over a month and some to finish this piece that I can literally taste. I have been pushing myself but coming up short to my life dilemmas. My idea of self-care (and seasonal depression) went too hard this time and I forgot how much excitement I had to write this. Now I’ve finally finished, so please read along to recap such a special day.
It was by accident that I stumbled upon the greatest thing ever: Cake Picnic Tour. I would have thought something like this only exists in my dreams. An event where cake makes an entry and a statement. The titular Cake Picnic, from the brilliant mind of Elisa, which started as a meet up with her friends in California (more on this below). I absolutely manifested being a part of it. When I saw Cake Picnic Tour on my Instagram feed, arguably the only time my algorithm did me right, I offered to be available in whatever way Elisa needed me.
This decadent event is more than the name describes. With a strict slogan, “No Cake No Entry”, this picnic is a potluck where all guests bring their own cake, and serving knife, to be sliced and enjoyed by each attendee to pack in their to-go box. I came with a layered chocolate cake with caramel buttercream that looked a solid 3, with a taste of maybe a 5.5. I also brought a second cake. My family’s cream cheese pound cake, that I’ve resurrected from obscurity, that was totally a 10 in taste. Though admittedly I am still adjusting to the perfect baking techniques for a bundt cake recipe I hold so dear, after having not made this cake in over a decade.
Now picture this: You purchased your ticket. You arrive on October 26th to a cute space in Soho. You’re given an event wristband, a color-coded name tag, and a flag to label your cake. Usually guests are given standard takeout boxes. For NYC, Elisa opted for pizza boxes stamped with CAKE PICNIC. She felt this was a cheeky way to pay homage to NYC. She was right and what better way to walk away from the day than with a pizza box full of cake slices. The color-coded name tag would determine which group we went in for cake grabbing.
Cake Picnic NY caused such a wave it happened in two sessions. Tables lined with cake after cake. Both brought together by hobbyists, bakers, influencers, bakeries—absolute stars—to a mutual place of “Let’s eat fucking cake.” I was in absolute heaven. I was amazed and so eager to be involved with the New York stop. Even though I was acting as a volunteer, I was fully immersed in this experience. That also led to me leaving with TOO MUCH cake, but with lots of joy. I also met some new people who are just as smitten with cake as I am. When I think about my Cake Picnic experience, I’m so thrilled that this occasion exists! I’m still in disbelief that it was real, I was there, and that it will only get bigger. See you soon, Texas?
After a bombardment of emails, I purchased two tickets so my lactose intolerant friend could also enjoy. One of those tickets came with a tote bag, that I use often just to prove it’s real and that Cake Picnic NY happened. When you’re a cake maniac, it’s a pleasure to walk away with a box, or three, of cake slices at one of cake’s new biggest and brightest ideas. Cake Picnic is my newest delicacy that I hope to see Elisa spread across to the all the mouths who dare desire it. Read our Q&A below to learn more about Elisa!
Cake Picnic has since gone on to host it’s biggest event yet: Legion of Honor Museum’s 100th Birthday, which included 613 cakes.
Q&A with Cake Picnic Founder Elisa
How did Cake Picnic come about?
In 2023, I hosted a cookie exchange that was so lovely! It was my first time hosting a pastry event and I loved every minute of it. After that cookie exchange, I received so many messages about wanting more community events. I kept this note dear to my heart and yearned for the next gathering. In spring of 2024, a friend was hosting a cake brunch but I couldn't attend. I loved the idea and wanted to do it too! I put together an invite and it went viral.
What is your dream (dream big) location for Cake Picnic?
I would love, love, love to do a CAKE PICNIC everywhere! But on the top of the list would be in front of the Eiffel Tower or Central Park. Super iconic!
What is your go to cake flavor?
Chocolate! Chocolate!
Are there any cake recipes you find intimidating?
Millefeuille or any of the French classics!
What was the best cake you ever had? Describe the memory, if possible!
Oh man! I love, love most cakes! But, I adore Rose Wilde's vegfetti cake. I was helping her with her cookbook photoshoot and she made that cake. I was lucky to try it and fell in love. It's so delicious and such a wonderful memory.
Thanks for writing about this! The visuals of it are so cool. As a non baker, I'll have to volunteer if the official one ever comes to Dallas!! There's so much interest that I think people are organizing their unofficial ones.
Lol @ the algorithm! I am the lactose intolerant friend. Totally worth trying Lactaid for the first time