Cake Sandwich Trend: Have You Heard of This Fun Dessert Trend?

You’ve probably heard of ice cream sandwiches, but what about cake sandwiches? This viral-inspired dessert trend delivers both nostalgia and aesthetic appeal, making it the ideal grab-and-go treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

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What is the cake sandwich trend?

As the name would suggest a cake sandwich is a sandwich…made out of cake! Instead of meat or veggie filling sandwiched between two slices of bread, however, cake sandwiches are usually made up of layers of sweet frosting served between two slices of delicious cake. 

This handheld treat delivers all the best parts of a classic slice of cake but in a grab-and-go, portion-controlled format you can eat anywhere or any time. When you think about it, cake sandwiches are basically a riff on ice cream sandwiches, whoopie pies and even sandwich cookies like Oreos that make it easy for consumers to get the perfect bite every time when enjoying their favorite treats. 

How the cake sandwich trend started

As with so many trending foods, it’s hard to nail down exactly where and when the cake sandwich trend first got its start. However, Tastewise data indicates that social media discussions about cake sandwiches are up 27% from this same time last year, suggesting this trend is still in the midst of its meteoric rise. 

TikTok and Instagram posts about cake sandwiches really started gaining momentum in the first half of 2025, with many online users sharing their unique cake sandwich creations with their followers. Many viral cake sandwich posts feature cake layers emblazoned with fun, colorful images and designs that align with other food and aesthetic trends. 

Some cake innovators built on previous cake trends like cake pops and cake truffles by using leftover slices of cake to craft quick and easy cake sandwiches. By eliminating the need for a plate and fork, cake sandwich trends have given dessert fans an exciting new way to “have their cake and eat it, too.”

Why cake sandwiches are gaining popularity

So what has contributed to the ever-growing interest in cake sandwiches? Most likely, there are a few larger food and cake trends influencing this treat’s popularity: 

• Grab-and-go foods: Today’s consumers are busy, but that doesn’t mean they want to deprive themselves. Cake sandwiches are the ideal sweet for anyone who wants to treat themselves without stopping to grab a plate and fork.
• Customizable indulgences: Cake sandwiches are a great adaptation of a classic dessert because they allow consumers to enjoy a small taste of their favorite indulgence without committing to buying (or eating) a whole cake. 
• Aesthetic appeal: This year’s wedding cake trends, chocolate cake trends and birthday cake trends all highlighted a growing desire for Instagram-worthy dessert experiences. The cake sandwich trend similarly capitalizes on this demand, with many creators crafting sandwiches that feature bold and beautiful custom designs. 
• Sandwich savvy: We’ve also seen a sandwich resurgence in 2025, with many consumers re-discovering this classic lunch fare. Cake sandwiches essentially serve as a sweet variation of the longstanding savory sandwich trend. 

As you can see, there is ongoing demand for items that build upon existing food trends in order to better suit consumers’ busy and novelty-seeking lifestyles. Cake sandwiches are subsequently an excellent dessert option for anyone looking to balance indulgence with ease and versatility. 

The most trending variations of cake sandwiches

One of the best things about cake sandwiches is that they can come in just about any flavor combination you like. While bakeries are offering an ever-growing assortment of cake sandwich options, a few variations seem to be making the most headway on and offline: 

• Classic: Good, old-fashioned chocolate and vanilla cake slices still serve as a solid vehicle for all kinds of flavor combos. Chocolate-on-chocolate, chocolate-on-vanilla and vanilla-on-vanilla are all accessible, universal options for those just dipping a toe into the world of cake sandwiches. 
• Red velvet: Many consumers reach for the classic combo of red velvet cake slices and cream cheese frosting when they’re in the mood for something rich and nostalgic.
• Funfetti: Speaking of nostalgia, this riff on classic birthday cake trends allows customers to enjoy a little slice of celebration any time and anywhere. 
• Matcha: Global fusion flavors continue to do massive numbers online and IRL, with cake sandwich flavors like matcha and ube helping bridge the global gap. 
• Breakfast riffs: Some bakers and home cooks are taking the cake sandwich trend a step further by creating breakfast sandwich versions with pancake layers, cream cheese frosting and maple syrup. 
• Tea time: Cake sandwiches are already reminiscent of classic tea sandwiches, but some creators are upping the ante by crafting tea sandwich-inspired flavor combinations that combine light and airy cake slices with fresh fruit fillings. 

More than flavor, however, aesthetic appears to be the biggest driver of consumer behaviors with respect to cake sandwich trends. A quick Google search will reveal that many bakers are crafting cake sandwiches with bold prints, bright colors and even images of beloved cartoon characters on the surface. In this way, cake sandwiches combine form and function, making them the ideal dessert to add to your Instagram grid. 

The role of social media in the cake sandwich trend

As we’ve discussed, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have contributed not just to the genesis of the cake sandwich trend but also to its sustained momentum. Viral videos showcasing cake sandwiches have helped make this flavorful treat mainstream while exposing the public to all the fun ways they can enjoy their favorite cake variations. 

Add the growing aesthetic emphasis into the mix, and you’ve got a dessert that’s well-poised to make impressions on the internet and in the bakery. Up-close footage of cake sandwich cross-sections, frosting techniques and eye-popping designs all add to the viral potential of cake sandwich content, with hashtags like #cakesandwich, #desserttrends and #minicakes serving as the cherries on top.

What’s ahead: Are cake sandwiches here to stay? 

Consumer intelligence data from Tastewise suggests that the cake sandwich trend will continue into 2026. With social media discussions about cake sandwiches steadily increasing over the last 24 months, it seems as though this trend is well-poised to remain top-of-mind for both consumers and content creators in the years ahead. 

The extensive overlap between cake sandwich trends and other food and beverage trends is likely influencing this steady momentum. With almost 35% of U.S. restaurants currently offering cake products on their menus, it’s likely fair to say that demand for these kinds of sweet treats isn’t going to wane any time soon. Luckily, the cake sandwich trend is incredibly versatile and provides a sustainable, cost-effective way for dessert-lovers to continue enjoying their favorite flavor combinations on the go. 

All of these factors combined would suggest that cake sandwiches will probably become more commonplace in the months ahead. For that reason, it’s probably smart for brands of all shapes and sizes to give some thought to how the cake sandwich trend could factor into their product offerings in the New Year. 

Kelia Losa Reinoso

Kelia Losa Reinoso is a content writer at Tastewise with more than five years of experience in journalism, content strategy, and digital marketing.