Sheet cakes come back & Tiramisu stencil cake trend

Sheet Cakes Are Back — And They’re Chicer Than Ever

In the spirit of The Waiting Issue, we’re celebrating the idea that beauty doesn’t have to wait for perfection — or for extravagance. Sometimes, the sweetest things are also the simplest. That’s especially true when it comes to one surprising comeback trend that’s taking over weddings and celebrations everywhere: the sheet cake.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about a simple white-frosted sheet cake. I can still picture a family wedding I saw pictures of in an album. My uncle standing proudly in the church basement at their wedding — a white vanilla-frosted cake on the folding table behind them, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the glow of love that filled that small room. The photo feels like a time capsule from the late 1970s or early 80s — an era when celebrations were heartfelt and humble, and the dessert was as simple as it was sweet.

For years, that kind of cake — the rectangular sheet cake — was seen as budget. When I got married 13 years ago, the trend was all about tiered cakes. If you didn’t have at least three (or in some cases, five or six!) tiers stacked high to impress the guest list, your “real” wedding cake was often quietly backed up by a secret sheet cake in the kitchen to ensure everyone got a slice. The tiered cake was for show. The sheet cake was for serving. Often I have even planned celebrations with a dummy cake on the bottom to give the tiered cake height.

White buttercream sheet cake comeback ?

But today’s modern celebrations are rewriting the rules. In an era of mindful spending and intentional choices, couples and hosts are embracing a “chic simplicity” mindset — and the humble sheet cake has officially made its comeback.

From Budget to Beautiful

Inflation and a shift toward more meaningful celebrations have redefined what “luxury” means. It’s no longer about excess — it’s about style, quality, and personalization. Sheet cakes offer exactly that. They’re versatile, easy to serve, and incredibly photogenic when styled right.

Even more exciting? The tiramisu sheet cake is trending. This Italian-inspired twist combines rich mascarpone layers and espresso-soaked cake dusted with cocoa powder — and with a stencil that spells out “Just Married”, it becomes both dessert and décor. The aesthetic has taken social media by storm, with brides and hosts loving its effortless elegance.

How to Create Your Own High-End Sheet Cake Moment

You don’t need a professional baker to pull this off (though we always love supporting local artisans!). Here’s how to design a sheet cake that feels as stylish as it tastes:

1. Start with Quality: Grab a 4-10 pre-made tiramisu sheet cakes ($15 each each serves 8 large slices) from a trusted source like Sam’s Club. The texture and flavor are already perfection — you just need to elevate the presentation.

   

2. Stencil It Beautifully: Find or order a reusable stencil on Etsy with words or patterns that fit your celebration — “Just Married,” “Happy Anniversary,” or even your initials.

3. Finish with Flair: one cakes are arranged scrape just the center of the cake for the stenciled area as it comes with cocoa powder on it. Lay stencil over top. Alternatively you could just use powered sugary over cocoa powder top already done. Lightly dust cocoa powder or powdered sugar over the stencil for a refined finish. A simple garnish of espresso beans or edible gold leaf takes it from casual to couture.

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5. Serve It in Style: Present it on a pretty tray or in a rented platter from Adore Productions Tabletop Rentals to add that extra touch of elegance and sustainability.

   

The result? A celebration dessert that’s effortlessly chic, nostalgic, and modern all at once — just like the best moments in life.

At ADORE, we love when traditions circle back with new meaning. Because sometimes, what once felt simple turns out to be timeless — and that’s worth celebrating right now, not later.

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