While some might argue that Sydney’s cupcake craze has been and gone, they clearly haven’t visited My Little Cupcake. Darlo’s newest kitsch cupcakery has to be one of the most charming stores I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. It’s decked out with pink planter window boxes and an interior featuring gorgeous chandeliers, carefully selected baubles, scented candles, fresh flowers and (of course) cupcakes. Beyond looking (almost) too good to eat in an array of pastel shades topped with sugar flowers, these beauties also really taste the part! The moist and fluffy vanilla hidden under vanilla butter cream frosting reminds me of the buttery pound cake I grew up enjoying. As the dashing, personable proprietor Tim Ball explains: “We don’t cook with oil, so it’s all the good old fashioned ingredients, baked fresh daily.” And if you don’t feel the love in the cooking, you will see it in the packaging, down to separating each cupcake in your box with coloured tissue paper. Certainly an improvement upon so many of Sydney’s cupcake stores, who have been disappointing on the nuts and bolts of the very item they’re selling – cake!
www.mylittlecupcake.com.au

Cake Picnic CakeCon, a community-led event celebrating cake lovers and home bakers is making its national debut in Sydney, giving locals a chance to bring a cake to share, swap tips, and show off their creativity. 

CakeCon was influenced by cake picnics trends as seen in big cities such as, LA, London, New York, with the concept finally being brought to Sydney. 

“CakeCon is our love letter to home bakers – a fun, inclusive picnic where creativity, community and cake all take centre stage,” said organiser Joan Caballero.

In creating CakeCon, Caballero wants to celebrate Sydney’s big baking community, and hopes to foster “a space where cakes don’t just sit prettily on tables, but bring people together in celebration.”

From being the “cake person” in her circles, with a growing passion for baking cakes passed from her mom to her three daughters, Caballero sees baking as her way of celebrating the people she loves.

Each ticket holder must bring a cake, and will receive a pizza box to fill up with as much cake as they can physically fit, before voting for their favourite.

Two celebrity chefs, Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo, will be there to judge the cakes based on flavours and looks and are ready to hand out some prizes to the best in show.

Organiser hopes “feel good” event expands across country

CakeCon is not just for cake bakers, it’s also for cake enjoyers because, with organisers allowing those who are culinarily challenged to store-bought cakes, as long as they include allergen info and nutrition labels.

“We wanted a feel good city picnic where everyone brings a cake and leaves with ideas, new friends, and a phone full of photos.” Caballero said.

Tickets are selling fast with more than 130 tickets purchased already- which means more than 130 cakes! 

As this is a cake picnic concept, CakeCon will happen in an outdoor area that is perfect for picnics so BYO picnic blanket and non-alcoholic drinks as it is also a family-friendly event.

With Sydney debuting as the first city to host CakeCon, Caballero hopes to expand the event across Australia, with an event lined up for Melbourne if the launch proves successful.

Purchase your CakeCon tickets here.

Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

Venue: Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park