Brooklyn bakeries put unique spin on viral dot cake trend
Dot cake cups, individual servings of layered cake covered with colorful dot-shaped sprinkles, have gained popularity online, inspiring bakers to create their own versions of the dessert.
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A colorful social media trend is driving customers into bakeries across New York, and two Brooklyn businesses are putting their own spin on the viral dot cake craze.
Dot cake cups, individual servings of layered cake covered with colorful dot-shaped sprinkles, have gained popularity online, inspiring bakers to create their own versions of the dessert.
At Circo's Pastry Shop in Bushwick, owner Anthony Pierdipino gave the trend an Italian twist by transforming one of the bakery's signature flavors into a cannoli dot cake.
"I'm doing it the traditional style, a little Italian twist," Pierdipino said. "We made our cannoli dot cake."
The dessert features layers of cake and cannoli cream topped with a thick coating of colorful sprinkles. Since introducing the item, Pierdipino said demand has been strong.
"People have been coming in, calling, even asking if I ship them," he said. "I'm thinking about it."
Pierdipino credits his 10-year-old child for encouraging him to embrace the trend.
"My 10-year-old told me I had to be more trendy," he said.
The viral craze has inspired more than just cake cups.
At Settepani Bakery in Williamsburg, owner Nino Settepani created what he calls a dot panettone after his daughter suggested he try the trend.
"My daughter came in and said to me, 'We have to do this thing,'" Settepani said. "And I said, 'Sure, why not?'"
The bakery's version takes the traditional Italian sweet bread and replaces the customary dried fruit with colorful sprinkles, both inside and out.
While the eye-catching appearance has helped attract attention online, Settepani said the dessert is rooted in familiar flavors.
"What I think is nice is that a younger generation is getting to know and appreciate things the older generation used to do," he said. "It's a new way of rebranding."
Though their creations look different, both bakers say the trend draws inspiration from long-standing bakery staples.
"One of our staples here is our sprinkle butter cookies," Pierdipino said. "We've been making them for over 80 years."
As the dot cake trend continues to gain traction on social media, the bakers hope customers discover more than just a viral dessert.
While the colorful treats may bring people through the door, they say it is the traditional flavors and family recipes that will keep them coming back.
