The latest cake decorating trend on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest is a maximalist look called "Chaos Cakes" or "Messy Cakes".

These wild, whimsical cakes look like they've been crafted in a frenzy of creativity, blending vibrant colors, dramatic layers, and an anything-goes approach to design. But don't be fooled by their seemingly chaotic appearance — there's a method to the madness.

As a beginner cake maker myself, this trend is perfect for me! It’s all about embracing the mess and letting your imagination run wild.

Here are my favorite examples of this trend for cakes as well as some tips to help you make your own stunning Chaos Cake.

What Are Chaos Cakes?

At their core, Chaos Cakes are cakes that celebrate vibrant, unrefined, and mismatched designs. The defining feature of a Chaos Cake is its departure from traditional, perfectly smooth finishes and uniform color palettes.

These cakes often feature splashes of color, bold drips, imperfect layers, asymmetrical designs, and a sense of organized chaos.

Chaos Cakes are more about artistic expression than following any strict rules, making them the perfect canvas for any baker who wants to get creative and have fun. The idea is to make something visually striking but with an intentionally carefree, messy look.

Inspiration for Chaos Cakes

Here are some of our favorite Chaos Cakes to inspire you to create your own design.

Tips for Creating Your Own Chaos Cake

Even though Chaos Cakes are an "anything goes" style of cake decorating, there are some tips that will help you be successful in this trendy style.

Start with a solid cake base

While the focus will be on the decorations, you will want to start with a well-baked, sturdy cake that will hold up to the weight of all the layers, fillings, and decorations you'll pile on.

Classic, clean flavors like chocolate, vanilla, lemon or even fun confetti cake will work best. Bake two or three layers that are about the same size, so they stack easily.

These baking accessories will help you create the perfect cake:

• Round cake pans - Chicago Metallic 5233128 Professional Non-Stick 3-Piece Round Cake Pan Bakeware Set
• Rectangular cake pan - USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating
• Cooling racks - Cooling Rack for Baking 2-Pack, 16x10 Inches Baking Rack
• Mixing Bowls - Mixing Bowls with Lids - 12 Piece Plastic Nesting Bowls Set includes 6 Prep Bowls and 6 Lids, Non Slip Bottom<

Embrace imperfection with frosting

When it comes to frosting, don't aim for a flawless, smooth finish. Chaos Cakes thrive on messy, textured frosting.

You can use a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting that seals in the cake crumbs) to get started. Then, add more frosting in bold swirls, waves, or splotches. We like to use a basic American buttercream for these types of cakes because it holds it shape well.

Go wild with color

The beauty of a Chaos Cake is in its varied color palette. Use bright, contrasting hues that pop, such as neon pink, electric blue, or deep purple. You can either tint your frosting in different colors or make splashes of color by using techniques like drips, splatters, or airbrushing.

For an extra chaotic effect, consider incorporating edible glitter, colored sugar, or metallic elements like gold or silver leaf to add texture and shine. You can also use different shades of the same color to create gradients or ombre effects. We have even used our rainbow frosting technique to decorate your Chaos Cakes.

Here are some of our favorite supplies for adding color:

• Bags and Tips - Piping bags and tips set: 100, 12" pastry bags, 1 reusable piping bag, 1 coupler, 12 frosting tips, 2 bag ties, 3 cake scrapers
• Coloring - Ann Clark professional-grade gel food coloring .7 oz tubes in 12 colors
• Satin Ice cake drip
• Sprinkles - Fancy Sprinkles MVP fancy sugar set (Unicorn Breath, Opal Rain, and Filthy Rich)

Layering is key

Chaos Cakes often have multiple layers, so you have plenty of room for creativity when it comes to fillings and design. You can go with traditional fillings like buttercream, ganache, or fruit preserves. Or you can get playful with it, layering in whipped cream, custards, or even candy.

When stacking your layers, don't worry about making them perfectly even — slight tilts and angles will only add to the chaotic beauty. If you want to add a little extra flair, try a filling that contrasts with the outside colors, like a bright berry jam inside a pastel cake.

Add drips and sprinkles galore

Chaos Cakes often feature drip effects (think melted ganache or caramel dripping down the sides of the cake) for added drama. You can even create a drip with colorful frosting or brightly colored candy melts for an extra bold look.

For even more chaos, pile on your favorite toppings — sprinkles, candy, chocolate shards, cookie crumbles, or even fresh fruit. Use a combination of small and large elements to keep the look dynamic.

Incorporate unexpected elements

The beauty of a Chaos Cake lies in the unexpected. You don't have to stick to traditional cake decorating methods — this is where you can really push the boundaries of cake art. Try adding edible flowers, meringue kisses, marshmallow fluff, or even edible glitter.

For even more chaos, create textured elements like chocolate shards, candy canes, or caramel threads. The more unusual and varied your decorations, the better!

Anything goes with Chaos Cakes!

Chaos Cakes are a great way to add your personal touch, whether that's through color choices, flavor combinations, or unique toppings.

Go for your favorite dessert elements, whether it's a swirl of peanut butter, a layer of crushed cookies, or even a handful of your favorite candy bars.

The freedom that comes with Chaos Cakes is that there are no rules. They're meant to be bold, fun, and completely individual.

So, whether you're making a birthday cake, a special celebration dessert, or just experimenting in the kitchen, embrace the mess, and let your creativity shine. You'll end up with a cake that's not just delicious, but a true work of art.