The Sweetest Display at Ekka
Feast your eyes on rows and rows of stunning decorated cakes, from wedding styles with intricate lace details to specialty cartoon themed creations and superheroes, or the 2025 Nursery Rhyme theme. The Ekka Cake Decorating Competition falls under Arts, Cookery and Fashion at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). The Cookery section is one of the most popular at the Ekka, and continually sees increases in entries, year after year. From pint sized entrants, some as young as three-years-old, to those who have been competing for decades, it showcases competitors and creativity from all walks of life.
In 2024, the Ekka saw a growth in competitions, with entry numbers up by 20 to 40 per cent in several of the 57 competition sections. There were more than 21,500 entries from 4,663 national and international exhibitors across all the competitions, all vying for their chance to win a prestigious Grand Champion title and coveted blue ribbon.
What Is the Ekka Cake Decorating Competition?
The Ekka Cake Decorating Competition is where cake decorating enthusiasts use their creativity to impress a panel of industry judges. The cakes are judged on execution of skills, impact, overall presentation and of course, the WOW factor. These cakes are then displayed during the Ekka upstairs in the Royal International Convention Centre.
It's worth noting, decorated cakes are not judged on taste! Other entries in the Ekka's Cookery Competition are all about flavour but these beauties are judged purely on their looks (and the competitors cake decorating skills)!
Types of Cakes You’ll See
Ekka go-ers are in for a treat when they come across the decorated cakes. They will be mesmerized and shocked by the attention to detail. The Cake Decorating Competition includes classes for Modern Wedding Cakes, Traditional Wedding Cakes, Special Occasion Cakes, Novelty Cakes and even a Nursery Rhyme themed decorated cake. From intermediate and novice categories to junior, encouraging the next generation to compete, the competition attracts a it's a range of competitors.
There are strict rules and regulations when entering the Ekka's Cake Decorating Competition, and the full schedule can be found here.
Judging Criteria and What Makes a Winner
For specific details around entries and criteria, head to the Cake Decorating Competition schedule here.
Judges are known to look for impact, the cover of the cake, how it is presented and the execution of the skills, including the making of the flowers, piping, colour and neatness.
Competitors get a score sheet and are often left with notes and feedback to help them develop their skills further, and return!
Tips for Future Entrants
If you're thinking about entering the Ekka's Cake Decorating Competition in the future, don't miss checking out the sweet competition at this year's show! You'll be able to see the prize-winning cakes, and those still improving their skills. It's great inspiration.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Don't miss a visit to one of the most intricate, joyful and sweet corners of the Show. Located on the Upper Level of the Royal ICC, the Ekka's Cake Decorating Competition entries are not to be missed. These cakes are more like works of art, spun with sugar, fondant and intricate details. For more information click here.
