Elevate every bite: the sensory power of different cake textures

Before diving into the eight unique cake textures loved worldwide, it’s important to understand why texture holds such power in the world of food. It’s not just about flavor, texture transforms cakes into multi-sensory experiences. From the crisp snap of an outer crust to the soft, chewy indulgence of a dense crumb, texture drives how customers perceive freshness, quality, and even value.

Freshness, in particular, is a key consumer priority. Research reveals that 45% of people are willing to pay more for products that feel fresh, and texture plays a starring role in delivering that just-baked experience.

Interestingly, 63% of consumers agree that pre-baked (e.g. frozen) goods they can bake at home offer convenience while enhancing the perception of freshness. Elements like smell (55%), timing (49%), and appearance (44%) also tie closely to texture, influencing consumer decisions. A great example of how freshness can be defined differently, from freshly baked treats to frozen goods.

This growing emphasis on texture isn’t happening in isolation. It’s closely linked to other trends shaping the bakery landscape. For example, the plant-based movement is booming, with 56% of consumers globally buying plant-based foods and an equal number interested in vegan sweet bakery options. Searches for “vegan dessert” (541K) and “vegan bakery” (401K) show that texture innovation has enormous potential in plant-based creations, which is a great opportunity to capitalize on this market.

As mentioned, convenience-driven trends also highlight texture’s importance in cakes. The rise in searches for frozen chocolate croissants (+89%) and frozen garlic bread (+72%) shows that consumers want both ease and indulgence. The same applies to frozen cakes. Whether it’s a moist layer cake or a light chiffon, texture must remain just as satisfying after thawing or reheating.

Social media has made food more visual than ever, and texture is one of its most captivating elements. Viral creations like crookies (cookie dough croissant, +7,700% search growth) and matcha almond croissants (+700% growth) show how textures can drive consumer interest.

Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leading this movement. These generations are adventurous eaters who value sensory experiences, with 64% actively seeking foods with different textures. For them, a cake isn’t just dessert, it’s social media content, an experience, and a memory.

Indeed, texture shapes not just first impressions but lasting memories. Understanding and mastering texture allows you to create products that connect with both traditional and modern consumer preferences. So, what are the cake textures you could explore?

Cakes can come in countless textures, each offering a different kind of indulgence. Some are dense and rich, others are light and airy. Every variation brings its own charm. Around the world, bakers look to eight iconic cake textures for inspiration, each with a distinct history and unique qualities. What are they?

Cake textures can be categorized into three main descriptors:

• Visual: How the cake looks, its crumb structure, color, and layers.
• Tactile: The physical feel, e.g. soft, spongy, or firm.
• Mouthfeel: The sensory experience, such as creaminess, chewiness, or lightness.

This Latin American favorite is soaked in three milks, creating a moist, resilient texture that’s perfect for celebrations.

• Descriptors: Fineness 1/5, Cohesiveness 4/5, Resilience 5/5
• Applications: Birthdays, graduations, weddings.

Perfecting cake textures isn’t just about technique, it also involves the right tools and ingredients. We’ve been partnering with bakers for over a century, offering innovative solutions that deliver consistent, high-quality results, time after time. We have a few recommendations for you.

• Satin cake mix range: Premium cake mixes that are designed for moist and cream cakes, ensuring softness, moisture retention, and versatility across applications.
• S500 improver: Guarantees dough tolerance and consistency, perfect for pound cakes and other dense textures.
• Acti technology: Extends shelf life while maintaining freshness and texture, making it ideal for chiffon or sponge cakes.

Want to elevate your cakes? Here are some easy ways to make texture the star:

• Experiment with various layers: Combine spongy cakes with creamy fillings or crunchy toppings for a multi-textural experience.
• Incorporate alternative grains: Use sprouted wheat or quinoa for a firmer texture and added nutritional appeal.
• Play with flavors: Infuse Tres Leches with tropical fruits or pound cake with citrus zest to complement their textures.
• Use the right ingredients: Premium mixes and improvers like those from Puratos help you nail the texture every time.

Texture isn’t just shaping consumer preferences, it’s a pleasure consumers want more of. From viral hybrids to artisanal classics, it’s clear that texture has become a defining feature of cakes and baked goods.

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the sensory power of texture, you can create products that not only delight the palate but also capture the cravings. With our ingredients, insights, and a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to elevate your creations? Contact your local Puratos representative and start exploring the world of texture today.