Parents-to-be are increasingly turning to ultrasound cakes as a way to celebrate pregnancy milestones, according to high street bakery chain Cake Box. The cakes feature an edible printed image of a pregnancy ultrasound scan, often accompanied by personalised messages such as the baby's due date or chosen name.
What Is an Ultrasound Cake?
An ultrasound cake is a celebratory cake that displays a pregnancy ultrasound scan image on top, created using edible printing technology. Additional decorative elements may include clouds, stars, teddy bears, or even the baby's heartbeat. Some customers combine the ultrasound design with a gender reveal element, where the cake has a neutral exterior and a pink or blue sponge inside.
Surge in Demand
Cake Box, which operates over 300 locations across the UK, has reported a notable increase in orders for ultrasound cakes over the past year. Sukh Chamdal, CEO of Cake Box, told Metro: 'Customers are increasingly looking for cakes that mark important life moments, and pregnancy milestones have become one of those occasions.' He added: 'For many parents, the first scan is one of the most emotional and memorable moments of a pregnancy, and the cake becomes a way to celebrate that and share the milestone with friends and family.'
How Are They Used?
According to Chamdal, some customers use ultrasound cakes as pregnancy announcements, while others order them for baby showers or to mark specific scan appointments, such as the 12-week or 20-week milestone. 'In many cases, customers combine the ultrasound design with the gender reveal element,' he said. The trend has been amplified by social media, with parents sharing their cakes in photos and videos on platforms like TikTok, where some cakes feature a 'burn to reveal' effect that uncovers the baby's gender.
Public Reaction
On TikTok, videos showcasing ultrasound cakes have garnered comments describing them as 'so cute', 'beautiful', and 'amazing', with many viewers expressing approval of the idea. A poll conducted by Metro found mixed reactions, with options for 'Love it', 'Hate it', or 'Undecided'.
Pricing and Availability
At Cake Box, ultrasound cakes start from £27.99 for a six-inch Victoria sponge base. Prices increase for larger cakes and those with a chocolate sponge; the most expensive option is a 12-inch round cake serving 18 people, priced at £68.99. When ordering online, customers can choose a hidden colour for a gender reveal and upload a photo of the scan to be added during decorating.
