Labubu Cake – The best Dessert You Need to Try (Complete Guide)

Labubu cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an artistic statement, a collector’s dream, and a sweet escape into whimsical fantasy. Loved for its charming design and inspired by the playful Labubu character, this cake has become a viral hit across social media, bakeries, and home kitchens alike.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this trending treat. You’ll learn what makes a Labubu cake special, why it’s so pricey, how to bake and store it, how to tell real from fake, and even how long it lasts. We’ll also look at its growing popularity and answer your most asked questions—from cake storage to authenticity checks.

Table of Contents

What Is Labubu Cake and Why It’s Going Viral?

What Exactly Is a Labubu Cake?

A Labubu cake is a character-themed dessert based on “Labubu,” a mischievous art toy created by the Chinese brand Pop Mart and artist Kasing Lung. These cakes are designed to capture Labubu’s unique features, with broad smiles, large eyes, and soft, furry textures created using buttercream or fondant. While the character originates from collectible vinyl figures, bakers have adapted it into elaborate cakes for birthdays, social media showcases, and limited-edition dessert releases.

Not just cute, these cakes are intricate edible sculptures—balancing art and pastry skills.

Origins and Cultural Influence of Labubu

Labubu originated in Asia’s booming toy collectible culture and became an icon in the “The Monsters” series. This sparked fan art, fan fiction, and eventually, fan cakes. By 2023, the trend had crossed into dessert scenes in the US, Korea, and Europe. Like Hello Kitty and Totoro before it, Labubu brought nostalgic character charm to the dessert space—but with an indie twist.

The character’s popularity, fueled by TikTok unboxings and aesthetic reels, laid the perfect foundation for bakers to innovate.

Discover great ideas like vegan pistachio cake that also use playful visuals.

Labubu Cake

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• Author: Mary
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

A playful and charming cake inspired by the beloved Labubu character—perfect for themed parties and kids’ celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Fondant or buttercream for decoration
• Edible markers or chocolate for detailing

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round or character-shaped cake pan.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in food coloring if using for theme.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before decorating with fondant or buttercream.
9. Use edible markers or chocolate to draw Labubu’s features.

Notes

For extra fun, bake in mini molds or layer with colored frosting inside to match Labubu’s playful style.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creative

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Why TikTok and Instagram Are Obsessed with Labubu Cake

Social media thrives on aesthetics—and Labubu cakes deliver. Their pastel hues, expressive details, and customizable features make them perfect for virality. TikTokers post #labubucake challenges, and bakers reveal behind-the-scenes footage of creating Labubu’s face with delicate frosting or edible paint.

Reels featuring Labubu cakes consistently earn millions of views. Add to that the exclusivity of limited edition releases or birthday commissions, and you get a dessert that drives FOMO—and clicks.

In the Instagram baking community, Labubu cakes have become a badge of artistic skill and trend awareness.

Check out chocolate and pistachio cake for more design-worthy combinations.

How to Make a Labubu Cake at Home (DIY Guide)

Ingredients You Need to Recreate the Look

Creating a Labubu cake at home is entirely doable if you have the right tools and patience. Here’s what you’ll need to start:

Cake Base Ingredients

• 2 cups cake flour (for smooth, soft texture)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk or oat milk (for fluffiness)

Filling & Frosting

• Fresh strawberry or raspberry jam (for a pink contrast layer)
• Whipped cream cheese or buttercream
• Optional: chocolate ganache or Nutella for richness

Decoration Tools & Ingredients

• Fondant (white, pink, brown, and black)
• Food coloring gel (pastel shades preferred)
• Piping bags with small round and fur tip nozzles
• Edible pens or brushes
• Modeling tools (for shaping ears, eyes, and mouth)

Pro Tip: Choose flavor combos that hold their structure—fondant doesn’t work well with overly moist cakes or whipped toppings.

Discover great ideas like salted chocolate cake if you’re looking to add flavor contrast to your design.

Step-by-Step Labubu Cake Design Techniques

Let’s walk through the process of building a Labubu cake from start to finish:

1. Bake the Cake
   Prepare two 6-inch round cakes using your preferred base recipe. Let them cool completely. You’ll layer and carve these later.
2. Layer and Fill
   Slice your cakes horizontally. Add your jam and frosting between layers and stack them. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Carve the Shape
   Use a serrated knife to round the top edges to form Labubu’s head shape. You don’t need it to be perfect—frosting will clean things up.
4. Crumb Coat
   Apply a thin layer of buttercream around the carved cake. This locks in crumbs. Chill again for 20–30 minutes.
5. Final Coat and Texture
   Pipe additional buttercream using a star or fur tip to create Labubu’s fluffy look. Use white and pink for the mouth area.
6. Add the Details
   Shape the ears and facial features from colored fondant. Use modeling tools for depth and edible pens for fine lines like eyelashes or teeth. Place carefully onto the frosted base.
7. Set and Store
   Once complete, place your Labubu cake in the fridge to chill. This helps the fondant harden slightly and keeps everything in place.

Don’t miss our heavenly chocolate cheesecake trifle for layering inspiration and structure ideas.

Tips from Top Bakers on Getting the Face Right

Creating Labubu’s signature face can be tricky. Here are some expert baking tips:

• Use reference photos of real Labubu toys for accuracy.
• Keep eyes wide-set and rounded—Labubu has a childlike appearance.
• When creating the grin, slightly curve the mouth line upward but keep it centered.
• Chill your fondant pieces before applying so they hold shape.
• Blend fondant edges into the frosting with warm fingers or modeling tools for a seamless look.

This is a project that takes patience—but when done right, it becomes the centerpiece of any celebration.

The Unique Story Behind Labubu and Its Cake Evolution

Who or What Is Labubu? From Art Toy to Dessert Fame

Before Labubu was frosting and fondant, it was a vinyl figure created by renowned artist Kasing Lung under the Pop Mart brand. Labubu belongs to “The Monsters” series, a line of collectible art toys with quirky personalities and childlike expressions. Labubu, in particular, is known for its wide, toothy grin, long ears, and a mischievous yet lovable demeanor.

The character quickly became a cult favorite in Asia, with fans lining up for limited edition drops and blind boxes. It wasn’t long before Labubu evolved into more than just a toy—it became a design language that resonated with artists and creators worldwide.

Once character fandom met the baking world, the transition was seamless. With its exaggerated features and whimsical expressions, Labubu was born to be cake.

How the Labubu Character Inspired the Cake Trend

The explosion of character cakes on social media laid the groundwork for Labubu cakes to rise. What began in fan forums and collector communities slowly crossed over into Instagram bakeries and TikTok baking trends. Labubu’s distinctive features—particularly its toothy smile and fuzzy texture—offered a rich canvas for decorators to experiment with fondant, airbrushing, and buttercream piping techniques.

In late 2022, several viral videos emerged featuring bakers sculpting Labubu’s face onto layered cakes, sparking demand from fans of the toy. Soon, bakeries in Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and eventually LA and NYC were receiving Labubu cake requests.

The appeal lies in personalization—bakers often incorporate elements like seasonal outfits or holiday themes into the character design.

Don’t miss our vanilla cake recipe if you’re planning to layer your own Labubu-style base.

Key Differences Between Labubu Cakes and Standard Cartoon Cakes

While character cakes aren’t new, Labubu cakes stand out in three big ways:

1. Detail-Focused Craftsmanship:
   Labubu cakes often use intricate piping and textured icing to mimic the fluffy, fur-like finish of the original toy.
2. Art Toy Accuracy:
   Many cakes aim to faithfully recreate Labubu’s face from rare editions, making each bake more like edible fan art than generic cartoon cakes.
3. Collectibility Influence:
   These cakes are often made to honor toy collectors’ milestones—like celebrating a new release or commemorating a sold-out drop.

Labubu cakes aren’t just “cute” cakes—they’re a creative tribute to character fandom with an added layer of flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try matcha tiramisu for flavor pairings that bring color and character to your bake.

What Makes Labubu Cake So Special?

Signature Aesthetic: Design, Texture, and Layers

The magic of a Labubu cake starts with its unmistakable appearance. Unlike typical cakes that rely on sprinkles and frosting alone, Labubu cakes are sculpted pieces of edible art. The design mimics the Labubu toy’s soft fur, wide toothy smile, and large expressive eyes—often requiring advanced techniques in fondant molding, edible painting, and 3D piping.

Some bakers use airbrushing to create depth in Labubu’s fur or edible glitter to mimic collector editions. Textures are carefully layered using buttercream fur piping tips to add volume and realism, especially around the ears and face.

From a structural standpoint, these cakes are typically layered with sponge or chiffon bases, filled with mousse, ganache, or whipped cream to add depth and flavor beneath the striking visuals.

Check out tiramisu cake for ideas on balancing richness in layered cakes.

Popular Flavor Combinations in Labubu Cakes

Labubu cakes aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with flavor. Here are the most beloved combinations often used by top decorators:

These combinations are chosen for both color appeal and stability—a must when handling intricate cake art.

Limited Editions and Custom Orders: Are They Worth It?

You might be wondering—why spend over $150 on a cake? Here’s why many fans still do it.

Labubu cakes often come in limited edition themes, like seasonal releases (Christmas Labubu, Halloween Labubu), or collaborations with toy drops. These designs are one-of-a-kind, meaning you’re not just buying a dessert—you’re commissioning edible art.

Most bakeries offering Labubu cakes limit how many they make each week due to the labor-intensive decoration. As a result, some fans preorder months in advance or even participate in online lotteries just to secure one.

So are they worth it? If you’re a toy collector, pop culture fan, or event host looking for a show-stopping centerpiece, the answer is yes.

Discover great ideas like chocolate espresso cake to add bold depth to your next character cake.

Labubu Cake Pricing – Why Is It So Expensive?

Breakdown of Ingredients and Custom Crafting

One bite into a Labubu cake, and you’ll realize this isn’t your average grocery-store dessert. First, the ingredients: many high-end bakeries use premium products like Madagascar vanilla, Belgian chocolate, and real fruit purees for fillings. These aren’t just for taste—they also hold up better during elaborate decorating.

Then comes the labor. Each cake is handmade, with decorators spending anywhere from 4 to 12 hours carefully shaping Labubu’s face, ears, and textures. Details like individually piped fur strands, edible hand-painted eyes, and molded teeth require professional-level pastry skills.

Unlike mass-produced cakes, a Labubu cake is essentially a custom edible sculpture made just for you.

Limited Availability and Artist Collaborations

Much of the cake’s cost also comes from scarcity and exclusivity. Many of the top Labubu cake bakers limit production due to time constraints. Some only accept pre-orders for weekends or special drops, often tied to new toy releases or anniversaries.

In some cases, bakers collaborate directly with toy designers or influencers, turning the cake into a mini collectible itself. These collaborations not only bump up demand but also increase perceived value—think of it like buying a limited-run sneaker, but it’s cake.

And because most cakes are made on-demand, there’s no inventory. Every ingredient, every layer, every element is made fresh for that specific customer.

Learn more about pistachio olive oil cake for another premium flavor often used in boutique character cakes.

Social Media Hype and Brand Value Analysis

Here’s where psychology meets sugar: social media virality has made Labubu cakes a status symbol. On TikTok, bakers get millions of views just by showing the intricate piping on Labubu’s fluffy fur. Instagram Reels showcasing cake cutting unveil stunning insides that match the outside magic.

This hype increases demand, allowing bakers to charge more. But beyond the visuals, people are paying for the experience—the joy of seeing a beloved character in cake form, the likes and comments from friends, the uniqueness of the moment.

Let’s not forget: when something is both rare and beautiful, people don’t mind paying extra.

Looking for inspiration? Try romantic chocolate and strawberry cupcakes for another indulgent treat made for special occasions.

How to Store and Serve Labubu Cake Properly

How to Store a Cooling Cake Without Ruining the Shape

One of the biggest challenges with character cakes like Labubu is preserving their shape—especially when they’re rich in buttercream or fondant detailing. Here’s how to cool and store them properly:

• Cool Layers Separately: Before assembling, allow each cake layer to cool completely on a wire rack. Placing warm cake layers in the fridge causes condensation, which can weaken the frosting later.
• Use a Cake Board: Always place your Labubu cake on a sturdy cake board or tray before decorating. This keeps the delicate sponge from bending or falling apart.
• Wrap Loosely While Cooling: Use plastic wrap or parchment tenting to cover the cake in the fridge without smudging the outer decoration. Avoid tight wrapping on fresh fondant or buttercream features.
• Never Freeze Fully Decorated Cakes: If you must freeze parts of your cake, freeze undecorated layers only. Fondant will crack and colors may bleed if frozen.

Check out mini blueberry bundt cakes for tips on prepping and chilling single-serve designer cakes.

Freezing and Refrigeration Tips for Decorative Cakes

Refrigeration:
Once decorated, a Labubu cake can sit refrigerated for up to 3–4 days, provided it’s kept in an airtight box or cake dome to protect the fondant and prevent drying. Cakes with cream cheese fillings or fresh fruit should always be chilled.

Freezing (Unassembled Layers Only):

• Wrap individual cake layers in plastic and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Avoid freezing fully built cakes with heavy decorations—colors may fade, and textures can change.

Best Ways to Present Labubu Cake at Events or Birthdays

Serving a Labubu cake is a moment people remember. Make it count with these pro presentation tips:

• Use a Turntable Stand: This allows guests to view the full 360° of detail before cutting.
• Match the Theme: Display with matching Labubu toys or mini cupcakes in complementary colors.
• Spotlight the Face: Position lighting so the character face is front and center—this enhances photos.
• Use a Hot Knife for Slicing: Run your cake knife under hot water, dry it, then slice to avoid dragging fondant or smudging buttercream.

And don’t forget—Labubu cakes make for unforgettable social media posts, so capture those first bites with your camera ready.

Looking for inspiration? Try lemon blueberry mini bundt cakes as photo-friendly side desserts.

How to Tell If Your Labubu Cake Is Authentic

Identifying Real Labubu Brand Collaborations

With Labubu cakes gaining mainstream traction, more bakeries are attempting to replicate the trend—but not all are created equal. If authenticity matters to you (especially for collectors or themed parties), here’s how to spot the real deal.

• Licensed or Partnered Branding: Some top bakeries collaborate directly with Pop Mart or use artist-approved designs. These cakes may include a branded tag, edible topper, or printed paperboard with the Labubu logo.
• Social Media Proof: Authentic sellers often share their work-in-progress videos, artist credits, or time-lapse reels on TikTok or Instagram. Look for verified posts or tags linked to Kasing Lung or The Monsters.
• Signature Style: True Labubu cakes are artistically consistent. You’ll notice:
  • Symmetry in eye and ear placement
  • Proper facial ratio
  • Consistent fur texture
  • Sharp, clean edges around the signature smile

Discover great ideas like vegan chocolate cake to elevate your own character cake with clean, rich base structure.

Spotting Fake Labubu Cakes or Unauthorized Designs

Unfortunately, with popularity comes knockoffs. Here’s how to recognize a fake or low-effort version:

• Unrealistic Pricing: If it’s too cheap, it’s probably rushed. Authentic Labubu cakes typically cost $100–$250+, depending on size and complexity.
• Distorted Features: Crooked eyes, uneven ears, or smeared icing? That’s a red flag. Labubu’s charm is in the precision.
• No Reference or Attribution: Legit bakers reference Labubu in their product descriptions, stories, or tags. If it’s vaguely described as “cartoon monster cake,” you might be dealing with a lazy copy.
• Generic Templates: Watch out for cakes that look copy-pasted from stock templates. Authentic Labubu cakes are always unique, often inspired by specific toy versions or seasonal editions.

Where to Buy Legitimate Labubu Cakes or Order Custom

Want the real thing? Here’s how to source a verified or high-quality Labubu cake:

And if you’re ordering online, make sure the cake is refrigerated during transport and delivered within 24 hours to ensure freshness.

Don’t miss our vegan chocolate mousse cake if you’re exploring bold flavor profiles that match Labubu’s playful spirit.

How Long Do Labubu Cakes Last? Shelf Life Explained

Freshness Timeline for Buttercream and Fondant

The shelf life of a Labubu cake depends heavily on its ingredients and design type—especially whether it’s covered in buttercream or fondant. Here’s a breakdown:

• Buttercream-based Labubu Cakes:
  These stay fresh for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. The oils in buttercream begin to separate if stored longer, leading to a greasy texture and dull appearance.
• Fondant-covered Labubu Cakes:
  Fondant helps preserve moisture, so these cakes last slightly longer—up to 5 days refrigerated. However, they should be stored in a cake box, not cling wrap, to avoid sweating when brought back to room temp.
• Cream Cheese or Mousse Fillings:
  These are more perishable and ideally consumed within 2–3 days to avoid spoilage.

Check out blueberry crumble cheesecake for tips on storing soft fillings and mousse-based desserts.

Signs Your Labubu Cake Has Gone Bad

Even the cutest cake can go sour. Watch for these common spoilage signs:

• Sour Smell: A musty or sour odor (especially near the filling) means it’s past its prime.
• Sweating or Leaking: Fondant that begins to sweat excessively or fillings that start to ooze may indicate bacterial breakdown.
• Color Changes: Bright pastels fading to gray or yellow tones can signal oxidation, especially on delicate buttercream designs.

When in doubt, don’t eat it—especially with dairy-based fillings.

Storage Chart by Type (Buttercream, Cream Cheese, Fondant)

For longer storage, only freeze undecorated layers, and never freeze decorated Labubu cakes unless you want a cracked monster instead of a cute one.

Don’t miss our blueberry crumble gluten-free for alternatives that offer longer shelf lives and allergy-safe serving options.

Are Labubu Cakes Still Popular in 2025?

Latest Trends and Market Demand

Despite being a viral hit in 2023 and 2024, Labubu cakes are still riding strong into 2025—especially in niche baking and collectible communities. With the character’s ongoing collaborations through Pop Mart and consistent toy releases, Labubu maintains a firm grip on both pop culture and dessert trends.

• TikTok still features the #labubucake tag with new designs posted weekly.
• Boutique bakers and influencers regularly show off limited edition versions.
• Bakeries now receive custom Labubu cake commissions year-round, not just for birthdays or holidays.

There’s also a growing demand for mini Labubu cupcakes, Labubu macarons, and even Labubu cake toppers that mimic collectible figurines.

Learn more about chocolate raspberry cake for flavor fusions that stay on-trend in designer baking.

Are People Still Buying and Sharing Labubu Cakes?

Absolutely. In fact, Labubu cakes have found a second life as part of:

• Unboxing parties for toy collectors
• Themed baby showers
• Anime or pop culture events
• Brand collaborations between bakers and toy shops

Many custom bakeries are even offering interactive Labubu cake classes—giving fans a chance to decorate their own edible character while learning piping and fondant skills.

Instagram Stories, TikTok Reels, and YouTube Shorts still showcase Labubu cake-cutting videos, with creators putting their own spin on the iconic smile.

Predictions for Labubu-Inspired Desserts in the Future

Here’s where the trend is heading next:

• Labubu Bento Cakes: Mini-sized versions in lunchbox packaging.
• Seasonal Labubu Designs: Think Easter bunny ears, Christmas hats, Halloween zombie versions.
• Multi-character collabs: Combining Labubu with other Pop Mart characters in tiered cakes or dessert tables.
• Digital Cake NFTs: Yes, some bakers are designing cakes based on NFT toy editions—fusing digital and edible collectibles.

With a strong fanbase, versatile design, and endless remix potential, Labubu cakes show no sign of fading in 2025.

Looking for inspiration? Try strawberry cupcakes with strawberry filling for seasonal color matches to Labubu’s pink-toned editions.

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