All About the Dot Cakes That Have Taken Over Social Media

Written by Teresa Ayala Leon

Sprinkles. They're colorful and nostalgic. The topping you once chose for ice cream sundaes, cupcakes, and other childhood treats is making a comeback on social media as the Dotcup. 

This summer, lines formed at The Dot Cakes, a New York-based cakery that sells at Butterfield Market for its viral Dotcup. The Dot Cakes has been open for over a decade; however, its Dotcup has drawn a new pool of customers this year. 

The mini cakes served in paper cups have three components: a sponge layer, a thick coating of frosting, and a final layer of rounded sprinkles, also known as nonpareils. The smooth sprinkle surface adds a satisfying crunch to the fluffy cake and is a sprinkle lover's dream. 

Their Dotcups became in high demand for the business after the cakes gained millions of views on social media, with people trying and rating flavors such as classic white, chocolate, and red velvet. Customers stood outside for hours waiting to get a taste of the viral dessert as their social media engagement continued growing with over 34,000 followers on Instagram. Run by mother-daughter duo Sondra and Alex Posner, they have spoken about the overwhelming support and growth over the past couple of months. 

The Dot Cake also sells different-sized customized cakes with various designs and made with a variety of sprinkles. You can order cakes for every event or holiday, ranging from birthdays to Halloween and engagements. 

How to Make a Dot Cake:  

While many say the treat lives up to the hype, others call it overrated and say it can be easily made at home, attempting to beat the price of eight to 11 dollars per cup. To recreate this dessert sensation at home, bake your favorite cake mix or homemade cake batter in a wide cake or sheet pan. 

Using a ramekin or small container to serve as your “cup,” press upside down on the cake to fit perfectly into your container. Although the original Dotcup only has one layer of cake, depending on the depth of the container and cake, you can fit multiple layers of the cake into your homemade version. 

Then take a generous layer of your favorite frosting. Take a bowl of sprinkles and dunk the cake in the bowl, ensuring the top is fully coated, resulting in a final colorful layer. If you have extra time on your hands, make homemade sprinkles for an elevated touch. 

If you are looking for something different, customize your Dotcup by adding fruit inside or other additions and playing with frosting and cake batters. 

Thumbnail Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-large-group-of-colorful-objects-QneuyibWIoM