Real or cake? How AI confuses baking and what bakers wish you knew

Cake Life Bake Shop in Philadelphia faces increasing requests for AI-generated cake designs that are often impossible to create. Co-owners Nima Etemadi and Lily Fischer emphasize the importance of managing customer expectations, as many AI images defy the laws of physics and cannot be replicated with edible materials. The bakery recently produced a $200 waterfall cake, showcasing their adaptability and commitment to customer satisfaction. Unrealistic expectations have been a longstanding issue in the baking industry, originating with platforms like Pinterest, where customers would present reference photos of inedible designs. Social media trends, such as "real or cake," further complicate matters, as they blur the lines between real and fake baked goods.

A study from the University of Waterloo highlights the difficulty people have in distinguishing AI-generated images from real ones, even with ample time for scrutiny. As AI images flood social media feeds, bakers like Etemadi and Fischer find themselves educating customers on the limitations of cake design. The challenge reflects a broader trend in the baking industry, where the allure of visually stunning designs often overshadows the importance of taste and edibility.