Diwali Gulab Jamun Cake in London

Diwali Cakescape Magic: Pistachio, Rosewater and a Whole Lot of Joy

We celebrated Diwali in gloriously bold colour this year, mostly because it was X-Ray’s first proper Diwali playdate and I was determined not to turn up looking like a damp samosa. My saree, an outrageous Papa Don’t Preach find from eBay, did half the work for me, and X-Ray’s sherwani was so sharp the overground commuters needed a moment to recover.

The cake was a mini Diwali cakescape built around pistachio, cardamom and rosewater sponge. Each tier had its own personality: pink with gold leaf for the 6-inch layer, green-and-pink stripes and delicate paisley on the 4-inch, and a tiny 3-inch cake covered in gold sprinkles. Dramatic? Yes. Too much? Never.

Once the tiers were stacked, I nestled a chocolate bowl on top and filled it with homemade gulab jamuns. Around them I added chocolate diyas with almond “wicks”. The decorative almond pieces were not intended to be lit; the sparkle in the photographs came from separate cake sparklers.

If this flavour combination appeals, browse our current pistachio cakes and recipe collection. For the design itself, see the current Diwali Gulab Jamun Cakescape Cake product page for availability and ordering information.

Our friend’s Diwali gathering was exactly the kind of joyful chaos I love: rangoli-making for the children, a chaat buffet and fireworks in the garden managed by the adults.

And obviously, it wouldn’t be Diwali without someone doing enthusiastic Bollywood shapes in the living room. I will neither confirm nor deny who that was.

Happy Diwali. May your year be bright and your cake be soft.

Love, Reshmi xoxo

For cakes currently available to order, browse our full cake collection. Current delivery information for London and Surrey is on our delivery page.