The theme for the 16th Zuckerbäcker Award, which will be presented during the 123rd ZuckerBäckerball on 15 January 2026, is still being finalized and has not yet been announced. In the meantime, you can refer to the program of the 15th Zuckerbäcker Award from the previous ball as a guide.
Once again, the ZuckerBäckerball is holding a sweet competition of cake artistry, where the most spectacular and delicious cake will be crowned. Registrations for the 15th Zuckerbäcker Award have begun. The impressive creations of talented pastry chefs and apprentices will be displayed and judged live at the ball.
The grand cake exhibition of the "Zuckerbäcker Award" in the Hofburg foyer is always a feast for the senses. The appetizing creations make many ball guests' mouths water as they admire the competition's cakes. For the 15th time, the "Zuckerbäcker Award" will be awarded to the most skillfully crafted, artistically impressive, and delicious cake.
The country’s most talented pastry chefs and apprentices will showcase their impressive skills at the ZuckerBäckerball. Their stunning cakes will be displayed during the ball and judged by a panel of experts. All ball guests can be present when, in the spectacular finale, the titles of "Vienna Junior Cakemaster 2025" and "Vienna Cakemaster 2025" are awarded.
The judging criteria are strict: the showpiece must comply with the given dimensions and theme. In addition, creativity, material handling, and the level of difficulty of the work will be evaluated.
Participants are invited to unleash their imagination and artistic talents to create a sweet jungle world, as the showpieces must be designed according to this year's theme.
The theme for the 15th Zuckerbäcker Awards is
“THE JUNGLE”
These sweet masterpieces are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, and the possibilities are endless! There is already great excitement about how the pastry chefs will interpret this vibrant theme artistically. The award ceremony will take place in the Festsaal of the Hofburg Palace.
Honorary Vice Consul and PR Officer, Birgit Sarata, is particularly pleased: "The cake show is always fantastic. The ball guests come in large numbers to check out the amazing cakes and creations on offer - that's a great thing!"
Registration
Registrations for the 15th Zuckerbäcker Award are now open. All details regarding participation and information on the showpieces for pastry chefs and apprentices can be found in the competition rules (file in German). The registration deadline is 16 December 2024.
We wish all participants the best of luck and much success!
AWARD HISTORY
Looking Back The themes of the first 14 Zuckerbäcker Awards:
Joseph Haydn (2009)
Clowns (2010)
110 Years of ZuckerBäckerball (2011)
Friday the 13th (2012)
Carnival in Venice (2013)
Musicals (2014)
Eurovision Song Contest (2015)
Football Euro 2016 in France (2016)
Vienna Landmarks (2017)
Motto Revival – Choose One of the Last 9 Themes (2018)
The World of Animals (2019)
Comics (2020)
The Realm of Plants and Flowers (2023)
Underwater World – Life in the Ocean (2024)
Click through the gallery of the Zuckerbäcker Award from the previous year:
