Cakes in the Bengaluru monsoon

Bengaluru’s weather is usually kind to cakes, which is part of why the city has so many home bakers. The monsoon months, roughly June to October, are the exception. Humidity regularly sits above 85 per cent, and that changes how cakes behave.

Fondant is the most affected. Sugar draws moisture from the air, so in humid weather a fondant cake can turn tacky and develop a shine, and fine details can soften. We run a dehumidifier in the studio from June onwards and add a little more gum to fondant decorations so they set firm. At home, keep a fondant cake in its box in the coolest room, away from the kitchen and bathroom, and never in the fridge, where it collects water when taken out.

Buttercream is better behaved in the rains than in April heat, but sugar flowers and piped lettering take longer to dry, so we need a little more notice for detailed designs. During the monsoon we ask for four days instead of three for custom birthday cakes.

Delivery is the other change. Rain slows traffic across the city, especially on Old Airport Road, Outer Ring Road and around Silk Board. Our chilled van leaves earlier in the monsoon and we give two-hour slots rather than one. For outdoor parties, plan a covered table for the cake, and keep it boxed until the candles are lit. Ask us for a buttercream or ganache finish rather than fondant if the event is on an open terrace in July.