Key Highlights
- A cake artist has created a life-size 6-feet-tall edible replica of Michael Jackson in his Thriller era outfit for the Cake International show.
- The creation took Emma Jayne Morris six weeks to complete and was showcased at the NEC from Halloween onwards.
- Morris, known for her intricate cake figures, chose the Thriller era due to its international appeal on Halloween.
- The cake’s head is made of Rice Krispies, modelling chocolate, and sugar paste, taking a week to create alone.
Michael Jackson Lives On: A Cake Artist’s Tribute for Halloween
A cake artist from South Wales has brought the iconic music video star Michael Jackson back to life in an edible form for the Cake International show. Emma Jayne Morris, 55, spent six weeks crafting a stunning tribute that pays homage to one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.
The Artistry Behind the Cake
Morris’s creation is not just a simple replica but an intricate piece that meticulously recreates Michael Jackson’s look from his famous Thriller era. From his iconic curls to his shoes, every detail was painstakingly recreated using a variety of edible materials. The head alone took Morris a week to create, made from Rice Krispies, modelling chocolate, and sugar paste.
The cake’s body required even more attention to detail as Morris had to ensure that it could withstand the journey from her studio in Aberdare to Birmingham for the show. She hired a van with a tail lift to transport the six-foot-tall creation safely, ensuring that it would arrive at its destination without any damage.
A Thriller on Halloween
Morris chose to unveil this masterpiece during the Cake International show, which started on Halloween, as it coincided with the beginning of the exhibition. “We’ve all grown up with the King of Pop and I thought it was just a lovely thing to do, and especially falling on Halloween,” Morris explained.
“The first day of the show is Halloween, and we’ve chosen the Thriller era, so everything just seemed to fit in.” The cake’s international appeal also played a role as most people who visited Morris’s booth remarked how much they loved Michael Jackson. “It was a no brainer,” she added.
A Mother of Three with a Passion for Cake Art
Morris, a mother of three, has been creating cake art for over 14 years after her husband Owain complained about the number of cakes she was buying for their children. “I said fine, I’ll make one myself,” Morris recalled. From there, she discovered that cake making was not just a hobby but an art form.
“I just loved it, learning about the mediums, learning about what sugar could do, what chocolate could do.” After starting out baking cakes for family and friends, Morris’s work caught the attention of Cake International, leading her to travel the globe teaching others how to create intricate cake figures.
The Future of Cake Art
Morris’s creation has not only brought Michael Jackson back to life but also highlighted the versatility and creativity of cake art. The six-week journey from conception to completion showcases the dedication required in this craft, which Morris continues to share with others through her teaching.
While Morris does not usually bring such large creations home, she made an exception for the King of Pop, who will be returning to Wales after the show as a token of appreciation. As Morris looks towards the future, she remains committed to her passion and the art form that has brought so much joy to people around the world.
The Cake International show runs until Sunday at the NEC in Birmingham, offering visitors a chance to see more of Emma Jayne’s work and other intricate creations from talented cake artists. The event showcases the best of baking and cake making, celebrating the artistry that brings sweet dreams to life on Halloween and beyond.
