When Taylor Swift travelled to Sydney for her highly anticipated Eras tour earlier this year, she didn’t just get the usual backstage snacks. Instead, she was treated to a custom creation from one of Australia’s most talented bakers, Gabriela Oporto of Bakealicious by Gabriela. Known for her stunning, flavour-packed cakes, Gabriela created a special “Eras Cake” for Taylor. And, we recently got a taste of what this celebrity-approved dessert is all about.
It all started when Gabriela received the call she could only dream of. Taylor’s team wanted her to bake a cake for the superstar. “When I got the call, I was shouting and jumping in the shop!” Gabriela remembers. “It was like a ‘Love Story’ moment come true.”
For Taylor’s special cake, Gabriela put her own spin on the Milk Bar Birthday Cake, which is said to be one of Taylor’s favourites. The cake started with a confetti sponge (or funfetti, as it’s called in the US) and then was layered with traditional Chilean treats like Mil Hojas and dulce de leche, a sweet caramel-like sauce. To make it even more extravagant, Gabriela added puff pastry horns filled with dulce de leche buttercream, pastel glitters, and a purple flower – said to be Taylor’s favourite colour.
But it wasn’t just about the cake. Gabriela’s team also baked vegan cupcakes, gluten-free lamingtons, and gluten-free brownies to make sure everyone could indulge, no matter their dietary needs. “I know how important it is for celebrities to have options that cater to various dietary needs,” Gabriela shares. “It’s really satisfying to create treats that everyone can enjoy without compromising on taste.”
Though Gabriela didn’t meet Taylor in person (yet!), she was proud to have her cakes shared with one of the world’s biggest stars. “I’ve baked for a few other celebrities, like Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles,” she says, recounting how Ed loved her desserts so much he ordered them for every Sydney show. “But this Taylor Swift order – this one was special.”
Gabriela’s journey to becoming a celebrity baker started long before the call from Taylor’s team. From the age of four, Gabriela dreamed of opening a cake shop. She grew up in Sydney, immersed in a mix of cultural flavors and traditions from her Chilean heritage. “When I was little, I was whisking eggs in the kitchen with my mum. I told her I wanted a cake shop, and I never stopped thinking about that dream,” she laughs. Fast forward to 2017, when Gabriela took the leap and opened her first bakery in a small apartment in Crows Nest. Today, her business has expanded to Forestville, where she continues to make waves with her unique, flavour-packed creations.
Gabriela’s secret? She uses only the finest ingredients, including real butter and fresh produce. “I bake with my heart, and I think people understand that when they taste my cakes,” she says. It’s that dedication to quality and creativity that has made Bakealicious by Gabriela the go-to for both local fans and international stars alike.
Baking Tips According to Taylor Swift’s Aussie Baker
If you’re wondering what it is that makes Gabriela’s cakes so special, it’s not just the flavour but the techniques she uses to ensure the best results every time. Here are some of her top baking tips:
Soft and Moist Cakes:
“To keep cakes soft and moist, especially multi-tiered ones, I always use syrup or juice to soak the layers. This helps keep the cake moist over time,” Gabriela reveals. “If you don’t have anything, water works too! That’s my secret, and it always works well.”
Signature Frosting Techniques:
Gabriela keeps her frosting smooth and velvety by focusing on getting the ratios just right. “It’s all about the balance. If your frosting is made with real ingredients like butter and milk, you won’t have to worry about it cracking or melting too quickly. I avoid vegetable fats because they don’t give the same texture.”
Temperature Tips:
“When baking, temperature is key. I always make sure to turn the mould halfway through the cooking process, as most ovens have hot spots,” Gabriela shares. “And, a tip for home bakers: don’t leave the oven door open for too long. A lot of heat escapes and can drop the internal temperature, affecting your bake.”
Ingredient Prep:
Gabriela’s baking is all about simplicity and fun. “I don’t always sift the flour, I think it’s a myth. I focus more on the consistency of butter, which is crucial. And don’t over-melt your butter—once it’s too melted, you can’t take it back!”
Preventing Over-Browning:
To stop cakes from over-browning, Gabriela suggests lowering your oven temperature and adding a bowl of hot water to the oven to provide humidity. “It prevents the cake from drying out during longer baking times.”
Vegan and Gluten-Free Tips:
Gabriela shares her secrets for baking vegan and gluten-free cakes that still taste incredible. “For vegan cakes, I recommend using a flax egg – 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of boiling water. And for gluten-free cakes, always let the batter rest for 1-2 hours and use a mix of rice and corn flour for a light texture.”
Sugar-Free Baking:
When it comes to sugar-free cakes, Gabriela swears by Monk Sugar, which she says is the best alternative for regular sugar. “Just be sure to store it properly so it doesn’t dry out and clump together.” So, what does Taylor Swift’s favourite Australian cake taste like? A perfect balance of textures and flavours, from the moist, colourful sponge to the rich, buttery dulce de leche. It’s a celebration in every bite – a true ‘Eras Cake’ that even non-superstars can enjoy. And the best part? Gabriela’s famous cakes are available to everyone, whether you’re there’s a blank space to fill in your sweet-tooth craving heart. Or you just want a taste of the T-Swift life.
