Luxury Bespoke Cakes
AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY IN SURREY & SOUTH WEST LONDON
ABOUT ME
Hello, I’m Jana, the baker and creator behind The Big Bang Cakes, based in London. My love of baking began at home, inspired by the comfort, creativity, and happiness that a truly good dessert can bring. Over the years, that passion led me into the world of pâtisserie — and especially the art, flavour, and finesse of French pastry.
To deepen my skills, I trained through a number of specialist courses based on French pâtisserie, learning everything from mousse cakes and tarts to sugar flowers, isomalt work, edible media, and cake alchemy. I studied under talented pastry artists and schools such as Ekat’s Cake Academy, Petra Stahlova’s Pastry School, Fair Cake London, and Tortik Annuchka, combining professional techniques with my own creative touch. I also had the privilege of working at Ladurée London, where I gained hands-on experience inside one of the world’s most prestigious patisserie kitchens. It was there I learned the true importance of precision, consistency, and teamwork — lessons that continue to shape my approach to baking today.
In 2022, I was honoured to be shortlisted among the 50 finalists in the Platinum Pudding Competition, hosted by Fortnum & Mason and Buckingham Palace to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. My entry, a reimagined Victoria Sponge Cake, was recognised for its elegant balance of flavours and celebration of British produce.
At The Big Bang Cakes, my focus is on flavour, quality, and integrity. I use fresh, high-quality ingredients and keep my recipes as natural as possible — avoiding unnecessary preservatives or additives — so every cake bursts with authentic, vibrant flavour.
Each creation, whether it’s a grand wedding cake, a celebration centrepiece, or a box of French-inspired treats, is made from scratch, by hand, and with heart. My style is honest rather than overly polished — I bake to make people smile, to share something beautiful, and to bring a little luxury to life’s sweetest moments.
Welcome to The Big Bang Cakes — where every creation bursts with flavour, joy, and a touch of French-inspired magic.
My Platinum Pudding Journey: A Slice of Royal Inspiration
In 2022, I was honoured to be shortlisted as one of just 50 finalists in the Platinum Pudding Competition — a truly once-in-a-lifetime celebration of British baking, launched by Fortnum & Mason, Buckingham Palace, and The Big Jubilee Lunch. The nationwide contest called upon the nation’s home bakers to create a pudding fit for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in honour of her 70-year reign — and, much like Her Majesty herself, the creations were extraordinary.
The competition, conceived by food writer Ameer Kotecha and curator Jason Kelly, was a heartfelt tribute to the Queen’s enduring legacy and to Britain’s proud culinary traditions. From thousands of entries, Fortnum & Mason’s expert chefs carefully selected just fifty finalists whose bakes embodied the spirit of British excellence, creativity, and celebration. I was immensely proud to be among them.
For my entry, I chose to create an elegant twist on a timeless favourite: the Victoria Sponge Cake. This classic of the British tea table has always been close to my heart — simple, sophisticated, and utterly comforting.
My version presented a delicate and original palette of flavours designed to charm the senses and transport you to a gloriously bright summer afternoon. Layers of light, buttery sponge were paired with fragrant strawberries, the gentle warmth of coffee, and the romantic aroma of rose — a combination that evokes the scent of Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park and the joyful atmosphere of Buckingham Palace garden parties.
Every ingredient in my creation was locally sourced from British producers, celebrating the very best of homegrown quality and craftsmanship — from free-range eggs and golden butter to fragrant berries and freshly ground coffee.
There is no finer harmony than strawberries, cake, coffee, and roses on a sunlit summer’s day.
Being shortlisted for the Platinum Pudding Competition remains one of the proudest moments of my baking journey. It was not only a chance to honour the Queen but also a celebration of everything I love about baking — creating something that feels special, evokes memories, and brings people together through the simple joy of a beautiful pudding
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