Food Artist Creates Nature-Inspired Jelly Cakes That Look Like Pretty Koi Ponds

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Today, creative confectionery is more popular than ever, with many artists around the world creating incredible food art from a variety of edible mediums. One artist to have truly mastered her craft is Siew Heng Boon (of Jelly Alchemy) who creates incredible 3D jelly cakes that don’t look like food at all, but instead resemble decorative snow globes or glass paperweights. Each delectable dessert resembles pretty koi ponds or water gardens, featuring a myriad of colorful flowers and fish encased within clear gelatin surfaces.

Boon started making her jelly cakes 2 years ago, but recently had to put her business on hold after being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Despite this, she was determined to carry on doing what she loves best. “On the days when I was feeling well, I dedicated my time to create 3D jelly cakes for my team of doctors and carers,” she reveals. “During my battle with breast cancer, focusing on creating beautiful 3D jelly cakes helped to shift my focus away from the physical pain and negative thoughts.”

Each edible masterpiece can take up to four hours to complete and is actually created upside down. The flowers are rendered using a special injection method, whereby the colored gelatin or seaweed jelly powder is first heated and liquidized before being carefully piped, petal by petal, onto the clear canvas. After the decorative motifs are complete, a flavored, pastel-hued base is poured over the top to finish the cake. Once the jelly solidifies, the cakes are then flipped the right way up to reveal their stunning designs. Aside from looking beautiful, they’re made to taste good too—each cake is infused with flavors such as lychee, coconut, peach, and rose.

You can see more from Boon’s ever-growing collection of pretty jelly cakes on Instagram.

Siew Heng Boon of Jelly Alchemy creates incredible 3D jelly cakes.

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Each edible masterpiece looks just like a decorative snow globe or glass paperweight.

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Just like mini water gardens, they feature a myriad of colorful flowers and fish encased within clear gelatin surfaces.

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

The flowers are rendered using a special injection method, whereby liquidized jelly is carefully piped onto the clear canvas.

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Cakes by Siew Heng Boon

Jelly Alchemy: Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Siew Heng Boon.

Related Articles:

Best of 2017: Top 21 Food Art Masterpieces of the Year

Culinary Artist Makes ‘3D Jelly Cakes’ Encasing Edible Scenes of Nature Within

This Baker Makes Amazing Cakes With Edible Galaxies and Secret Gardens Within

Baker Tops Nature-Inspired Cakes with Realistic Buttercream Botanicals

Colorfully Textured Buttercream Cakes Frosted to Look Like Fuzzy Shag Rugs

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content