Pune's Cake Artist Makes Global Waves at Oxford and UK Parliament!

The UK recently hosted India Week, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and contributions, with a standout moment that spotlighted Pune-based cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb. Prachi's exceptional work in Royal Icing Art was honored at two prestigious venues: Oxford University and the UK Parliament. Her recognition marks a historic milestone, as she is the first cake artist to be celebrated at the world-renowned Oxford University. Prachi’s Journey to Global Recognition Prachi Dhabal Deb's journey to global acclaim is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and educated in Kolkata, Prachi's passion for cake artistry took flight after studying Royal Icing Art in London. Over the past decade, she has championed this niche art form, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs. Her artistic prowess has not only earned her accolades but has also led to several world records certified by the World Book of Records, London. These include a stunning 100 kg cake structure inspired by the Milan Cathedral, the maximum number of vegan royal icing structures, and a massive 200 kg edible structure of an Indian-inspired palace created with vegan royal icing. Source: Google Images Celebrating Excellence at Oxford University At Oxford University, Prachi was felicitated by Kevin McCole, Managing Director of the UK India Business Council. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to Royal Icing Art, a craft she has explored and expanded with unparalleled skill. Prachi expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is an honour to be acknowledged for my work in a field that I am so passionate about. The journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding." The celebrations continued at the UK Parliament, where Prachi was further honored by Navin Shah CBE. This double recognition—at both Oxford University and the UK Parliament—highlights Prachi’s dedication and creativity, making India proud on the global stage. A Commitment to Vegan Artistry Prachi’s accomplishments highlight not just her artistry but also her dedication to a vegan lifestyle. She has skillfully merged her love for confectionery with sustainability, redefining the possibilities of vegan royal icing. "I want to demonstrate that vegan alternatives can be as grand and beautiful as traditional ones," Prachi said. Her creations prove that vegan confectionery can be both innovative and visually breathtaking. Currently residing in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Prachi Dhabal Deb is more than just a cake artist; she is a true ambassador of creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. Her work continues to set new standards and inspire others in the world of cake artistry. In a heartfelt Instagram message, Prachi reflected on her monumental achievement: “I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Being honored with this prestigious award at Oxford University by Kevin McCole and at the UK Parliament by Navin Shah CBE for my contributions to Royal Icing Art is not only a recognition of my work but also a validation of the countless hours of dedication, passion, and perseverance.” She dedicated her award to her family, friends, and mentor Sir Eddie Spence MBE, expressing her commitment to keeping the art of piping alive.

The Sweet Triumph: How One Woman's Passion for Baking Redefined the World of Cakes

More than a decade ago, Prachi Dhabal Deb, a resident of Pune, made a bold decision to pursue her passion for baking and cake decoration. Leaving behind her corporate job, she embarked on a journey of creativity by enrolling in a short-term baking course. Little did she know that this leap of faith would lead her to achieve remarkable feats and even set a world record. Recently, Prachi, now a professional cake artist, made headlines by creating a 200-kilogram vegan royal icing hand-piped cake, earning her a well-deserved place in the London-based World Book of Records. This monumental masterpiece, measuring 10 feet and 1 inch in length, 4 feet and 7 inches in height, and 3 feet and 8 inches in width, is an edible marvel resembling a majestic Indian palace. From conceptualization to piping and assembling, Prachi dedicated three weeks to craft this remarkable structure. This incredible achievement is just one among many milestones in Prachi's journey. She previously set records for creating the maximum number of 'Egg-free, Vegan Royal Icing Structures Meticulously Piped by Hand' and a replica of the Milan Cathedral in Italy. Prachi's expertise lies in creating exquisite, royal-looking bakes that captivate both the eyes and taste buds. Born in Dehradun and now residing in Pune for over 13 years, Prachi reflects on her transition from a financial analyst to an award-winning cake artist. Her love for baking and painting was nurtured during her childhood, but she shifted her focus to academia as she grew older. However, her passion never waned, and after a break from the corporate world, she traveled to Australia to learn baking and cake decoration. Prachi's baking career took flight when a cake she made for a friend's party garnered immense praise. Word spread, and soon she was inundated with orders. Prachi recognized the lack of customized cakes in the Indian market, which fueled her success. Her vegan and eggless recipes became particularly popular among clients, setting her apart from the competition. In 2019, Prachi achieved yet another milestone as the first Indian to receive a prestigious award for her royal icing art in Birmingham. Today, she continues to create stunning edible structures, with her recent creation finding a place of pride in a glass cabinet, where it can remain intact for years. Prachi's journey exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passion and embracing creativity. Her remarkable talent and dedication have firmly established her as a leading figure in the world of cake artistry, inspiring aspiring bakers and artists alike.