Known for his larger-than-life cakes, signature sugar flowers, and no-shortcuts approach to baking, Marcel Duvenage has built a reputation for cakes that are anything but ordinary. But it’s not all buttercream and beauty. Marcel’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and rising (pun intended) above the noise.
He’s powered through sleepless nights. Braved stormy weather. And navigated bumpy roads … all in the name of delivering show-stopping cakes. And what started as an awkward comment in a baking shop sparked the bold brand that launched his career.
Today, Marcel Duvenage is living proof that the sweetest success stories are baked with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of buttercream.
We caught up with him for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the world of weddings, weather woes, cake expectations, and why he’ll never, ever use a pre-mix. And trust us … it is not always all frosting and flowers.
The Man Who Bakes?
Marcel grins as he recalls the moment that sparked his now-iconic business name. “I was in a baking shop when a woman looked at me and said, ‘I’ve never seen a man in here this much – it’s so strange. A man who bakes?’”
At the time, it stung. Marcel had already faced bullying and judgment early in his career, and the comment only added to the pressure. But instead of reacting, he stayed quiet. And then he turned that awkward moment into a defining one.
“For years, that name lingered in my mind. And then it just clicked.”
What started as a throwaway remark became the name of his business, a personal statement, and an unmissable brand. A bold brand, a personal statement, and a catalyst for change. The Man Who Bakes wasn’t just a name; it was a way for Marcel to own his space in the industry with pride. And once he did? The compliments came rolling in, and new opportunities opened like never before.
Milestone moments
Among Marcel’s proudest achievements? Walking away with the title of Best Wedding Cake Design at the TopVendor Wedding Awards last year.
Every year, suppliers from across the industry – from florists and photographers to venues and designers – enter their proudest work, and a panel of expert judges picks the best of the best.
He remembers being up against some of his favourite fellow cake artists. “Honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance. Their work is phenomenal, and I’ve always looked up to them. So, when my name was called … I was stunned. I might’ve cried a little on the inside,” he laughs, “but I kept it together and embraced the moment.”
The winning cake? A breathtaking creation made entirely of tempered chocolate. “It was my first time doing something like that on such a scale. Stressful, yes. But it became one of my favourite cakes ever.”
The win was even sweeter because it came at a tough time. “I’d been struggling personally. I almost gave up on everything. So, to be recognised in that moment … it really changed things.”
Another memorable moment? Creating a five-tier showstopper for Mel die Storieverteller and singer Corlea for their stage production Trou at the Atterbury Theatre. The show celebrated the drama and delight of all types of weddings – from the wildly extravagant to the zef and kitsch. “It was hilarious, heartfelt, and honestly one of the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on.”
Only the good stuff
Marcel firmly believes in using top-quality ingredients and making everything from scratch. “Yes, there are many affordable DIY baking kits readily available in the shops, but skimping out on ingredients usually means paying for it later – in flavour, colours, texture, or tears.” One rule he lives by? No pre-mixes. Ever. “Baking is an art, and it deserves the real stuff.”
Real talk about Pinterest
Marcel loves a bride with a vision, but he also keeps it real. “Pinterest is great for inspo, but it’s not real life. Most of those cakes are photoshopped, shot under perfect studio lights, or, these days, even created with AI. I always tell my clients, let’s use your vision as a starting point, but trust me to make something magical and doable.”
Rain, roads and realities
One of the biggest (and messiest) challenges of being a cake artist? The weather. “Mother Nature doesn’t RSVP to weddings and can be a real party crasher. I’ve delivered cakes through storms, heat waves, and on gravel roads that feel like obstacle courses. Once, my car literally slid off a muddy road, and I was stuck for hours with a cake in the backseat like a ticking time bomb. I aged 10 years that day!”
He never leaves without his emergency kit, backup ingredients, and a deep breath. “The weather can destroy even the best cake plans, so I always say – have a Plan B. And if it’s rainy season? Plan C, too.”
Sleep is overrated
During wedding season, Marcel lives in his kitchen. “I work seven days a week. And sleep? What’s that? But I love what I do. When someone trusts you to make their dream cake, you give it everything.”
Designing the dream
When it comes to designing a wedding cake, Marcel prefers a personal touch. “I’ve learned, sometimes the hard (and expensive) way, that meeting in person makes all the difference. I love sitting down with the couple, chatting through ideas, and doing a proper tasting. It’s not just about flavours … it’s about getting a real feel for what they want.”
Tastings are a must, in his opinion. “Couples often come in with an idea of the flavour they want, but once we explore some options and they try my personal favourites, they usually end up choosing something totally different!”
That said, Marcel’s used to adapting. “A lot of my brides are from overseas, and sometimes I only meet them a week before the wedding – if I’m lucky. Sometimes, it’s literally on the day! But even with the adrenaline and quick turnaround, those cakes always turn out to be showstoppers.”
Whether he’s elbow-deep in frosting or navigating a thunderstorm with a masterpiece in tow, Marcel isn’t just baking cakes – he’s crafting edible moments of magic. With passion as his secret ingredient and a whisk in hand, The Man Who Bakes is serving more than just sweet treats … he’s dishing up dreams, one decadent slice at a time. And trust us, the best is yet to come.
Marcel’s spilling the (icing) secrets – from flavour combos to the styles that are stealing the show this season. Whether you’re dreaming of something timeless or out-of-the-box,
these expert tips will help you. Read more here.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: HILDA MANS PHOTOGRAPHY.
Details: 064-683-1263 or follow @TheManWhoBakes on Facebook and Insta.
