The vibrant spirit of Miami made its way to Netflix, thanks to Vanessa Barceló, the owner of One Love Cakes in Hialeah. She captivated audiences with her distinctive style, creativity, and Cuban flavors on the show "Is It Cake? Halloween." According to Calle 8 News, Barceló proudly represented Hialeah and the Latino baking community in the United States, blending art, humor, and a touch of South Florida's unmistakable flavor. Her pink aesthetic, charisma, and energy became her signature on screen.
On the Netflix set, Vanessa brought more than just flour and sugar; she shared her Cuban heritage. Her most talked-about creation was a hyper-realistic frog-shaped cake, crafted with Cuban rum cake, filled with meringue and guava, and topped with Ave María cookies. The result was a sweet tribute to her roots and the Latino flavors of Miami. Even the show's host, Mikey Day, praised her infectious energy and cultural pride, joking about her connection to another Cuban talent from Saturday Night Live, Marcos.
Although the famous "frog cake" didn't win that round, Vanessa's creativity shone through, proving that talent—and flavor—runs deep in Hialeah. For Barceló, participating in the show was much more than a competition. It was an opportunity to represent Latina creators from South Florida and showcase the cultural diversity that defines Miami. "I am beyond proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent my city and my culture on Netflix," she stated. "It was an honor to compete alongside such talented artists, and it fills me with joy that our Latina sister Andrea took home the victory. We proudly represented our culture."
From the pastel colors of Hialeah to the bright lights of Netflix, Vanessa Barceló demonstrated that Cuban flavor and Latin passion always leave a mark, one slice at a time. Several Cuban bakers have made their mark from exile. Divine Delicacies Cakes, founded by Cubans Laura García and Iliana Lombardero, has become a cornerstone in Miami's baking art with their custom creations for entertainment figures.
On their 25th anniversary, the entrepreneurs celebrated with a spectacular ten-tier cake, reaffirming their leadership in South Florida's baking scene. The cultural impact of their business also shines through collaborations with celebrities. Recently, Laura and Iliana amazed with an impressive cake created especially for a gathering of Cuban entrepreneurs in Miami. The large-format cake, rich in visual symbolism, was conceived to honor the journey of Cuban women abroad, reinforcing the brand's social commitment.
The legacy of Divine Delicacies Cakes extends beyond commerce. It has become a symbol of the talent and perseverance of Cubans in the diaspora, especially women like Laura and Iliana, who have transformed a passion into a recognized brand beyond the Latino community in the United States. The journey of these entrepreneurs has been consistent and upward. From their beginnings in Havana to establishing themselves in the United States, their story of effort and creativity is reflected in unique products.
Recently, Lauren, another baker, shared her personal story, encouraging fellow Cubans not to give up on their dreams, delivering an inspiring message from her experience as a migrant and entrepreneur.
Exploring Cuban Influence in American Baking
How did Vanessa Barceló showcase Cuban culture on Netflix?
Vanessa Barceló showcased Cuban culture on Netflix by creating a hyper-realistic frog-shaped cake using traditional Cuban rum cake, filled with meringue and guava, and topped with Ave María cookies, bringing a taste of her heritage to the screen.
What impact has Divine Delicacies Cakes had on Miami's baking scene?
Divine Delicacies Cakes has significantly impacted Miami's baking scene by creating personalized designs for entertainment figures and collaborating with celebrities, becoming a symbol of Cuban talent and perseverance in the diaspora.