What’s New in Cake Recipes After Grow a Garden’s Latest Update?

What’s Included in the Latest Grow a Garden Update?

The Grow a Garden Version 1.19 update, released in late July 2025, brings a major shift in focus—this time, it’s all about dessert. Specifically, cake recipes.

Unlike previous updates that focused on bug fixes or minor additions, this one adds new depth to gameplay with three fully developed cake recipes, a new herb crop, upgraded baking tools, and improved ingredient systems. Whether you’re optimizing your garden or just want to decorate your homestead with sweet treats, there’s something new for everyone.

New Cake Recipes Now Available

The update introduces three cakes, each with its own set of ingredients, unlock requirements, and gameplay benefits.

1. Strawberry Dream Cake

A vibrant, crowd-pleasing favorite. Light sponge layers, whipped cream, and a glossy strawberry topping make this one stand out in any kitchen.Ingredients:

• 5 Fresh Strawberries
• 2 Cups Sugar Cane
• 1 Wild Vanilla Pod
• 1 Egg Bundle
• 1 Bag of Flour

Unlock Requirements:

Install the Whipped Mixer Attachment in your kitchen after completing the Spring Orchard Quest and reaching Crafting Level 12.

2. Chocolate Lava Cake

A decadent cake with an animated molten center that players are already calling one of the best-crafted desserts in the game.Ingredients:

• 3 Dark Cocoa Beans
• 1 Butter Churn
• 1 Bag of Flour
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Sweet Ember Crystal

Gameplay Perk:

It is a premium gift for a number of high-level NPCs and increases dessert trade value by 10% on event days.

3. Lemon Herb Cake

The most unique of the bunch—combining tart lemons with a touch of fresh herbs.Ingredients:

• 4 Lemons from the Grove
• 1 Sprig of Garden Thyme
• 2 Cups Sugar Cane
• 1 Egg Bundle
• 1 Bag of Flour

Special Mechanic:

Introduces Garden Thyme, a new herb crop that provides XP when used in recipes. You’ll need to grow it before baking this cake.

Want a full guide to baking these cakes? Check out our walk-through: How to Make Cake in Grow a Garden

Updated Baking Mechanics and Ingredient Access

The 1.19 update doesn’t stop at new recipes—it enhances the entire baking system:

• Ingredient Access: Items like Wild Vanilla Pods and Cocoa Beans are now easier to collect via the Summer Expansion Garden.
• Faster Baking: With an oven upgrade, cake baking time is reduced by 15%.
• Improved Harvest Yields: Compost boosters and new tool upgrades increase ingredient production.

These changes significantly reduce downtime and make crafting more rewarding.

Unlocking the Cakes: Best Strategy

If you want to unlock all three cakes efficiently, follow this order:

1. Start with Strawberry Dream Cake: Quick to unlock and a great early XP source.
2. Move to Chocolate Lava Cake: Collect Sweet Ember Crystals during Molten Market Weekends to speed up access.
3. End with Lemon Herb Cake: This one takes longer—wait until your herb garden is fully developed.

Efficiency Tips:

• Use Auto-Water Sprinklers to keep crops growing while offline.
• Trade with NPCs during XP bonus windows.
• Complete daily cake-themed challenges to stock up on rare ingredients.

What Perks Do the Cakes Offer?

Each cake delivers in-game advantages beyond aesthetics:

• Strawberry Dream Cake: Boosts relationships with fruit-loving NPCs and slightly increases garden speed.
• Chocolate Lava Cake: Doubles dessert profits during events—perfect for boosting your coin stash.
• Lemon Herb Cake: Bake it three times to unlock a permanent +5% XP bonus for all gardening tasks.

During seasonal events like the Harvest Moon Festival, placing these cakes on display unlocks exclusive decorations for your homestead.

Community Reactions

Feedback from players across Reddit and Discord has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what the community is saying:

“Did NOT expect to be obsessed with a virtual lemon cake, but here we are.”
— @GreenhouseGamer (Reddit)

“The Ember Crystal mechanic adds a whole new layer. Lava Cake feels like a real achievement.”
— @LunaBakes (Discord)

“I finally feel like a cake boss with the new kitchen upgrades.”
— @SunnySprouts (Reddit)

Have a favorite? Vote in our poll below and tell us which cake you’re baking first.

Why You Should Try These Cakes Now

Whether you’re a returning player or still building your first farm, the 1.19 update gives you a clear reason to dive back in. These cakes aren’t just for show—they offer real advantages that help with XP, trade, and character progression.

This update changes how players interact with their kitchen and garden by introducing new crop mechanisms and faster baking. It’s strategic, it’s fun, and it’s rewarding.

Ready to Bake?

If you haven’t baked one yet, now’s the time. Post your screenshots, recipes, or tips in the comments—we’d love to see what you’re cooking up in your garden kitchen.