Kicking Off 2026 the Sweet Way
Welcome to Fudge Sake: Unwrapped
If you've ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at Fudge Sake- beyond the bakes, the boxes, and the Instagram posts- you're in the right place.
This blog is where we unwrap it all. The taste testing, the planning, the events, the experiments that nearly made it, and the ones that absolutely did. Honest, Fun and occasionally fuelled by cake.
Let's start at the beginning...
January Resolutions... Still Going or Already Negotiating?
January gets a bad reputation, but we're choosing to see it as a reset, not a punishment.
It's the month of good intentions- moving more, spending less, feeling better- and while not every resolution survives past February (we won't name names), there's something refreshing about a clean slate. Balance is the goal, not perfection.
If things look a little quiet at Fudge Sake right now, that's intentional. The website is taking a short pause and will be restocked in February. January tends to be slower for events- people are recovering from a busy Christmas, watching the pennies (especially when it feels like no one's been paid in forever), and embracing their new healthy habits.
But behind the scenes? We've been busy.
January is our planning month. Confirming bookings, researching and testing new products, investing in new equipment, and quietly getting excited about what's coming.
There's also a lot of taste testing involved- which I'm very happy to help with- because quality control is important and someone has to make sure only the best reaches you.
And just to be clear... I am definitely not the baker. That title belongs firmly to Martin (AKA Stoter)
That said, personal bake orders don't stop in January- because people are still born in January and they deserve celebrating. This month included the main man himself, Stoter, who celebrated on the 14th. His favourite cake? A classic carrot cake.
I've made him a cake once or twice- which is mildly terrifying when the recipient is an actual baker. My piping skills were questionable, judgement was visible... but it got eaten, so lets call that a win!
So alongside "running off the taste testing," I maybe adding cake decorating lessons to my 2026 resolutions. For me. Not the business you'll be pleased to hear.
First Events of the year- Booked & Buzzing
First up- our very first launch party in March. This will be an exclusive event where we'll be introducing a brand- new product, celebrating Fudge Sake turning 5 and gathering feedback, doing some very important taste testing, and capturing content to share with you from April onwards. It's the first time we've done anything like this, and we're ridiculously excited.
We're also heading back to Carterton May Day for the third year in a row. Always a great vibe. Last year, the strawberry cups with pistachio sauce and kataifi were the unexpected star of the show- so naturally, the pressure's on to top that this year.
Then there's Lone Wolf Comedy Festival - One of our absolute favourites. Last year was incredible. (and exhausting). We sold out every night and ended up baking late into the evening to keep up. This year, we're coming prepared with our classics, new ranges and plenty of stock. Let's see if we can top getting a shout-out from the legend Russell Howard...
And Finally- Farm Fest. This is our biggest event to date, and we're genuinely buzzing. We're huge fans of what Jeremy Clarkson and his team represent for farming and supporting local businesses, so being part of this feels massive.
And it's only January.
It's shaping up to be a very sweet year.
Taste Testing Valentines Treats
Valentine's Day- love it or hate it, it's a great excuse to show a little appreciation. partner, bestie, family, or yourself. No judgement here.
This year we're bringing back our large heart cookies, topped with vanilla frosting, themed sprinkles, and personalised messages. And when we say personalised we mean everything. We've seen it all. You do you.
These cookies are made for sharing. Breaking them, ripping them, dipping them in sauce. My personal favourite? Pistachio. the crowd favourite? Nutella- every single time.
We're also offering a Valentine's Hamper Box, filled with:
Strawberry & Cream and a Ferrero Rocher Cookie
Two Love Brownies
A Jammy Dodger Blondie
Two Valentine Themed Fudgsicles.
It's perfect for a cosy night in, a family movie night, or a Galentine's treat. The standout for me? The strawberry & Cream cookie- crumbly, fresh, and genuinely luxurious. Sweet cravings: cured.
Themed Bakes: Are 'Traitors' Treats Worth the Drama?
Right... who else is watching The Traitors?
We weren't sure they'd top the celebrity version- but the twists, the turns and the drama have been unreal. And Fiona? Absolute chaos. Iconic.
We're also strangely invested in the catering. Why does it always look so good? Fun fact: the food is designed to keep energy levels high during long filming days- meaning comfort food and indulgent desserts. very relatable.
So when we were asked to create Traitor-themed cupcakes for a birthday, we were all in. Chocolate cupcakes, Oreo buttercream, emerald green cases, and edible wafer toppers made in collaboration with SCM Creations, who now have a shiny new edible printer.
These cupcakes are guaranteed showstoppers- faithful or traitor, everyone wins when there's cake.
What's Next?
More events are already in the diary, with plenty still to be confirmed. We'll be popping up at Bicester Town events throughout the year and at various spots around Oxfordshire, so chances are we'll be near you at some point (with all the treats and good stuff!)
If you've got an event coming up and would like Fudge Sake there- or need sweet stuff catering that people actually remember, give us a shout. We love being part of great events and meeting new faces.
There are also competitions and new collaborations on the way. At the moment my lips are sealed- but trust us, you're going to want to stay involved. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Fudge sake, and we're enjoying every minute of it.
Thank you for being part of the journey so far. We can't wait to see you out and about this year- treats in hand.
Stay sweet. See you soon.
