Shake Your Tailfeathers: Peacocake’s Pretty Christmas Treats

Another cake shop, opened by a Chinese couple? You’d be forgiven for having your doubts, but don’t write Peacocake off just yet. Their stacked cupcakes, perfect little macarons and decorated sugar cookies might look almost too good to eat, but rest assured they are not.

As with many such shops, this one starts with a cute story. When co-owner Ron was studying at the University of Pennsylvania, his wife Rachel devoted hours to watching the Food Network and learning French pastry technique from an elderly neighbor. They soon decided their dream was to open up shop in Beijing, and then set to work fattening up the UPenn squirrel population with their sample treats.

Peacocake’s been up and running for a few months and now it’s not just squirrels who are benefitting from Rachel’s baking skills. This holiday season, they’re launching a bevy of Christmas-themed treats.

Their cupcakes are moist with a very fine, even crumb. The cake itself has almost no sweetness to it, making room on your sugar receptors for the smooth buttercream frosting. I’ve never been accused of being a sweet tooth, but I found the balance pleasant. The Christmas box (RMB 88) will include two each of their red velvet and black tea cupcakes. Their cookies (RMB 64 for a box of eight), shaped like tree ornaments and stars, are miniature, slightly cracklier versions of the shortbread most of us grew up with in the West. Little gingerbread men will also be available, as well as a gingerbread house (RMB 80).

If you’re one who needs some home-style treats to truly usher in the holidays, consider this your tip.

Peacocake 匹考克甜品 Daily 11am-7pm. Shop 2211, 2/F, North Tower, Soho Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5869 9663) 东大桥路8号北塔2楼2211号商铺

By subway: 600m west of Jintaixizhao station (Line 10)

Click here to see the December issue of the Beijinger in full.

This article originally appeared on page 37 of the December issue of the Beijinger.

Photos: Sui