In recent years, there’s been demand for over-the-top treats that not only satisfy people’s sweet tooth, but also provide them with eye-catching content to post in their social feeds. From cronuts and other hybrid desserts to ice cream that changes colors or is served in rolled form, eateries have gone to extreme lengths to stand out. The latest craze to catch on globally is “freakshakes”—milkshakes with desserts spilling out of them.
The freakshake phenomenon first took off last summer when Pâtissez, a bakery and café in Canberra, Australia, introduced milkshake-filled mason jars, topped high with whipped cream, pretzels, marshmallows, and even whole brownies and pecan pie. The decadent desserts, which the restaurant dubbed “Freakshows,” quickly went viral, drawing hours-long lines. Pâtissez has maintained its reputation as a must-visit dessert destination by introducing new flavors and expanding its selection of elaborate cakes that overflow with toppings, too. Inevitably, its viral popularity has influenced bakeries around the world, who have since added freakshakes to their menus.
