If you haven’t heard about the Moo Deng trend, you might be living under a rock. Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus who has captured the internet’s attention since being introduced by the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand on July 25, 2024. The animal’s small size and adorable antics have charmed people worldwide. Moo Deng, which translates to “bouncy pork,” skyrocketed to fame after content creator Yammi Saracino posted about the hippo on social media. As reported by The New York Times, Saracino described Moo Deng as “really bouncy and feisty.”
Moo Deng’s popularity has led to a surge of memes, fan art, merchandise, and even makeup ideas. Recently, its charm has extended into the culinary world. Art director and content creator Lindsey Katon has delighted food lovers with a whimsical Moo Deng-themed cupcake. Sharing the video on Instagram, she wrote, “I interrupt the NYC series to bring you, Moo Deng, because she is the cutest baby hippo with rosy cheeks dominating my feed right now. I couldn’t possibly take a bite out of this cupcake.”
In the video, Lindsey begins by piping a ring of grey and pink icing over a vanilla cupcake. She then adds another layer of swirly grey icing before crafting Moo Deng’s facial features using a carving tool. Lindsey shapes the hippo’s tiny ears with a piping bag and sprays on some white food coloring. Finally, she uses black icing to create Moo Deng’s eyes, completing the adorable design. Many viewers agree with Lindsey: the final cupcake is just too cute to eat.
The post has received an overwhelming response, with over 30 million views. Reactions in the comments section reflect the audience’s adoration for both Moo Deng and the cupcake. One user humorously noted, “Moo Deng has no idea she has cupcakes made of her.” Another fan requested, “Make one with a mischievous open mouth and crazy eyes. Love it!”
Praise for Lindsey’s creativity was abundant, with one comment stating, “The dewy mist to capture her radiant glow is (chef’s kiss emoji).” A food enthusiast labeled the dessert “the most perfect cupcake ever,” while another exclaimed, “You‘re so talented.” An impressed foodie even confessed, “I would kill for this cupcake.”
Moo Deng has undeniably captured hearts across the internet, inspiring joy and creativity in various forms. Are you a fan of Moo Deng?
