If you haven’t heard of the Moo Deng trend you must be living under a rock. Moo Daeng is a pygmy hippopotamus that has attracted all the attention of the internet since it was introduced by the officials of Khao Khio Open Zoo in Thailand on July 25, 2024. People all over the world are impressed by this animal’s small stature and adorable movements. Mu Deng, which translates to “bouncy pork,” rose to fame after content creator Yammy Saracino posted about the mammal on social media, The New York Times reports. According to him, Mu Deng was “really bouncy and enthusiastic”.
Also read: Gatorwine: A bizarre drink trend that’s taking social media by storm
Moo Deng has inspired memes, fan art, merchandise, and makeup ideas. Now, it seems the young mammal’s popularity has reached the culinary realm as well. Art director and content creator Lindsay Caton has delighted foodies with her adorable Moo Deng-themed cupcakes. Sharing the video on Instagram, she wrote, “I interrupt the NYC series to bring you, Moo Deng, because she is the cutest pink-cheeked baby hippo dominating my feed right now. I couldn’t possibly eat a bite of this cupcake.”
The video begins with Lindsey Caton creating a ring of gray and pink icing on top of a vanilla cupcake. Next, she overlaps it with another swirl of gray icing. She carves Mu Deng’s facial features with a carving tool. In the next step, Lindsey makes little animal ears with a piping bag and sprinkles on some white food coloring. With black icing, she designs Mu Deng’s eyes, completing the entire process. We agree with Lindsay: The final product is too cute to eat. Watch the full video here.
Also read: “Rice Paper Croissant” Is the Latest Food Trend Going Viral on Social Media
The comments section was flooded with reactions. “Moo Deng doesn’t know he has cupcakes made,” one user said.
“Make one with a mischievous open mouth and crazy eyes. Loving it!” requested one of Moo Deng’s fans.
Praising Lindsay’s creative skills, one person said, “There’s a dewy mist to capture her bright glow (chef’s kiss emoji).”
One foodie called the dessert “the best cupcake ever.”
Expressing similar sentiments, another said, “You are very talented.”
“I would kill for this cupcake,” confessed one impressed eater.
So far this video has received more than 30 million views. Are you also a fan of Mu Deng?
Also read: “Cucumber Guy” takes social media by storm, with viral trend blamed for its scarcity in some places