Alila Shanghai Hotel Presents Yanyu Boutique Cakes: A Dreamy Art of Desserts

Get ready, dessert lovers! Alila Shanghai just dropped Yanyu Boutique Cakes and they’re a total vibe. This isn’t your grandma’s dessert assortment; think dreamy, artsy cakes that look like they were lifted straight from your Pinterest feed but also taste like heaven.

Yanyu, which means “a corner of serenity,” started as part of Chayan @5th at Alila Shanghai Hotel. This cozy spot is where the hotel’s beautiful desserts are born, filled with creativity and inspiration. Now, Yanyu introduces six themed cakes, inviting guests to enjoy these carefully crafted sweet treats and soak up its magical atmosphere. Located on the hotel’s L-floor, Chayan @5th combines traditional tea culture with innovative desserts, creating a perfect place to relax, socialize, and indulge.

The Art of Dessert by Chef Xie

Yanyu’s desserts is the work of Chef Xie, who brings over ten years of experience from Michelin three-star kitchens. His attention to detail and love for top-quality ingredients come through in every bite. The menu features a refined mix of afternoon tea treats and signature sweets, including the standout Lemon Thyme Macaron, the bold and elegant Caviar Cake, and creative favorites like Lemon Thyme Tiramisu, Mont Blanc, Yuzu Cheese Mist Cake, Tropical Encounter, and Golden Pistachio Fantasy. Each creation looks

Caviar Cake

The Caviar Cake is pure indulgence with a twist  rich dark chocolate meets nine-year-aged amber caviar for a bold, unexpected combo. Crunchy hazelnuts and premium Spanish 5J ham bring texture and depth, while a layer of tangy French sour cherry gelée cuts through the richness with just the right amount of zing. It’s luxury, creativity, and flavor all in one stunning bite.

Cocoa Love

Like a fresh pastoral poem, this reinvented tiramisu combines lemon thyme from the hotel’s organic garden on the 5th floor with clouds of mascarpone cheese. The harmony of Arabica coffee and Valrhona cocoa elevates the classic dessert to new heights.

Sweet Chestnut Ballad

A bold take on the classic chestnut cake, this dessert pairs the cozy richness of chestnuts with the smoky depth of Yamazaki whiskey. At the center, a molten persimmon filling meets a refreshing blackcurrant sorbet, adding a burst of fruit and berry brightness. The French chestnut paste, gently infused with whiskey, ties it all together into a warm, nutty, and slightly boozy masterpiece.

Yuzu Cheese Mist Cake

The zesty punch of Japanese yuzu wakes up the creamy blend of French cream cheese and mascarpone, like a fresh morning breeze. Lightly baked to keep the dairy silky and fresh, this cake leaves a delicate yuzu aroma that lingers softly on the palate, just like morning mist.

Tropical Encounter

Tropical flavors take center stage in this vibrant cake, with tangy passionfruit and mango gelée, airy cream whipped into a light coconut mist, and a fun mix of juicy cherries and crunchy nuts. It’s like a sunny getaway for your taste buds.

Golden Pistachio Fantasy

Golden Pistachio Fantasy is pure pistachio heaven. It combines the deep, intense flavor of Valrhona 70% Guanaja dark chocolate with generous crunchy crushed pistachios, creating a rich and nutty sensation. Bright pickled yellow apricots add a zesty twist, balancing the sweetness and making this cake truly unforgettable.

With the precision of a craftsman and the vision of an artist, Chef Xie brings unique flavors and delicate details to every dessert. In the calm, elegant setting of Yanyu, each creation tells a story of seasons, culture, and feeling. Using premium ingredients and a creative touch, these desserts offer layers of warmth and surprise in every bite. Yanyu takes the luxury hotel dessert experience to a new level, an elegant, sweet escape where time slows and your senses come alive.