Edible Books

What is Edible Books?

This offbeat competition was started in 1999 by Judith A. Hoffberg and has since become an international event featured on radio, television, and newspapers. All works must be edible and have something to do with books: look like a book, include text to read, or illustrate a theme taken from a book or book title.

When is University Library's Edible Books?

University Library's Edible Books takes place during National Library Week in April each year. 

Winners are selected in the following categories:

  • Best in Show: overall best presentation of food
  • Most Creative Interpretation: overall best interpretation of a book title or cover
  • Best Student Entry: favorite entry from student submissions

How can I participate?

Look for the submission from in Spring 2027!

If you have any questions, please contact Megan Kickbush.

2026 Winners

Best in Show: Paige Gunther – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Best Student Entry: Paige Gunther – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Photograph of a book, a pink cake with green writing on a stand surrounded by cupcakes on a table.

Most Creative Interpretation: Ciara Conley – Dungeon Crawler Carl

Photograph of a yellow cake with stickers surrounding it on a table. Book in background and paper with text in foreground.

Need inspiration? View past Edible Books.

 Let's Go Xavier 2025 Blue Blob cake

Edible Books 2024 beach themed cake

Edible Books 2023 floral cupcakes

Edible Books 2022 bee cake

Edible Books 2021 Best in Show Eric Bucher

Edible Books 2020 Catching Fire cake

Edible Books 2019 We are the Gardeners cake