[Video] I Tried the Viral Korean Towel Cake and Here Is What Happened

OMG, you guys! TikTok and YouTube Shorts are absolutely blowing up with the Korean towel cake craze, and for good reason! This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a phenomenon born from Korea’s incredible 24/7 convenience store culture, especially at spots like CU and GS25. Everyone’s scrambling to try these ridiculously cute and supposedly delicious crepe creations. But are they really worth the hype? I dove headfirst into this trending K-Food dessert to give you the real tea, so keep scrolling for the full scoop!

My Unfiltered Take: Which Towel Cake Wins?

Alright, here is the honest truth no one else is really saying: while both were fun to try, neither of these towel cakes blew my mind enough for a repurchase. The CU cake was definitely more palatable overall, even with the cocoa explosion everywhere. The GS25 one just had a slightly greasier cream that wasn’t my vibe. If I had to rate them? I would give the CU towel cake a 6.5/10 and the GS25 a 5/10. My pro tip? Pair either of these with a super strong, unsweetened iced Americano. The bitterness cuts through the sweetness perfectly and makes it way more enjoyable. Or better yet, grab a chilled carton of banana milk for a classic Korean combo!

What is a Korean Towel Cake and Where Can I Buy It?

A Korean towel cake is a popular dessert, often a crepe cake rolled or layered, and dusted with cocoa powder, resembling a fluffy towel. It has gone viral on social media for its unique appearance and delicious taste, especially the chocolate variants. You can usually buy these trendy Korean towel cake desserts at major convenience store chains like CU and GS25 in Korea. Look for them in the refrigerated dessert section. If you are not in Korea, some Asian grocery stores might carry similar crepe cakes, but the authentic Korean towel cake experience is best found at the source! [Check out our guide to Korean convenience store snacks!]

My Sweet (and Messy) Towel Cake Adventure

So, I literally just devoured these towel cakes, and let me tell you, it was an experience! The CU towel cake, with its rolled layers and dusting of cocoa, looked like a cozy little blanket. Cutting into it was a chocolate explosion – cocoa powder everywhere! It was packed with a light, sweet chocolate whipped cream and actual chocolate pieces. The taste was pure sweet chocolate joy, not too complex. The GS25 version, with cocoa mixed right into the batter and that handy fork, looked a bit neater initially. But its whipped cream was a tad greasier, and the tiny castella layer inside added a different texture. My big tip? Do NOT wear white when tackling the CU cake, seriously! If you cant find these, try a layered crepe cake from your local grocery store and dust with cocoa for a similar vibe.

Unpacking the Towel Cake Nutrition Facts

When we talk about the Korean convenience store combo, these towel cakes are a sweet treat, for sure. Based on data from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for a typical convenience store dessert of 200g, you are looking at around 450 kcal and 60g of carbohydrates. That is a pretty significant portion of your daily calorie intake, so definitely a treat! What might surprise some is the 900mg of sodium. Yes, even desserts can pack a salty punch! While tasty, it is always good to enjoy these viral treats in moderation.

The Korean Convenience Store Phenomenon

Okay, so if you are not from Korea, you might not grasp how epic our convenience stores are! They are not just for a quick snack; they are culinary hubs, social spots, and lifelines for late-night study sessions or 2AM cravings. Unlike Western convenience stores, Korean spots like CU and GS25 offer an insane range of fresh, trendy, and often chef-quality food, from gourmet bentos to these viral towel cakes. This towel cake trend exploded because these stores are always innovating, perfectly catering to Korea’s fast-paced, always-on culture where convenience meets deliciousness at any hour.

## Nutrition Facts (per serving — Source: Korean Food Safety Ministry)

| Nutrient | Amount |
|:—|:—|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |

> *Serving size: 200g — Korean Convenience Store Combo*

Based on popular YouTube hacks. Original combos by K-FoodDay.