The two cakes rule is a mindset that encourages writers as well as creators to not be afraid of writing something that is similar to what already exists because, in the eyes of the audience, "two cakes are considered better than one".
The two cakes rule is popular in fanfiction and creative communities.
And the two cakes rule means that if a reader likes a particular trope or story, then they would also be happy to read another version of it from a different author, as each version offers a unique take on the idea.
The two cakes rule is also meant to overcome the insecurity which can arise from a fear of being unoriginal, and asserts that readers enjoy seeing different creators' interpretations of a popular premise.
The core concept of the "two cakes rule" is that if a reader loves a certain type of story, then they would also be happy to see more of them, even if they are similar.
Each new "cake" story adds to the available options and offers a unique perspective.
And the "two cakes rule" phrase comes from a Tumblr post that features a comic in which someone is upset when comparing their cake which is imperfect to another's cake that is perfect, only for a third person to exclaim, "all right! Two cakes!".
And while the two cakes rule is helpful in overcoming of creative paralysis, it's not a blanket solution for all situations.
And some creators may also not feel fulfilled writing something that they feel has been done before, and the two cakes rule is not meant to be a dismissive answer to someone that is seeking advice on how to improve their craft.
It's also important to note that the two cakes rule is not about "copying" another work, which is seen as unhelpful and malicious and instead it's about creating a new, original piece that happens to share a similar premise or theme with another work.