This expression is used for anything that is sold very quickly, effortlessly, and in quantity. It is of American origin, where hot cakes cooked in bear grease or pork lard were popular from earliest times. First made of cornmeal, the griddle cakes or pancakes were best when served hot and were often sold at church benefits or fairs. The saying became popular by the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Übersetzung:

weggehen wie warme Semmeln

Gegenteil(e)

The opposite of "to sell like hot cakes" is "to be a non-seller".

Synonym(e):

You could also say: to be a great commercial success.