National Cake Day is celebrated every year on November 26th, honoring one of the world’s oldest and most universally beloved desserts.
History of Cake
Cake has an incredibly long history, with the earliest cake-like foods dating back to around 2000 BCE in ancient Egypt, where naturally leavened, honey-sweetened grain dishes were baked for pharaohs. By the 5th century BCE, ancient Greeks were enriching their cakes with oil, eggs, and butter, calling them “plakous,” often offering them to the gods during celebrations and festivals. The Romans developed their own version, called “placenta,” often baked on a pastry base.
Cake continued evolving through the Middle Ages and into the era of European royal courts, where elaborate, refined cakes became symbols of wealth and status. Queen Victoria’s wedding cake in the 19th century famously introduced pure white icing, now known as royal icing, and reportedly weighed an astonishing 300 pounds. The exact origin of National Cake Day as an observance is genuinely disputed, with one account crediting the Food Network in 2011, though most sources agree the precise founding is undocumented.
Simple Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients (makes one 2-layer cake):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting with your favorite buttercream.
Fun Facts About Cake
- The earliest cake-like foods date back to around 2000 BCE in ancient Egypt.
- Ancient Greeks called their version “plakous,” often offering it to the gods during festivals.
- Queen Victoria’s wedding cake famously introduced pure white icing, now known as royal icing.
- The word “cake” is believed to derive from the Old Norse word “kaka.”
- Duncan Hines and other companies popularized boxed cake mixes in the mid-20th century, making home cake baking far more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Cake Day?
National Cake Day is celebrated annually on November 26th.
What’s the difference between a cake and a torte?
Tortes are typically denser and often made with ground nuts instead of flour, while traditional cakes rely on flour and tend to have a lighter, more airy texture.
Why is Queen Victoria’s wedding cake historically significant?
Her cake was the first to feature pure white icing, which became known as royal icing and set a lasting trend for wedding cakes going forward.