A Cake Walk through History

October 29th, 2015

Earlier it was known as a modification of bread. Now, cake has come a long way. Numerous recipes and flavours, this dessert is definitely a favourite for all across the world.

The Etymology

The word Cake has a Viking origin. Those who are keen to know about cake delivery online must know the fact that the word cake originally comes from the word Kaka.

In ancient Rome, breads were made of honey and milk to make it soft. Later, it was enriched with egg and sugar and was given the name of cake.

Cheese cake is an invention of Greece which was made of goat milk then.

Sponge cake found its origin in Spain during Renaissance period. The main ingredients were beaten egg, thickened milk and sugar.

Cakes made in early England were also a form of bread. The only difference was that the cake was round and flat shaped.

French word, gateau (cake) had come into the English Language during the 19th century but was not used for any cake recipe instead it was used for referring to a dish, which was made with meat.

Fun Facts you did not know

  • The National Cake Day is on November 26th.
  • In Germany, Chocolate Cake Day is celebrated on 11th June.
  • In Scotland, the idea of a cake was a thick hard biscuit made of oatmeal.
  • The world’s largest wedding cake was made in the year 2004 and it weighed 15,032 lb.
  • The concept of birthday cake came to light in England in the year 1785.
  • In 17th century England, fruit cakes were kept under the pillow of an unmarried. It was believed that this will give them sweet dreams about their fiancé.

The Past Glory

Many years ago, Celtic people used to celebrate a festival called Beltane Festival. They used to light a bonfire on a hilltop and rolled down round shaped cakes from the top of the hill. If the cake does not break it will bring good fortune; that is what they believed.

Nowadays, cutting a wedding cake is a very common ritual. But earlier it was a bit different.  People used to end a wedding ceremony by breaking a big bread loaf on the bride’s head or by simply throwing pieces of bread on her.

When a couple invited their friends and relatives in their wedding, they brought a layered cake piled with apple stacks in each layer. The popularity of the couple depended on the number of layers on the cake.

Cheesecakes have a very ancient origin. It is said that during the first Game of Olympics, cheesecakes were given to the athletes.

The sweetest and most appreciated dessert around the world is Cake. When there is a cake, it brings immediate smile into many faces. Prepared in various shapes, forms and flavours, they are the most delicious thing that one can crave for. Be a birthday or a wedding or any other happy occasion, Cake is a wonderful gift. People love to receive a cake as it makes them happy.