Cakes need no introduction. We mention the term ‘Delicious’ and the first word that pops in the head is CAKES! Cakes have always been an integral part of any celebration. But the evolution of these delicious sweet treats has been pretty long and quite interesting. Cakes have seen it all- the transformation from baked-hard-on-both-sides to the current mushy and soft delicacy!The choicest, yummiest cakes we eat today trails its way back to 8th century with so many beliefs and customs attached to it. In fact, there’s a National Cake Day on November 26th too. It’s time for you to be enlightened with some interesting cake facts that we bet you would never forget after reading!
1. Kake to Cake
The term ‘cake’ originated from North Germanic word ‘kaka’.
2. The Basic Cake
Romans initiated the concept of cakes and back then in 8th century, cakes had a simpler version unlike the modern ones which are a mix of flavourful ingredients. The basic bread was used and given consistency with butter and eggs. Honey was used as a sweetener.
3. Blowing Out The Candles Has A Story
Earlier, people used to blow candles one at a time so that the smoke carries their prayers to heaven. Besides, the cake was offered to the Goddess of Moon and the candles were symbols of moon’s shining light. Although, such a tradition is not believed in the modern times but it is definitely followed.
4. We Just Got Lucky With Red Velvet
One of the interesting cake facts about Red Velvet is rather interesting. Once a woman ate the Red Velvet cake in the restaurant and got quite fond of it. She asked the restaurant for the recipe and they charged $100 for the same. She got furious and circulated the recipe widely as a revenge.
5. Could Cakes Help In Finding A Soulmate Too?
Long back in US, keeping a fruit cake under the pillow was considered auspicious. Because of the belief, many bridesmaid would follow the concept to get married soon or find a good husband.
6. The Cakewalk Dance
The African-American communities in Southern United began the cakewalk dance competition which meant graceful walking. Whoever did the cakewalk best was given a cake as the prize.
7. There’s A Record For The Tallest Cake Too
The world’s tallest cake was baked for Christmas by students and staff members of Hakasima-Nilasari Culinary School in Jakarta, Indonesia. The cake stood 108 feet, 3 inches high.
Also Read: Some Less Known Facts About Butterscotch
8. Not the Bouquet Toss, It’s Pulling Out The Charm That Would Get You Married
In some parts of the US, it was a tradition for the single women to pull out the ribbon from inside the bouquet. One of the ribbons was attached to the charm and whoever pulled out the charm was the next one to marry.
9. We Are The Blessed Generation
Earlier when the craze for the cake had just begun, people used to travel far and wide to get the birthday cakes. At that time, baking tools, techniques and ingredients were very expensive and owned only by a few high society bakeries.
10. The Fun Cake Stack Custom
The cake stacking custom was very popular in weddings earlier. Each guest was expected to bring a layer of the cake and it was stacked with apple butter. The higher the cake was, more popular the couple was believed to be.
So, there you have it! Interesting cake facts and the delicious history. Like everything else, cakes have evolved with time too. So the next time you indulge in this little luxury, think awhile about the journey of cakes over time!
