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The strange untold story of the cake
Cake is undoubtedly one of the most popular desserts found around the world. The history of cake goes back a staggering amount of time – millennia – and has evolved dramatically over time and geography. There are so many different types that once you dive into this sweet history, you may wonder, “What is a cake anyway?” From a historical perspective, a cake can be anything from a sweet yeast cake like panettone, to a dense fruit cake, to the more common light and fluffy grocery store birthday cake we’re familiar with in the United States.
Even within this range, however, there are many varieties, including genoise, sponge cake, pound cake, and more. The ingredients and techniques may vary, but each is still a cake. So how did this delicious treat find its way into our lives and almost every major milestone? We celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations, just about everything with a cake. The strange history and evolution of cake may surprise you.
Cake began in ancient Egypt
Cakes exist in some form throughout the world and in virtually every culture. It is impossible to say exactly who created the first cake and where it was made. However, some of the earliest forms of cake are thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians were some of the earliest bakers, making grain-based baked desserts sweetened with honey, dried fruit, nuts, and even wine. If this sounds like bread, that is because it functionally was. At that time, the distinction between bread and cake did not exist. While this may be different from today’s cakes, it set the stage for more to come.
In addition, the Romans developed similar bready cakes that also incorporated nuts and fruits. These early cakes were not the light and fluffy cakes we have come to love; they were dense and substantial. Fortunately, baking technology has advanced since then. Both ingredients and cooking equipment have been modernized over time, allowing for innovation and variety in cakes.
The Greeks gave us cheesecake
The ancient Egyptians can claim the earliest known cake, and the ancient Romans made their own varieties, but they were certainly not the only ones to experiment with sweetened baked desserts. The ancient Greeks had a cake called plakous, made with honey and nuts, similar to the Egyptian cake, as well as satura, a heavy cake. Both were relatively flat. In 230 A.D., the Greeks also gave the world the first recorded recipe for cheesecake, for which we will be eternally grateful. This cake was called placenta, a derivative of the Greek plakous. Eventually, this type of cheesecake spread to Rome, where a similar libum was a cake used for religious practices.
Even into the 1300s, what was considered a cake to many modern Americans was really just yeast-leavened bread that contained ingredients such as sugar, spices, and butter. These sweet and rich ingredients helped distinguish it from the everyday table bread. In medieval Europe, fruit cakes and gingerbread were more common because they could be stored for much longer than a simple bread or cake.
The word may derive from Swedish
As mentioned above, for a long time there was no distinction between cake and bread. However, when discussing the terms “cake” and “bread,” it is important to remember that these are both English words. Languages naturally adapt and change over time, and it is not surprising that there are a variety of non-English terms for both foods, and that over time English developed its own distinction between the products.
So where did the word cake come from? Well, from a frankly strange source, the ancient word “kaka”. That’s right, a term that is now a homonym for a slang word meaning poop. Kaka is still the Swedish word for cake. The first use of kaka in English comes from the 13th century. It may be related to the Dutch word koek, which not only evolved into the English word cookie, but also has the same root as the German word for cake: kuchen. English has always been a hodgepodge of other languages, taking the odd word or grammar rule and throwing it together with existing usage to create something entirely new.
Advances in technology have brought us cake as we know it today.
The first major change from older style cakes to more modern cakes did not occur until the 1600s. Several important events led to this change. First, refined sugar, which probably originated in New Guinea, became more widely available to Europeans. In addition, advances in cooking technology led to a huge change in the shape of cakes.
In addition, advances in cooking technology, such as the invention of temperature-controlled ovens, improved baking techniques. With more precise control over baking temperatures, bakers were able to achieve lighter and fluffier cakes. This marked a shift from the dense and substantial cakes of antiquity to the lighter, more delicate cakes we enjoy today.
Continuing evolution and diversity
Over time, cakes continued to evolve and diversify. Different regions and cultures developed their own unique cake traditions and recipes. In medieval Europe, fruit cakes and gingerbread were popular because of their long shelf life. These cakes could be stored for long periods of time, making them suitable for special occasions and celebrations.
During the Renaissance, elaborate cake designs became a symbol of wealth and status. Intricate cake decorations, including sugar sculptures and ornate icing, were displayed at grand feasts and banquets. The artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these extravagant cakes were highly prized.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought further advances in baking technology. The availability of baking powder and other leavening agents revolutionized the cake-making process. Bakers no longer had to rely solely on yeast for leavening, allowing them to create lighter and more consistent cakes. This era also saw the rise of layer cakes, with multiple layers of cake separated by frosting or filling.
With the advent of refrigeration in the 20th century, cakes became even more varied and complex. Refrigeration made it possible to use perishable ingredients such as cream and fresh fruit in cake recipes. This led to the creation of creamy and fruity cakes, such as cheesecakes and mousse cakes, which are still popular today.
Cake: A symbol of celebration
Throughout history, cake has been closely associated with celebrations and special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, anniversary or graduation, cake has become an integral part of the festivities. The act of cutting and sharing a cake has become a time-honored tradition that symbolizes joy, togetherness, and the celebration of significant milestones.
From its humble origins in ancient Egypt to the decadent creations of today, the history of cake is a testament to human creativity, innovation, and the universal love of sweet treats. As we continue to explore new flavors, techniques, and designs, cake remains a beloved dessert that brings people together in celebration.
So the next time you enjoy a slice of cake, take a moment to appreciate the rich and strange history behind this delicious dessert. It’s a fascinating journey that spans centuries and continents, reflecting the diverse cultures and traditions that have contributed to the ever-evolving world of cake.
FAQS
Where does cake come from?
The exact origin of cake is uncertain, but some of the earliest forms of cake are believed to have come from ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians made grain-based baked desserts sweetened with honey, dried fruit, nuts, and even wine. But similar cake-like creations were also developed by the Romans and Greeks.
How has cake evolved over time?
Cake has evolved considerably over time. From the dense and substantial cakes of ancient times, advances in baking technology, the availability of refined sugars, and the introduction of new ingredients have led to lighter and fluffier cakes. Different regions and cultures have also contributed to the diversity of cake recipes, resulting in a wide range of flavors, designs, and techniques.
What is the relationship between cake and bread?
In ancient times, there was no clear distinction between cake and bread. Early cakes were often similar to sweetened bread, made with ingredients such as sugar, spices, and butter. Over time, as baking technology advanced and refined sugar became more accessible, cakes began to take on distinct characteristics, including different shapes, flavors, and textures.
How did cake become associated with celebrations?
Throughout history, cake has been closely associated with celebrations and special occasions. The act of cutting and sharing a cake has become a tradition that symbolizes joy, togetherness, and the celebration of significant milestones. The elaborate designs and decorations of cakes at the great feasts and banquets of the Renaissance also elevated the cake as a symbol of wealth and status.
What role has technology played in the evolution of the cake?
Technological advances have played a crucial role in the evolution of cake. The availability of refined sugar, advances in cooking technology such as temperature-controlled ovens, and the invention of ring molds for shaping cakes all contributed to the development of lighter, more indulgent, and visually appealing cakes. The Industrial Revolution further revolutionized cake-making with the introduction of baking powder and other leavening agents.
How has cake continued to diversify in modern times?
In modern times, cakes have continued to diversify in terms of flavors, designs, and ingredients. The advent of refrigeration made it possible to use perishable ingredients such as cream and fresh fruit in cake recipes, leading to the creation of creamy and fruity cakes such as cheesecakes and mousse cakes. Today, bakers experiment with different techniques and flavors, resulting in a wide range of cake options to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.