Let Them Eat Birthday Cake!

Written by: Amanda Csolak – Spice blogger for Spice Station Silverlake

Birthdays hold a timeless significance and have been celebrated across cultures for thousands of years. Every culture boasts its own distinct traditions and delectable baked goods that contribute to creating memorable and enjoyable birthday celebrations. In this blog post, we will delve into the rich history, diverse traditions, and artful presentation of birthday baked goods. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of birthday festivities!

The Origin of Birthday Cakes, Cookies, and Candles

According to historians, the celebration of birthdays can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Ancient Egyptians, for instance, believed that pharaohs attained divine status upon their coronation, which was seen as their “birth” as gods. Consequently, festivities were held to commemorate these coronations, similar to modern-day birthday parties. As part of these celebrations, the Egyptians served special cookies known as “Khak” cookies, paying homage to the sun god Ra. These cookies, made with flour, butter, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk, symbolized another successful journey around the sun and continue to be used in birthday celebrations to this day.

In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, cakes played a significant role in birthday festivities. The Romans, in particular, incorporated cakes into their birthday and wedding celebrations. These round cakes were made with ingredients such as flour, nuts, leavened yeast, and honey, providing a sweet flavor. Similarly, the Ancient Greeks honored the sixth day of the lunar year with moon-shaped cakes adorned with lit candles. These cakes were dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the moon. The tradition of using lit candles on cakes can be traced back to this practice, as the candles symbolized the moon’s glow. In various ancient Pagan cultures, including Greece and Rome, candles on cakes were believed to scare away evil spirits, and the smoke from the candles was thought to carry prayers to the gods. Lighting candles and creating noise during birthday celebrations were seen as protective measures against malevolent spirits.

The Evolution and Commercialization of the Birthday Cake

As time passed, birthday cakes underwent further transformations. In the early 1400s, German bakeries pioneered the sale of sweet cakes specifically marketed for children’s birthday parties. These celebrations, known as Kinderfest, featured cakes called Geburtstagorten. Initially, these cakes were a luxury reserved for the wealthy, but with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, they became more accessible throughout Germany.

By the 1700s, German children were greeted on their birthdays with cakes that boasted multiple layers, icing, and decorations, accompanied by candles. The cakes were adorned with granulated and confectioner’s sugars to achieve a delightful sweetness. Candles were also utilized as decorative elements, with the number of candles on the cake representing the child’s age plus one, symbolizing hope for another healthy year. The tradition of blowing out candles on a birthday cake is recorded as early as 1881 in Switzerland. Each candle represented a year of life, and they were blown out individually, one by one, as part of the celebration.

The Love for Birthday Cake Around The World

The tradition of using decorated cakes and candles for birthday celebrations has continued for many Americans of European descent. These cakes have evolved to include multiple layers, various fillings, and a wide array of flavors. In the United States, alternative options like cupcakes have also become popular for birthday celebrations. Similarly, different cultures worldwide have their own unique approaches to celebrating birthdays with various types of cakes. However, some form of the birthday cake has become a staple in nearly every culture.

Throughout history, birthday cakes have maintained their essence as sweet treats, often achieved through the inclusion of sugar or honey in the batter. Confectioner’s sugar is commonly used for icing, fondant, and frosting, lending birthday cakes their distinct visual appeal. Its smooth texture contributes to achieving the desired consistency for frostings. Fruit, candies, and sprinkles are used as decorations and garnishes, providing the final sweet touch to these beloved birthday staples.

In many ways, the history of birthday cakes reflects the history of sugar’s use in baked goods and celebrations. Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians utilized sweet cookies known as Khaks as a delectable treat for celebrations. Today, elaborate cakes adorned with sugar and frosting continue to be cherished for birthday festivities. Regardless of the era, country, or culture, sugar serves as the foundation for a delightful treat to sweeten birthday celebrations.

Picking a Favorite Flavor of Birthday Cake

When asked which flavor of birthday cake is preferred, most adults will relate back to their favorites from childhood. Whichever flavor of cake was served then is likely their top favorite as an adult. Today in America and other countries worldwide, there are endless options available for nearly everyone who enjoys eating cake. There are even options for those who have to watch their gluten or sugar intake and those who choose to follow a vegan diet.

Cake Flavors and Types Ranked From Worst To Best

Maybe you prefer chocolate cake or carrot cake, or maybe it’s good ol’ fashioned yellow cake with chocolate icing. Do you think your favorite ranks number one? You might be surprised to learn that some well-known cakes did not make the top ten list. Some cakes, like pound cake, ice cream cake, and even pineapple-upside-down cake. a personal favorite of mine, rank as some of the least favorites when compared to other more popular flavors and types of birthday cake. 

Let’s dive into the batter and discuss which flavors rank at the top, according to recent polls.

Top Ten Favorite Cake Flavors 

10. Spice Cake: Spice cake is renowned for its robust combination of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, and some variations may incorporate dried ginger for heat or cardamom for added zest. From a flavor standpoint, spice cake is highly regarded. However, it can be prone to becoming dense and heavy due to the limited ingredients that help maintain a light and fluffy texture. To counterbalance this, cream cheese icing can be added to offer a sweet contrast to the spices, and chopped nuts can be included for additional texture and crunch.
11. Pumpkin Cake: For those who adore the pumpkin spice craze, pumpkin cake is undoubtedly a favorite among cake flavors. Canned pumpkin puree is a baking essential as it adds a significant amount of moisture to cakes, cupcakes, and various baked goods. If you’re not particularly enthusiastic about the pumpkin-everything trend during the fall, you’ll be pleased to know that pumpkin cake doesn’t have an overpowering flavor on its own. However, you have the option to enhance the taste of your pumpkin cake by incorporating additional spices and increasing the ratio of canned pumpkin. Alternatively, you can use pumpkin as an ingredient to elevate your spice cake to new heights. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add depth and moistness to your baked treats.
12. Carrot Cake: Carrot is a versatile cake flavor that introduces a key ingredient to add variety to the spiced sponge. Depending on the recipe you choose, you can incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruits into the batter, providing additional texture. This makes carrot cake more adaptable compared to other cake flavors. While homemade cream cheese icing is the most common frosting for carrot cake, you also have the option to leave the cake unfrosted and still enjoy a satisfying break from the sponge’s flavor.
13. Coffe Cake: While coffee cake may appear to be a straightforward cake variety, it actually offers opportunities for flavor enhancement. You can elevate the taste of coffee cake by incorporating ingredients such as fruit, chocolate ganache (as seen in a chocolate Turkish coffee cake), or chopped nuts. The crumb strudel topping, which provides a delightful texture, serves as its own “icing,” eliminating the need for additional layers of cream cheese or buttercream frosting. With these additions, coffee cake becomes a versatile and delectable treat that goes beyond its traditional form.
14. Hummingbird Cake: Hummingbird cake is a beloved Southern classic that features a moist blend of mashed bananas, crushed pineapples, and toasted pecans. The cake boasts a multitude of tropical flavors, and for an extra touch, a splash of rum can elevate this Southern dessert to new heights. Traditionally, hummingbird cake is served as a layered cake with cream cheese frosting, which beautifully complements its flavors. However, if you prefer, you can also opt for a classic American buttercream or a light vanilla glaze as frosting alternatives. Hummingbird cake embodies the warm and welcoming spirit of Southern hospitality, offering a delightful treat that captures the essence of indulgence and comfort.
15. German Chocolate Cake: Old-fashioned German chocolate cake may not be the intensely chocolatey cake you envision, but it has its own unique charm that sets it apart. The cake features a dark chocolate sponge, which provides a rich flavor foundation and is adorned with a distinctive buttercream frosting variation. The buttercream incorporates evaporated milk, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and coconut shavings. While this combination offers a delightful departure from the chocolate sponge (which is not often found in other chocolate cake varieties), the true essence of German chocolate cake lies in the harmonious blend of pecans, coconut, and chocolate. This creates a distinct flavor profile that adds an element of inflexibility to the cake. Embracing the combination of pecans, coconut, and chocolate is key to experiencing the true essence of a German chocolate cake.
16. Yellow Cake: Yellow cake is often regarded as the Swiss Army knife of the cake world, thanks to its versatility and nostalgic appeal. Many of us have fond memories of enjoying yellow cake with chocolate frosting at birthday parties and special celebrations. Whether baked from a Duncan Hines box or made from scratch, yellow cake holds a special place in our hearts. While it may not boast the same level of flavor complexity as other cake varieties, its adaptability shines through in terms of frosting and flavoring options. Buttercream frostings, whether chocolate or vanilla, perfectly complement yellow cake and offer ample room for creativity. You can enhance the cake’s presentation by decorating it with chopped fruits, nuts, or candies, all without overpowering the subtle vanilla undertones that make yellow cake so comforting and familiar. Yellow cake’s ability to accommodate a range of frostings and toppings ensures its enduring popularity among cake enthusiasts.
17. Chocolate Cake: When we say “chocolate cake,” most people picture the image of a rich and indulgent treat that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. It’s the kind of cake that provides comfort during tough times and brings a smile to your face. Whether you opt for a classic nostalgic chocolate layer cake with fudge frosting or bake it as a sheet cake to feed a crowd, the dense texture and intense flavor make it an irresistible choice. You can even break with tradition and pair the luscious chocolate sponge with a velvety vanilla or cream cheese buttercream for a delightful twist. Chocolate cake offers a depth of flavor that surpasses yellow cake while still offering the same versatility to experiment and unleash your creativity in the kitchen.
18. Red Velvet Cake: Describing the taste of red velvet cake is not a simple task. It possesses a unique flavor profile that combines elements of a chocolate cake with a hint of tanginess from buttermilk; all topped with a delectable cream cheese frosting. The complexity of flavors and textures in a red velvet cake, coupled with its stunning visual appeal, make it a timeless favorite. Originally, the vibrant red color of the cake was achieved using specific types of cocoa powder in the sponge. The combination of flavors, along with its distinctive hue, contributes to the allure and enduring popularity of red velvet cake.
19. Devil’s Food Cake: When it comes to cake flavors, devil’s food cake takes the top tier without a doubt. As the predecessor to red velvet cake, devil’s food cake shares some of the same characteristics in terms of flavor and texture. What sets devil’s food cake apart is its incredible combination of lightness and moisture. It achieves a fluffy and tender crumb that is unparalleled. The chocolate flavor in devil’s food cake is more pronounced and bold, yet it maintains a delightful balance without becoming overly dense. This is thanks to the slightly higher amount of baking soda used in the recipe. While devil’s food cake is often paired with chocolate buttercream, it also welcomes other flavors that complement chocolate well. One of our personal favorites is adding a touch of orange zest, which adds a delightful citrusy twist to the cake. Devil’s food cake truly reigns supreme with its irresistible texture, rich flavor, and endless possibilities for flavor experimentation.

The Best Devil’s Food Cake Recipe

No Seriously! When it comes to Devil’s Food cake, this is the most delicious and decadent recipe I’ve ever had the privilege of making in my kitchen. I’m positive once you try it, you will agree. 

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Total Time: 53 minutes

Yields: 12 slices

Recommended Equipment: For this recipe, you will need two 8” round baking pans, mixing bowls, one medium-sized saucepan, and a Cake spatula. If you have an electric mixer this will make creating this cake easier and save your wrists from mixing by hand.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup whole milk 
• 1 cup water 
• ¾ cup dutched Royal Mahogany cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. instant coffee optional, see note
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated Espresso sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed 
• 1 ½ tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 2 tsp. Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Paste, see note
• 1 batch of chocolate frosting, see recipe below, or your favorite frosting 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line the bottom of two 8” baking pans (see note for different size pans) with cut-out parchment paper lines and spray the sides with baking spray (or you may thoroughly grease and flour the pans). Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine butter, milk, water, cocoa powder, and instant coffee.
3. Place on stovetop over medium-low heat and stir frequently until butter is melted. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes while you prepare the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Whisk the chocolate mixture briefly once more to combine, then Pour into flour mixture. Stir until smooth.
6. Add sour cream and stir until combined.
7. Add eggs and vanilla and stir well until the batter is smooth.
8. Evenly divide batter into prepared baking pans and bake at 350F (175C) for 30-35 minutes, or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with fudgy crumbs (preferred, as sometimes a clean toothpick can indicate the cake is overdone).
9. Allow to cool in the baking pans for 15 minutes, then run a knife along the edge to loosen it from the pan and carefully invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely (be careful, the pans will still be hot).
10. Cool completely before frosting.
     

The Best Chocolate Icing Recipe:

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yields: Enough for one cake or one dozen cupcakes

Recommended Equipment: You will need an electric or stand mixer, mixing bowls, and a cake spatula to make this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. semisweet chocolate² chopped into small pieces of roughly the same size 
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar 
• ½ tsp.  Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Paste, see note
• ¼ tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• 2 Tbsps. heavy cream

Instructions: 

1. Place your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well. Return chocolate to the microwave and heat for another 15 seconds, and stir again. Continue heating the chocolate for 15 seconds, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be sure to follow these steps precisely, or you risk burning your chocolate! 
2. Allow chocolate to cool for at least 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chocolate to cool so that it is not hot to the touch, otherwise, it will melt your butter and sugar, and the frosting will not turn out.  
3. While the chocolate is cooling, place butter in a separate bowl and use a stand mixer or electric mixer to beat until creamy.  
4. Add melted, cooled chocolate and stir well.  
5. Gradually add sugar, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally so that the ingredients are well combined.
6. Sprinkle in salt and add vanilla paste; stir well.
7. With the mixer on low, gradually add heavy cream to the frosting. Gradually increase speed to high and beat for 30 seconds.
8. Pipe or spread frosting onto the prepared, cooled cake and enjoy!

Baker’s Notes: 

Using Coffee: For an extra boost of flavor, you can substitute water and instant coffee in a chocolate cake recipe with 1 cup of your favorite brewed coffee. The coffee infusion enhances the richness of the chocolate, creating a more decadent cake. I highly recommend this substitution, as it adds depth to the overall taste. However, if you don’t have coffee or instant coffee on hand, the recipe can still be prepared using water alone, and it will still yield a delicious cake. So, whether you go for the coffee option or stick with water, rest assured that your cake will turn out wonderfully tasty.

Using Vanilla Paste: Most recipes using vanilla involve good old-fashioned vanilla extract, which is fine to use if you like, but we highly recommend you try using vanilla paste. Spice Station Silverlake offers this vanilla which comes in the form of a paste. Blending vanilla beans, sugar, bourbon, and gum arabica, making this vanilla paste perfect for all kinds of sweet dishes, including our amazing Devil’s Food cake.   

Baking Pans/Making Cupcakes: This recipe offers flexibility in terms of baking options. You can choose to bake the batter in two 9″ pans, with a recommended baking time of 28-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can make 24 cupcakes, with a baking time of 17-18 minutes. If you prefer using a 9×13″ pan, the suggested baking time is approximately 30 minutes. To ensure the cakes are fully baked, it is always recommended to perform the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with moist, fudgy crumbs (preferably not wet batter), then the cake is done. While this recipe has not been specifically tested in a Bundt pan, it can potentially be used, though the exact bake time may vary.

Making In Advance: The cake can be made ahead of time, up to two days before frosting and serving. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. If you prefer to prepare the cake in advance and freeze it, you can do so for up to a month. Thaw the cake before frosting. Once frosted, the cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.