Cakes are mostly preferred worldwide as they are the perfect tea accompaniment, mid-day snack, and after-dinner dessert. Today, events and celebrations like birthdays and retirement parties are incomplete without cake. Interestingly, did you know this food dates back to the 4th Century BC? Read on to find out other lesser-known facts about cakes.
1. Red Velvet Cake Gets Its Signature Color from a Chemical Reaction
Bakers who prepare the traditional red velvet cake intentionally combine raw cocoa, which contains a PH-sensitive anthocyanin, with vinegar and buttermilk. Combining buttermilk with the other acidic ingredients causes a reaction with anthocyanin that creates the red color and velvety texture of this cake.
2. The War Cake was Invented during the Great Depression
During the Great Depression and World War II, eggs, butter, and milk were rare commodities that only the wealthy could afford. However, people still had to eat cake, and that’s how the war cake was invented. While the snack tastes as good as the typical chocolate cake, it does not contain eggs, butter, or milk. Instead, it is prepared using oil, vinegar, and baking powder.
3. Blowing Out Candles Introduces More Than 1,000 Bacteria to Birthday Cakes
Blowing out candles on cakes, a tradition practiced for decades has been quite unhealthy. A study done by Paul Dawson, a professor from Clemson University, showed that a single candle blow introduces up to 1,000 bacteria on birthday cakes.
This study was done on a cake whose candles had been blown and another without. The professor encouraged birthday cake attendees to slice out the icing after a cake with candles on it had been blown, as this would eliminate the bacteria. Older adults or those with compromised immunities are more at risk of bacterial infection from birthday cakes.
4. The Purpose of Icing is to Seal in Cake Moisture
Most people assume that icing is applied to a cake to add flavor and make it look aesthetically appealing. Though true, one of its unknown uses is sealing in moisture; icing prevents a cake from drying. Still on the issue, during the old days, bakers spread icing on cakes using a feather.
5. Coffee Cake Doesn’t Contain Caffeine
The traditional coffee cake, which originated in Vienna, Austria, does not contain any caffeine. On the contrary, it was called coffee cake because it used to be accompanied by a cup of coffee. However, bakers worldwide have hacked this type of cake’s recipes and may use caffeine as an ingredient. The typical coffee cake had a signature cinnamon taste and not coffee.
6. German Chocolate Cake is Not from Germany
German Chocolate Cake is a very popular dessert in many restaurants. From the name, most people assume it originated from Germany, but that is far from the truth. German Chocolate Cake originated from America and was named after a baker known as Samuel German.
7. It was Called Pound Cake Because It Had 1 Pound of Each Ingredient
Pound cake doesn’t weigh one pound; its name was given because it contains a pound of each ingredient, including eggs, butter, sugar, and flour.
8. November 26 Is Celebrated as Cake Day
Cake Day is celebrated every November 26 on the international calendar. On this day, bakers and restaurants celebrate cakes by offering crazy discounts. It’s also an ideal day for people to learn how to prepare this tasty delight as people are more willing to share recipes and try new ideas.
9. Buddy Valastro Ate 36 Cupcakes in One Minute
Known as the cake boss, Buddy Valastro had initially set a record of eating 20 cupcakes in one minute. In 2019, he broke his record at the Live with Kelly and Ryan show by eating 36 cupcakes in one minute.
10. The Most Expensive Cake Cost $75 Million
A piece of cake is less than $30 in most average establishments, with speciality cakes like wedding cakes costing up to $500. However, Debbie Wingham baked a cake with a price tag of $75 million. The cake contained 4,000 diamonds in various colors, such as white, yellow, and pink. There were also precious stones worth millions, and the cake was outstandingly baked. With that in mind, Debbie Wingham is not new to luxury; before venturing into baking, she made one of the world’s most expensive dresses.
11. The Most Candles Ever Placed on a Cake is 72,585
During Sri Chinmoy’s 85th birthday, Ashrita Furman and other members of the Sri Chinmoy Center lit up 72,585 candles on a cake. The candles lit up for 40 seconds and had to be put out using a fire extinguisher, and after the wax had been scrapped off, the cake was still edible. The previous record was 50,151 candles.
12. The First Tiered Wedding Cake was Baked in 1858
While cakes have been around for centuries, the first tiered cake to be baked for a wedding ceremony was in 1858 and was prepared for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. During this period, girls would put cakes under their pillows so that they could dream about their future husbands.
13. In Salem, Witch Cakes were Used to Test for Witchcraft
During the 17th Century, the people of Salem would prepare witch’s cakes using rye flour and the victim’s urine. The purpose of a witch’s cake was to test whether a person’s illness had been caused by witchcraft. It would then be fed to a dog, and if the dog showed similar symptoms to the victim, it would be presumed that the victim’s illness was caused by witchcraft. At the time, dogs were associated with evil, and the cakes played a crucial role in the first witchcraft accusations in Salem.
14. A Japanese Prince Became King by Preparing Rice Cakes for His Dad
When Hung Vuong was picking an heir to succeed his throne, he asked his children to prepare a meal worthy of a king. Lang Lieu’s brothers made exotic dishes, but he only made rice cakes. His father was so impressed that he left him the crown.