The 5 Most Traditional British Cakes
Over centuries, Brits have developed – and eaten – a cake for every occasion. Culture Trip takes a look at 5 of the classic cakes most adored across the United Kingdom.
Carrot cake
The first use of carrots as a sweetener for puddings is said to have come about in the 10th century, when resourceful Arabian chefs – short on expensive honey – would turn to the humble root vegetable to bring their desserts to life. Carrot cakes have persisted through the ages across the world, but came into prominence in the UK during World War II, where the necessity of rationing forced cake-hungry Brits to get creative with what they could grow. In the spirit of post-war abundance and abandon, the carrot cake was lifted from its gloomy appearance in the 1960s with the popularisation of cream cheese frosting – a decidedly American twist that took the classic carrot cake from earthy to decadent, and to the phenomenon we know today. 8
Victoria sponge Sometimes also referred to as a victoria sandwich, this legendary sponge cake ranks high on the list of every self-respecting cake lover in Britain. Named after Queen Victoria, the sponge came to prominence with the rise of afternoon tea in the 19th century, as bourgeois and aristocratic lunchers turned to delicate sandwiches and thick wedges of cake as something to chat over with one another. The victoria sponge is perhaps the most British of cakes – a timeless classic and a crowd-pleaser that never fails to delight.
Madeira cake
Named after the Portuguese island of Madeira and the cloyingly sweet dessert wine it produces, madeira cake was designed to be the perfect accompaniment for a tipple, but Britons – perhaps not wanting to drink dessert wine all the time – found a way to bring it into their everyday diet.
