27 Places To Go If You Love Cake
We mean, who doesn’t love cake? (You, in the back? We’ll see you behind after.). For everyone else, it’s CAKE DAY, meaning we just had to mix up this delicious treat of a blog for you. But there are just SO many out there we’ve split the recipe in two and will serve two perfectly baked blogs to order - just for you! Bon appetit!
- France
Mais oui, it’s France, for chrissake! As you might expect, therefore, there’s not just one cake you have to indulge in when you’re here:
- Galette des Rois. Meaning the ‘King’s Cake’, this has traditionally always been eaten the week after Christmas, but has, of late, become so popular that bakeries now sell it during the whole month. And you’ll soon see why: layers of buttery puff pastry topped with powdered sugar and filled with rich almond cream. Need we go on?
- Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau. Dense, chocolatey and indulgent. Excuse us while we drool for just a moment.
- Decadent Crêpe Cake. This epic showstopper - featuring layers of stacked crêpes filled with buttercream and draped in ganache - can be made in any flavor, but our fave is chocolate. Standard.
- Friand. These small, delicate, muffin-like cakes consist of egg whites, butter, sugar and almond flour and can be jazzed up with chocolate, nuts, fruit or anything else you fancy! Best served with a scoop of ice cream and a cup of strong coffee.
- Far Breton. A traditional French custard flan cake made from milk, eggs, flour, prunes and raisins and is one of the most popular family desserts here.
- Financier. Concocted in the 19th century by a pastry chef for his many broker clients who didn’t want to get their fingers messy, Financiers - which are similar to sponge cakes and baked in molds to resemble golden bricks - are usually made with almonds, almond flour, egg whites, brown butter and sugar. It doesn’t get richer than that!
- Fiadone. A traditional dessert made with brocciu (fresh whey cheese), eggs, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice, the base can - and is often - enriched with liqueurs. I think we’ve said enough, non?
2. Germany
Another place it’s hard to pin down just one favored cake:
- Black Forest Cake. Germany’s most famous pulls out all the stops with its layers of chocolate cake divided by cherries and topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a cherry on the top!
- Mohnkuchen. A term that encompasses a variety of poppy seed-filled desserts - usually streusel cakes - that pair a creamy poppy filling with spices, citrus zests or liquors with a shortcrust pastry and crumbly topping.
- Bienenstich. This ‘Bee Sting cake’ is a classic German cake that sandwiches two layers of yeasted pastry dough with a creamy filling and is topped with a gooey combination of honey (that caramelizes when baked), cream and slivered almonds.
- Baumkuchen. This ‘Tree Cake’ gets its name from the growth rings you get on slicing the thin layers made from flour, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt that’s baked on a rotating spit.
3. USA
Get ready for the American Cream!
- Ice Cream Cake. Introduced to the United States during WWI, its popularity peaked in the 20s and 30s and today comes in a whole host of flavors. At its core, it consists of heavy cream, sugar and cookies/wafers that are layered alternately and frozen overnight.
- Caramel Cake. The Americans do love their caramel, right? And this is no better realized than in this traditional layer cake that’s made of soft and buttery sponge cake, separated with sweet caramel frosting and stacked on top of each other.
- Texas Sheet Cake. A combination of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla and cocoa is - once baked - topped with an icing that’s given an extra crunch by pieces of pecan.
- Angel Food Cake. Americans love this light and gooey cake because it’s just so easy to make! Containing no yolks or butter and raised with egg whites and baking powder alone, it’s a buoyantly fluffy result. Traditionally flavored with vanilla and accompanied by a fruit sauce, it’s a staple in most American households.
- Mississippi Mud Pie. A cookie crust filled with even more cookies (!), ice cream, whipped cream, marshmallows and liqueur and topped with pecans, almonds, chocolate syrup and/or more marshmallows (!) it’s a truly naughty yet uber fun dessert!
- Dirt Cake. Rough and ready, this no-bake kooky cake is traditionally made with Oreos, pudding and whipped cream and topped with gummy worms for fun! You can, of course, experiment with wafers, cream cheese and different flavors of pudding and be assured that no matter which way you go, this will be a well-loved staple at any kids’ (or adults - we won’t judge) party.
- Coconut Cake. Traditionally associated with the American South, this creamy cake consists of two thick sponges coated with coconut-flavored cream and a sprinkling of desiccated coconuts. One to go coconuts for, we think!
- Baked Alaska. This timeless classic is a sponge cake base topped with ice cream and encased in browned meringue.
- Chiffon Cake. A California-based insurance salesman-turned-baker invented this light and fluffy sponge cake in 1927. He kept the recipe secret for two decades before selling it to General Mills, who advertised it as “the first really new cake in a hundred years” thanks to its “secret ingredient” of vegetable oil, which made it light and fluffy without compromising on its richness. The rest, as they say, is history.
4. Turkey
Revani is a moist cake enhanced by semolina and citrus syrup.
Tantalize your taste buds in Turkey
5. Japan
There are two specific examples we must point to when looking at Japan:
- Mochi. A traditional Japanese cake that - thanks to its main ingredient of rice paste - can be adapted into a variety of different recipes, both sweet and savory.
- Castella Cake. Just four ingredients are needed to make this popular dessert that is perfectly risen every time, thanks to the instruction to beat the eggs until thick and pale yellow.
6. India
Mawa cakes are milk-based with a touch of cardamom and nuts and remain one of the most popular treats in Mumbai to this day.
Check out the other delights of India
7. Austria
Every bite of Sachertorte gives an explosion of chocolate, almonds and a healthy dose of apricot jam.
8. New Zealand & Australia
This graceful meringue cake, named after Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, has not retained its elegance outside the kitchen as New Zealand and Australia continue to fight over where it originated from. Nevertheless, this light-and-fluffy sweet treat that gets its crisp shell and marshmallowy center from the addition of cornflour remains delicious no matter where it came from or how it’s made, although it is commonly garnished with fruits and cream.
Choose between New Zealand or Australia
9. The Netherlands
- Boterkoek. This traditional Dutch cake is made from flour, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla, with popular additions including almond extract, almond shavings and lemon flavor. The sticky dough is then brushed with egg and decorated with a criss-cross pattern before being baked until golden brown and is best served with a cup of coffee.
- Tompouce. This thin puff pastry filled with cream and topped with a layer of pink icing is another traditional Dutch dessert, often served with afternoon tea and at festive events.
10. Mexico
- Tres Leches Cake, translated as Three Milks Cake, is a butter sponge base soaked in three kinds of milk - cream, condensed and evaporated. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, it’s a richly moist cake that is remarkably different from a regular sponge cake - a classic in Mexican kitchens that’s not going anywhere.
- Cinnamon Chocolate Cake. A Mexican twist on the standard chocolate cake is infused with a generous hint of spice and topped with sweet frosting filled with crunchy pecans.
11. South Africa
A lasting memento from the Dutch immigrants that first came to South Africa in the 1800s, Vetkoek - also known as ‘Fat Cakes’, are pastry-like dough balls filled with raisins and currants, deep-fried in oil and topped with sugar, syrup or honey. You can also fill them with savory fillings, such as cheese and meat.
12. Scotland
Dundee Cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake made with raisins, currants and cherries and decorated with almonds, boasting a light texture and rich flavor, thanks - in part - to the added whiskey! Where do we sign up?
13. Slovenia
Potica is a traditional rolled nut cake that showcases its heritage with delicious fillings such as walnuts, hazelnuts, honey, poppy seeds and cottage cheese and dates back to 1575!
14. Italy
An unsurprising entry with a mix of options - you’ll soon see why!
- Panettone. A traditional sweet bread loaf from the north of Italy filled with candied fruits and raisins and traditionally eaten at Christmas and New Year’s with amaretto or hot chocolate!
- Orange Ricotta Cake Roll. An Italian cheesecake like no other, this moist and flavorsome offering is a year-round treat.
- Torta Paradiso. Using three essential ingredients, this simple sponge cake has been around since the early 1800s and works perfectly either on its own or with various fillings. It’s a popular breakfast choice, accompanied with a hot cup of coffee. That's what we'd call a recipe for success!
- Torta Caprese. A dark chocolate flourless cake, this delicious wonder boasts a dense chocolatey texture and is dusted with powdered sugar on top. Sumptuous paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and berries. Bellissimo!
- Pampepato. Another traditional Italian Christmas fruitcake that dates back to the 15th century, this is flavored with cocoa, honey, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper (optional!) and features almonds, hazelnuts and candied fruits, which are dispersed throughout.
- Panforte di Siena. Believed to have been invented in 13th century Tuscany, this has become an indispensable element of traditional Italian baking. Nuts, dried fruit and a generous sprinkling of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg make up the unusually dense cake batter before being combined with a sugary syrup and generously dusted with icing sugar.
15. Ireland
Only in Ireland can you enjoy a truly authentic Chocolate Guinness Cake, offering exactly what it says on the tin - topped with a foamy, cream-cheese frosting to complete the look. Cheers!
16. England
Looking for something fit for a Queen? Here are just two classic examples of what you can expect in England (but you can check out loads more in our Tea For Two blog here!)
- Pound Cake. This rich, golden brown, buttery sponge is a must-have staple that is served plain or garnished with fresh berries.
- Lemon Drizzle Cake. A traditional British cake and perfect for a spot of afternoon tea, this simple-yet-sumptuous sponge adds lemon zest and juice to a classic recipe. It is drizzled with a combination of lemon juice and icing sugar afterward for a truly zingy bite.
17. Sweden
- Ostaka. Despite this old Swedish specialty literally translating to cheesecake, it should not be confused with the classic American cheesecake you’re probably imagining. Traditionally, it is made using rennet, which converts milk into cheese (but can also be used with cottage cheese instead for a simpler process!) before being combined with flour, eggs, sugar, cream and almonds and baked until lightly browned. Best served warm with a drizzle of berry syrup and whipped cream, this is less sweet than the traditional cheesecake you know and love, but also less fattening so … swings and roundabouts!
- Prinsesstårta. Sponge layers - separated with a layer of raspberry jelly and coated in vanilla buttercream - are then covered in a layer of whipped cream and a sheet of green marzipan in a striking dome shape. This is commonly found in most cake shops and is a staple at any special event in Sweden.
Check out what else Sweden has to offer
18. Denmark
Come to Denmark for a slice of Lagkage - a round three-layered cake (at the very minimum!) filled with creams, fresh fruits or jelly and richly decorated with whipped cream and fruit. The main event at any celebration.
19. Russia
Smetannik - made in a deep pan and consisting of flour, sugar, eggs and honey with a sour cream frosting - is a traditional Russian layer cake that’s best served straight from the fridge!
20. Romania
After a chocolate cake like no other? Head to Romania, where you’ll get happily lost in a slice (or more) of Amandine - a traditional sponge cake that’s accompanied with either chocolate or almond cream and drizzled with a rum-based syrup and glaze.
21. Portugal
- Bolo Rei. Yet another dessert which is coined ‘King’s Cake, this traditional Portuguese ring-shaped offering is covered with dried fruits, nuts and crystalized sugar and typically comes out at Christmas time.
- Pão de Ló de Ovar. This may just be the most famous Portuguese cake there is, despite having its origins in France. A creamy sponge cake made from flour, eggs and sugar, it dates back to 1781, where it was said to be offered to priests.
- Bolo de mel. This richly-spiced cake - infused with honey, almonds, walnuts and cinnamon - is thought to date back as far as the 15th century! You may also get a kick of how it’s served - not by slicing but tearing by hand!
22. Indonesia
- Kue Putu. A steamed layered cake made with pandan leaf-flavored rice flour, filled with palm sugar and dusted with freshly grated coconut. You’ll be able to sample this local delicacy on the go, courtesy of the many street vendors.
- Bebinca. A simple creation of rice flour and water has been jazzed up since its early days with additional ingredients such as milk, coconut milk, eggs, sugar and butter, as well as more modern tweaks like grated cheese and salted duck eggs!
23. Poland
When in Poland, you must pop into a pastry shop to get yourself a slice of Karpatka. This popular Polish cake boasts two layers of thinly crisp choux pastry filled with a thick layer of vanilla cream and the powdered sugar that’s dusted on top is reminiscent of the snow-capped Carpathian mountains, which is where it gets its name from.
24. Brazil
Ever thought that tiramisu would taste great with different flavors? Then head to Brazil, where you can taste a whole host of variations. Pavé is a well-loved dessert that plays with the popular elements of tiramisu, swapping out coffee for various fruity infusions, chocolate, peanut and coconut.
25. Vietnam
- Bánh chuối. Vietnamese banana cake is the order of the day here, thanks to a creamy combination of condensed milk, coconut milk and sugar, with optional extras such as bread and shredded coconut quite popular, too.
- Bánh da lợn. You’ll have to look past the name of this cake (literally ‘Pig Skin’* ) before tucking into this traditional Vietnamese specialty. Consisting of chewy green and yellow layers made from puréed beans, starch, rice flour and coconut milk, it is usually cut and served in the shape of a diamond.
*No pigs were actually harmed in the making of this cake
26. Spain
- Coca de San Juan. This famous festive cake is made from flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, lemon zest and yeast and boasts an impressive array of cherries, pine nuts and crystallized ginger which is sprinkled throughout. Best eaten alongside a cup of tea (like most things in life.).
- Bizcocho de aceite. A traditional Spanish sponge cake flavored with olive oil and enriched with lemon zest before being baked in a shallow tray.
- Tarta de Santiago. Another sponge cake - this time with the addition of almonds and alcohol, such as sweet wine or brandy - that dates back as far as 1577. But if you thought that was the only thing to make this special, you’d be mistaken, given as this is the only cake in this entire blog series to have been awarded PGI status within Europe (Protected Geographical Indication), which is given to certain foods that have recognized characteristics specific to an area.
27. Greece
- Karydopita. A spiced walnut cake soaked in a lemon-infused syrup decorated with even more walnuts and served cold, this festive offering usually comes out at Christmas.
- Portokalopita. A classic Greek dessert made from layered filo pastry sheets and is traditionally flavored with orange custard and syrup, but can also be found with cinnamon, vanilla or candied fruit. Enjoy chilled and with a scoop of ice cream.
Get your taste buds going in Greece
Phew! We need a lie down after all that cake - and you probably do, too. But not before you drop us a comment letting us know which country you’ll be heading to next!
Bon appetit!