NATIONAL SPONGE CAKE DAY

On August 23rd, enjoy National Sponge Cake Day with the quintessential classic of the cake world. This airy queen of teas is the guest of honor, but we get the pleasure of tasting! 

One of the trickiest cakes for bakers to master, a perfect sponge stands tall. Another balancing trick for bakers includes maintaining a fine crumb while keeping the cake moist. If you enjoy layering berries and whipped cream, the sponge handles this task beautifully. 

The sponge cake is believed to be one of the first non-yeasted cakes. 

The sponge cake is thought to have originated in the Caribbean. However, the earliest English printed recipe for sponge cake comes from an English poet and author, Gervase Markham. In 1615 he published a sponge cake recipe in the book The English Huswife, Containing the Inward and Outward Virtues Which Ought to Be in a Complete Woman.

I can’t knit or make plum jam, but I can bake a bloody Victoria sponge. ~ Helen Mirren as Chris in Calendar Girls (2003)

In 2003, the sponge cake played a tiny role in the movie Calendar Girls starring Helen Mirren. In the scene, Mirren’s character, Chris, enters a baking competition. However, she forgets she entered, and instead of entering a sponge cake of her own making, she submits a store-bought Victoria sponge cake.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #SpongeCakeDay

Be sure to find more of your favorite cakes here.

Get some sponge cake and enjoy it. Or, if you are up to the challenge, try this Glorious Sponge Cake recipe. Serve it with berries or a preserve. Use #SpongeCakeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE DAY

National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day on April 20th celebrates a sweet cake that contains pineapples and cherries. Americans have been enjoying this springtime cake since the early 1900s when many cakes were made in cast iron skillets.

To make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, line the bottom of a cake pan with pineapple rings. Then place a cherry in the center of each ring followed by a butter and sugar mixture. Finally, cake batter is poured over the pineapples and baked. When the cake is done, it is turned upside down onto a platter before serving, revealing a delightful and delicious masterpiece. For an extra treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream. 

The bright quality and simplicity of this cake announces spring with its flavor. And it can even be made in ramekins to serve individually. Pineapple upside down cakes also make a terrific presentation for teas and brunches. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #PineappleUpsideDownCakeDay

Bake up a pineapple upside down cake. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, it will bring a brightness to your table. Serve this tropical cake warm for the best impact and your whole family.

Use #PineappleUpsideDownCakeDay and share your pictures of your cake on Social Media.

NATIONAL COFFEE CAKE DAY

On April 7th, National Coffee Cake Day gives us a reason another reason to linger over a cup of joe. We can also break out some of our favorite recipes and deliver a heartwarming, home-baked item to a friend or two. As many bakers know, coffee cakes take very little time to make and bring a lot of satisfaction to both the baker and the receiver. 

Coffee cake is a cake intended to be eaten while enjoying a cup of coffee, maybe for breakfast or during a coffee break. They’re an excellent excuse for a visit and a conversation starter.

The coffee cake itself does not contain any coffee. They are usually single-layer cakes made in square, rectangle or ring-shaped pans. Coffee cakes are often flavored with cinnamon or other spices, seeds, nuts and fruits, such as blueberries or apples. Typically they have a crumb topping or a glaze drizzle.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCoffeeCakeDay

There are several ways to celebrate. Of course, the first way is to bake up your favorite coffee cake. Another way is to order from the local bakery. Give them a shoutout, too! Let them know how much you appreciate their baked goods, especially their coffee cake. 

Use #NationalCoffeeCakeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY

On March 4th, National Pound Cake Day recognizes one of the dessert world’s most versatile cakes. Each year it is celebrated by bakers and cake lovers alike. Celebrate with a piece (or two) of this deliciously rich delight.

The traditional recipe for pound cake makes a cake much larger than most families can consume, as it calls for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Hence the name Pound Cake.

In the United States, sour cream pound cake is a popular variation apart from the traditional pound cake recipe. Other variations include adding vanilla or almond flavoring or dried fruits.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPoundCakeDay

Celebrating National Pound Cake Day is easy! You can visit your favorite bakery and pick up a pound of deliciously sweet cake to share. While you’re there, be sure to give the baker a shout-out, too. You can also turn on your oven and bake up a traditional pound cake. Slice it up and add some sweet berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate or fruit syrup, and this dessert will dazzle even the most serious critics. 

I’ve used this instead of other suggestions for Triffle, and Baked Alaska. My husband grew up on it and loves it. Anytime I ask him what he wants for dessert it’s always his first suggestion.

Use #NationalPoundCakeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL CARROT CAKE DAY

National Carrot Cake Day on February 3rd, celebrates one of America’s favorite flavors of cake. In the carrot cake, we get to eat our cake and veggies, too!

Carrot cake closely resembles a quick bread from its preparation to its final consistency. Quick breads mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining, and the final product is coarser than a traditional cake. Creamy frosting separates the layers and often complements the spice of the cake. Cinnamon and nutmeg go well with the natural sweetness of carrots. Many bakers add nuts or raisins to their recipes as well. 

The carrot’s natural sweetness may have been selected as a substitute in the Middle Ages when sugar was hard to find or expensive. Carrot cake most likely developed from a carrot pudding which could be savory or sweet.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCarrotCakeDay

Bake a carrot cake to celebrate. Include friends and family by inviting them to join you. Serve a hot beverage or two. Don’t forget, use #NationalCarrotCakeDay to share on social media, too!