National Sponge Cake Day
National Sponge Cake Day
Dig into this fluffy delight for National Sponge Cake Day on August 23rd. Believed to be one of the first non-yeasted cakes, the sponge cake is one of the most difficult delicacies to master.
While the exact origin of the sponge cake is a matter of some debate, the first recorded recipe dates back to 1615 in The English Huswife by Gervase Markham. However, this 17th-century recipe is closer to Ladyfingers, sponge biscuits also called boudoir biscuits.
The story of the creation of the more modern incarnation of the sponge cake cites the Pallavicini family of Genoa as commissioning a cake with the specific requirements of being as light and delicate as sea foam. The cake was dubbed Pâte Génoise and was a great success.
The recipe soon made its way to England where the Victorians soon put their stamp on the history of sponge cake, enjoying the airy confection at tea and as a dessert.
If you’re feeling up to a challenge, give making this masterful cake a shot, or head to your local bakery to enjoy a professionally made treat on August 23rd for National Sponge Cake Day.
