Birthday cakes can be traced back to the time of the Romans when sweet breads were served when parities were thrown in celebration of a birthday. Cakes as we know them today didn’t begin showing up in homes until well into the 15th century. During this period bakers throughout Europe were beginning to develop many different confections which were served to the elite members of society. After the Industrial Revolution, these confections were more affordable and as such a birthday cake in Chicago became something that the middle classes and working class could place on their tables
Perhaps the term “birthday cake” is a misnomer, the truth is any type of cake can be a birthday cake; it is the event that makes the difference not the ingredients. Having said this, there are some cakes that are more common as birthday fare. A traditional birthday cake uses white flour and butter and can be very sweet tasting. One can expect the cake to be at least two layers with the center layers holding icing with a thick frosting, often butter-cream on top.
A favorite flavor for a birthday cake in Chicago is chocolate, which in itself can be many different varieties. Perhaps the most simple is flour based chocolate cake with chocolate butter-cream frosting, however more complex chocolate cakes are available. German chocolate is a favorite; it is layered with a frosting of coconut, caramel and pecan. The frosting on a German chocolate cake is sinfully rich.
Another birthday cake that is often seen is chiffon. A chiffon cake is quite light; it is made with oil rather than butter. Because a chiffon cake lacks butter, it makes up for it by using a lot of egg whites, the egg whites makes the cake light and fluffy as they introduce air into the mix. A chiffon cake may be one of the moistest cakes available due to the oil and egg content and does not dry out as quickly as others.
Perhaps children have their own expectations of what a birthday cake in Chicago should be, for adults anything goes. Cheesecake and carrot cake are often seen as healthy options but you may also see very exotic cakes such as mooncake being served.
If you are looking for the very best in baked goods, including birthday cake in Chicago then you are invited to stop by La Patisserie P.
