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Collage of 4 different traditional cakes from around the world

10 Traditional Cakes from Around the World

Last Modified: June 8, 2020 // by Tracy Ariza, DDS // July 12, 2013 I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. Learn more here.

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From France’s Galette des Rois, to Japan’s mochi, cakes come in a variety of shapes and colors. Discover these traditional cakes from around the world.

Collage of 4 different types of cakes
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Now that I am busy with fiestas, it’s the perfect time to try incorporating content from other authors. Through some of my early cake posts on the blog (like how to make a guitar cake), I met a Spaniard who works in a bakery in the UK, and he offered to write a post for my blog about the different cakes from different areas of the world. Being an American expat in Spain, I can appreciate it. I also love to explore the differences in foods from country to country.

While I don’t often write about things like cake, I have had experiences with the differences in cake types between countries. I, myself, found it nearly impossible here to find a traditional American non-almond, fondant covered cake for my wedding. In Spain, the traditional wedding cake is usually a simple almond cake layered with meringue and/or pastry creams. While things are changing, and it’s now easier to find them, fondant cakes were unheard of. It’s very interesting to see how much something as simple as cake can vary so much from culture to culture.

So, without further ado, I present to you Miguel Rojas who works for Dunn’s Bakery, the longest running bakery in London with more than 150 years of history. Dunn’s has a wide range of seasonal cakes such as Christmas or Easter cakes, as well as a great variety of birthday and wedding cake designs. Let’s accompany him on a gastronomical journey while he shares some examples of traditional cakes from around the world.

10 Traditional Cakes from Around the World

Gastronomy is an art that, like fashion or music, varies tremendously from one country or region to another. These differences exist primarily in the type of ingredients available in each area and tastes developed throughout the centuries of eating certain kind of flavors.
In the following article you’ll find 10 examples of traditional cakes from different areas of the planet, all of them equally delicious, but different in composition.

1. France: Galette des Rois

Collage of 4 different types of cakes
Gallete

The English name of this cake would be the “King´s Cake”. Traditionally this cake is eaten after Christmas, during the first week of January, although lately, it has become so popular that many bakeries sell it during the whole month.
Essentially this cake is made of layers of buttery puff pastry topped with powder sugar, which wrap around rich almond cream. Once everything has been prepared, it is baked until the outer layer acquires a toasted look.

Overhead view of a black forest cake. Red cherries on top, white whipped frosting on the sides, and chocolate shavings on the side.
Want to make this? Here’s the recipe for a Black Forest Cake.

2. Germany: Black Forest Cherry Cake

This type of cake is very traditional from the south-east of Germany, the Black Forest region. Although it is widely believed that the original form of this type of cake comes from Switzerland, Germans have perfected it and made it as famous as it is nowadays.
The cake itself is made of a few layers of chocolate cake separated by cherries and topped by whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and some more cherries for decorative purposes. A Swedish version of the Black Forest cake also exists, although it has little to do with the original German recipe since it is made of meringue and whipped cream.

3. Turkey/ Greece: Revani

The Arabic world and especially Turkey are very well known for the baklava, a variety of sweets made from dried fruits, layered pastry, and honey. However, they have many other types of sweets and desserts, although they are not as well-known as the first one.

Revani is a moist cake elaborated with semolina, a bit of lemon. Orange syrup is usually used to make what otherwise would be a rather dry cake into a smoother and tastier dish. Given the connection and similarity between Greece and Turkey, this kind of cake appears in both cuisines.

A slice of Greek Revani cake on a black plate, in front of a pan of it.
Revani cake

4. Japan: Mochi

The Mochi is a traditional Japanese cake made of rice paste that is usually prepared in New Year’s Eve, although it can be found throughout the whole year in different varieties like ice creams or even soups. Given the fact that the rice paste is easily molded and can be combined with a wide range of ingredients, an unlimited variety of Mochi cakes can be found.

3 mochi on a black plate, one is pink, one is green, and one is a light yellow.

5. India: Mawa Cake

Mawa cakes are milk based cakes with a touch of cardamom and nuts like almonds or cashews. The Mawa is solidified milk obtained through the process of cooking the milk very slowly so that the liquid evaporates. This Cake is especially traditional in Mumbai where the almost disappeared Irani cafes that populated the city would serve it. Those cafes could not survive the new fast food chains and new age restaurants, but their cakes still remain as one of the favorite treats for Mumbaikars.

A slice of mawa cake in front of a full cake decorated with purple flowers.

6. New Zealand & Australia: Pavlova

Named after the famous Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, this meringue cake was created during her visit to New Zealand, although the origin of this dessert has always been a source of argument between Kiwis and Aussies. The Pavlova is cooked in many different ways, usually being garnished with fruits, usually kiwis and strawberries. The addition of corn flour to the traditional meringue ingredients allows the cake to have a crisp shell that covers a marshmallow-like center.

Hands holding a plate of pavlova. White icing on meringue decorated with red strawberries, blueberries, and black raspberries.
Pavlova with berries

7. Mexico: Tres Leches Cake (Three Milks Cake)

A slice of Tres Leches cake with sliced red strawberries on top.
Get the recipe for this Tres Leches cake by clicking on the link.

This moist, milk based sponge cake is traditionally from Mexico, although it has become a very popular cake all over South America. The base of the dish is a butter sponge cake that will later be soaked in three kinds of milk, condensed, evaporated and regular. Usually, it is topped with whipped cream or Meringue. The combination is a very moist and rich cake, with a very different taste from usual sponge cakes.

8. South Africa: Vetkoek “Fat Cake”

Adopted from the first Dutch immigrants that arrived in South Africa around 1800s, the so-called “Fat cakes” have become very popular in the African country. This “cake” in reality is more like a pastry made from cake dough containing raisins and currants. That dough is molded into small rounded balls and deep fried in oil to be finally topped with syrup, sugar or honey. The pastry can also be filled with jam, cheese or even different types of meat to have a more savory version.

A bowl of vetkoek, South African fat cakes, in front of a plate of vetkoek with meat filling
Vetkoek can be served savory or sweet. Get the recipe for vetkoek here.

9. Scotland: Dundee Cake

The Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake made with raisins and currants, although depending on the recipe different cherries can also be used. Despite the spongy look, the Dundee Cake has a very light texture and a very rich flavor. To add some flavor and moisture, Scottish whiskey is usually added to the cake. The cake is usually decorated with almonds placed in concentric circles.

A slice of Dundee cake on a plate showing the dried fruits in its interior.
The Dundee cake is decorated with concentric circles of almonds.

10. Italy: Panettone

The Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread loaf from the north of Italy. Despite having a very similar texture to bread, it is considered as a dessert cake which is eaten at Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. Inside the Panettone, we find several types of candied fruits, as well as raisins.
Usually, the Panettone is served with sweet liqueurs such as amaretto or, alternatively, with hot drinks like hot chocolate.

Overhead view of panettone with a slice next to it, showing the dried fruits inside.
Overhe

Bonus Cakes from Around the World

While this post originally only included the 10 traditional cakes above, I decided to add a few more now that I’m updating the post, years later! Enjoy these bonus cakes.

11. Spain: Tarta de Santiago (St. James Cake)

This traditional Spanish cake comes from the northern region of Galicia. Just as most Spanish cakes, it features almonds. What sets it apart is the decoration: a St. James cross/sword formed with powdered sugar.

Top view of Tarta de Santiago (St. James cake). This cake is decorated with a cross in powdered sugar.
You can find the St. James cake recipe here

12. Italy: Ciambella Allo Yogurt (Italian Breakfast Cake)

Sweet, but not overly sweet, this light spongy cake is flavored with lemon zest and yogurt. It is perfectly accompanied by a cappuccino and served for breakfast.

Overhead view of a circular ciambella allo yogurt, an Italian lemon breakfast cake.
Find the recipe for ciambella allo yogurt here.

13. Morrocco: Citrus, Date and Almond M’hencha with Orange Blossom Honey Syrup

Reminiscent of baklava, this sweet Morroccan “cake” features filo wrapped almond paste. It’s also sometimes referred to as a “snake cake” or an “almond snake” because of its unusual coiled form.

A slice of Morroccan m'hencha shows the coiled structure of the filo covered almond paste rolls.
Find the m’hencha recipe here.

14. Russia: Paskha Russian Cheesecake

This Russian cheesecake is normally served at Easter time. It’s white color symbolizes the purity of Christ, the lamb, and the joy of resurrection. The pyramidal shape represents the Calvary and the tomb. It normally displays the letters XB for Христос воскрес (Christ is risen).

A pyramidally shaped pashka served on a white square plate, which is on top of a red small carpet place mat.
Find the recipe for pashka Russian cheesecake here.

15. Sri Lanka: Breudher Cake

Another Easter cake, the Breudher Cake is yeasted, buttery cake with a texture similar to a brioche. It features brandy-soaked raisins and is flavored with blood oranges. It can be served plain or covered in a glaze or powdered sugar.

Side view of a slice of a Breudher Cake displays the brandy-soaked raisins inside.
Find the recipe for the Breudher Cake with Blood Orange Glaze
Category: Desserts & Sweets

About Tracy Ariza, DDS

Tracy Ariza, B.A., D.D.S., left dentistry and the United States to found Oh, The Things We’ll Make!, writing to you from the Spanish Riviera. She loves making things herself in order to keep control of what goes in them. While far from perfect, she strives each day to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Previous Post:Two dresses hanging on a clothesline. A red and white striped sleeveless dress that has been painted with Minnie Mouse, and a yellow and white striped sleeveless dress painted with Hello Kitty.How to Paint Fabric and Make Fun Gifts
Next Post:Two Ingredient Easy Chocolate Mousse RecipeOverhead view of a spoonful of chocolate mousse on top of a jar full of the same mousse with pieces of chocolate scattered around

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David

    February 9, 2022 at 9:38 AM

    Wow, I really like these cakes , and each one is different in shape and flavor.

    Reply
  2. Aadhya Devanshi Rout

    November 15, 2021 at 4:47 AM

    I love the Indian cake the most

    Reply
  3. Kk

    November 10, 2020 at 10:44 PM

    Made me so hungry!!!!

    Reply
  4. Jakub Konicar

    March 14, 2019 at 7:43 AM

    Try to find some information about various types of “cakes” from middle Europe, espetially from Czech republic (koláče, buchty, záviny, vánoční cukroví… ) not only dry dough, at best filled by some cream.

    Reply
  5. Rahul

    July 1, 2018 at 7:49 AM

    Osm

    Reply
    • Tracy Ariza

      July 2, 2018 at 7:05 PM

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
      • Siva

        July 22, 2019 at 2:28 AM

        Great. For the next post throw light on indonesia ‘s layer cake. Love from india.

        Reply
        • Tracy Ariza

          August 1, 2019 at 11:34 PM

          I’ll have to look into it. I’m sure it’s delicious! 🙂

          Reply
  6. imasSexyasmytoes

    June 14, 2018 at 12:30 PM

    this is so helpful and fit

    Reply
    • Moko R

      August 8, 2018 at 2:22 AM

      Same oi

      Reply
  7. Prasad.p nair

    May 31, 2018 at 2:15 PM

    Very good

    Reply
  8. Christina

    June 15, 2017 at 3:03 PM

    The ‘fat cake’ as you called it is usually filled with mince meat with a very soft curry (Malaysia origin). I have never heard of anyone adding raisins or anything sweet to it. It is usually a savoury dish. Sincerely, ‘n Afrikaanse boeremeisie.

    Reply
    • Tracy Ariza

      June 16, 2017 at 12:25 PM

      Hi Christina,
      That was a guest post from a long, ling time ago, and I’m no longer in contact with the author who worked at a bakery in the UK. I’m guessing that the recipe has adapted to a different eating style of another country. That happens a lot, and I find it funny how Chinese food or Mexican food is different depending on the country in which you order it and nothing like what is eaten in Mexico (and likely China, where I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting).
      I have to admit that I had never even heard of the “fat cake,” and have never tried either version. I do love trying new things, though, and love to hear about different foods in different countries.
      Thanks so much for your take on it; I find your comment really interesting.
      I’m not big into sweets anymore, so I’m sure I’d probably like your version better. 😉

      Reply
    • Adele

      January 5, 2020 at 3:12 PM

      I would never see vetkoek as a cake either but I have had plenty vetkoek with Jam – but it’s more like having toast with marmelade. I don’t think South Africa has a traditional cake but we have Melktert, koeksisters and Malva pudding! 🙂

      Reply
      • Tracy Ariza

        January 10, 2020 at 5:42 PM

        So interesting, girls!
        I didn’t write the body of this post, so many of the “cakes” were completely new to me! ?

        Reply
  9. aqua

    April 11, 2015 at 4:01 AM

    Traditional Cakes as opposed to pastries tarts or puddings:

    -Sachertorte from Vienna.
    -Dobastorte from Hungary and Romania.
    -Victoria Sandwich from the UK.
    -Yule Logs from France, Germany Scandinavia etc
    -Croquembouche from France
    -St. Honoré cake from France
    -Religieuse from France
    -Financier from France
    -Fat Rascal from the UK
    -Dorset Apple Cake from the UK
    -Christmas Cake from the UK
    -Seed Cake from the UK
    -Simnel Cake from the UK
    -Eccles Cakes from the UK
    to name a few…

    and Linzer Torte supposedly the oldest cake in the world.

    Reply
  10. ammy

    May 3, 2014 at 5:18 AM

    ok but do u know if there is any more traditional cakes

    Reply
    • Tracy Ariza

      May 4, 2014 at 12:47 AM

      I’m sure if you contacted Miguel, the writer of the guest post, he would be able to tell you some more. It’s not really my area of expertise.

      Here, in my area of Spain, the coca María (aka. Coca Roñosa) is very traditional. Most cakes in this area use almonds.
      If I think of any others, I’ll comment again later.

      Reply

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Hello, I’m Tracy!

I love making my own natural products like soaps and lotions and my own pantry items like yogurt and salad dressings.
Why do I do it? Sometimes to save money, sometimes because it's healthier, but I always love having control of the ingredients!​
Oh, the things we'll make!...

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