Happy Birthday

Angela Clutton reveals the fascinating origins of the tradition of celebrating a birthday with cake.

Victorian Values

During Victoria’s reign, smaller family sizes, a rising middle class and more focus on the importance of family led to more money being spent on children. By the late 19th century, recipe books were starting to mention birthday cakes. Baking powder was also introduced, helping bakers to achieve a good, consistent rise on their cakes.

On February 8, 1897, “The People’s Friend” published a “Menu For A Children’s Party”.

“First of all, the birthday cake must be considered as it will be the most prominent object on the table. I would advise that it be made of plain sponge cake nicely iced,” the Cookery Editor said, going on to give a suitable recipe (including baking powder).