The Undercutting of Cake: An Introduction

What is a party without cake? From our very first birthday we are completely immersed within the world of cake. 
Whether it is the ever-cherished caterpillar cake or the classic Victoria sandwich, the thought of blowing out candles on the cake is simultaneously awkward and the complete essence of a birthday. Cake is, at its simplest, a symbol of celebration and family.

However, it appears clear that the rise in patisseries has also led to a fascination with beautifully decorated individual cakes behind smudge-free glass. Even as adults we are alike to children in a sweet-shop in our approach to deciding on our perfect cake, poring (drooling) over the most delicious. This then leads us to question whether this has an effect on the ‘shared’ cake, so commonly associated with family. Therefore, through the course of this blog, I will explore how discourse on cake culture has evolved and whether this is ultimately detrimental to our family ties. This will also be explored with reference to the representation of cake within fiction texts

I will also aim to explore the definition of ‘treat’ food and how this has become more individualistic. 

I will explore the extravagant cakes of the twenty-first century and ask what it is that makes these creations something to be admired? Could it be the influence of shows such as The Great British Bake Off and Choccywoccydoodah? Or is this a by-product of a society with an obsession with "photogenic" food?

To clarify, I will be referring to the simple sponge cake with ingredients including, but not limited to; sugar, butter, eggs and flour (I would also argue in favour of a splash of milk, for a creamier mixture). I will not be considering what I deem to be ‘hybrid’ cakes, such as the pan-cake or cheese-cake.

                                        I hope you enjoy this cake-filled journey.