It is interesting to find how much something as simple as cake can vary so much from culture to culture. Culinary art, like other art forms, varies tremendously from one country or region to another. The differences are usually based on the type of ingredients available in each area and tastes developed throughout the centuries for certain kind of flavours.




So here’s a list of few such traditional cakes from around the world that may vary in composition but are equally delicious.

1. Mexico - Tres Leches Cake aka Three Milks Cake


Tres Leches Cake is a cake that’s made from three kinds of milk, which is why it is also known as Three Milks Cake. This soft and moist, milk-based sponge cake is traditionally from Mexico, yet it has become very popular all over South America. It is a butter sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk and regular milk. It is usually topped with Meringue and whipped cream. This one stands out from the usual sponge cakes; the texture is very moist and rich.



2. Scotland - Dundee Cake


Dundee cake is a traditional fruit cake which is filled with the goodness of raisins, almonds, and currant although depending on the recipe, different cherries can also be used. This ordinary delight is originated in the 19th century in Scotland which was made for the Mary Queen of Scots. Dundee cake despite looking spongy has a very light texture and a rich flavour. These days, Scottish whisky is also added to the cake to add some flavour and moisture. For vegetarians it can also be made without eggs and these egg free cakes are very popular all around uk.



3. Japan - Mochi


Mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert made out of rice paste which is usually a New Year’s day delight for them. However, it’s not just a sweet flour rice cake when blended with a wide range of ingredients. The cake is made from the sweet rice flour mixed with water, steamed so well that it can form into small pieces. These pieces are filled with red bean paste and dusted with confectioner’s sugar giving it a heart-tempting appeal.



4. India - Mawa Cake


Mawa cakes are traditional Indian milk-based cakes, flavoured with cardamom and garnished with a touch of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios. The Mawa is made out after solidifying milk by cooking the milk on a slow flame so that the liquid evaporates leaving the solid behind. This cake is originated in Mumbai where the almost disappeared Irani cafes that populated the city would serve it. Those cafes could not survive in the long run, but their cakes still remain as one of the favorite conventional delights for Mumbaikars.



5. South Africa - VetKoek


A VetKoek is basically deep-fried bread shaped like a hamburger bun topped with syrup, sugar or honey. It is usually eaten with butter, filled with jam and sometimes meat to have a more savory version. The fat cake was adopted from the first Dutch immigrants that arrived in South Africa around 1800s.



6. Italy - Panettone


Panettone is basically a traditional Italian sweet loaf of bread originally from Milan. It is considered a dessert cake in spite of having a very similar texture to the bread, generally served at christmas and New Year in Italy. The Panettone is filled with several types of candied fruits and raisins and currants as well. The Panettone is usually served with sweet liqueurs such as amaretto or with hot drinks like hot chocolate.



7. China - Mooncake


Mooncakes are traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese lunar celebration. In China, they are presented to close friends and relatives for good luck. Mooncakes symbolize prosperity and family reunion. These indispensable delicacies are round consisting thick, creamy filling inside, and are decorated with different traditional designs reflecting the festival’s legends.



8. New Zealand/Australia - Pavlova


This delicate, light and fruit-filled delicacy was named after the famous Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova during her visit to New Zealand. The origin of this dessert has always been a point of friendly arguments between Kiwis and Aussies. Pavlovas have a crisp meringue shell, with that surrounds a marshmallow-like centre. It is usually served with whipped cream and fresh fruits like raspberries and strawberries.



Summary

These were some of many traditional cakes from around the world. Each has its own significance and unique taste and texture. So next time, when you visit these places do not forget to try their very native cakes in its most authentic form.