Cakes That Bring Childhood Memories Back Home
As part of a series of nostalgic recipes, we recall some of the cake flavors that reminisce childhood days. These sweet treats were not just about taste; they were part of cherished family traditions and day-to-day celebrations.
The Pandan Sponge Cake
This cake has a special place in my heart. The name is pandan sponge cake, a green and aromatic delight that my mom used to make often. It's a simple joy that brings me back to my childhood.
The Caramel Cake with Plastic Horses
The caramel cake with plastic horses might sound like a whimsical creation, but it was a treat that made every birthday and holiday celebration even more magical. These cakes were always adorned with colorful plastic miniature horses, adding a touch of fun and wonder.
Schwarzwlder Kirschtorte: A Holiday Staple
Schwarzwlder Kirschtorte is not just a cake; it's a tradition that has been a part of my family's celebrations for as long as I can remember. This rich, dark chocolate cake, filled with kirsch (cherry brandy), has become a staple during any significant holiday.
The Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake
When I was a child, my parents celebrated my birthday the day after my actual birthday, and they did the same for each of my siblings. On those birthdays, my mother would bake me a Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake. But it wasn't just any chocolate cake—it was dyed green with food coloring and frosted with a matching green frosting. While I enjoyed the cake at the time, I'm glad I no longer have to deal with that dull green frosting after turning 18 and changing my birth certificate celebrate.
The Classic German Chocolate Cake
German chocolate was my go-to choice for my birthday cake every year. Every year, my mother would bake this rich and decadent cake, which we would enjoy during family gatherings. This cake, with its sweet and gooey caramel filling, has been a constant in my life and childhood memories, until the year before my grandmother passed away.
The Holiday Favorite: Applesauce Raisin Cake
At Christmas, my mother baked an Applesauce Raisin Cake. This was a recipe passed down from her mother, and I now carry on this tradition by baking it every year during the holidays. This cake is a comforting reminder of better times and a delicious way to celebrate the season.
The Mother's Orange Cake
One of the most cherished cakes from my childhood is the orange cake made by my maternal grandmother. My mother would make this cake around the holidays, using freshly grated orange peel and a special trick of pouring a mixture of sugar and orange juice on the top. It was a delightful cake that my family enjoyed every year. Sadly, with my mom's passing in March 2020, I have the recipe boxes but have not yet tried to make this cake myself. I hope to do so soon and relive the fond memories.
The cakes mentioned here are not just culinary creations but cherished family traditions that bring back endless memories of my childhood. Each bite brings with it a flood of nostalgia and warm memories of my family, making these cakes more than just desserts—they are a part of my identity.