Happy National Cake Day! Today, we celebrate a universally beloved treat with a dash of history and a sprinkle of railroading nostalgia. Did you know that cakes and railroads share a fascinating connection? Enter: the Railroad Cake—a historic treat that harks back to the days when cross-country train travel was as groundbreaking as it was adventurous.
The History Behind Railroad Cake
In the mid-19th century, railroads revolutionized transportation, and with it came innovations in how travelers dined. Passengers often packed their own food for long journeys, and this is where the Railroad Cake found its place. Dating back to at least 1850, the Railroad Cake was prized for its portability and sturdiness—perfect for enduring bumpy train rides.
This wasn’t your average modern-day cake. Recipes varied, but most Railroad Cakes were simple, solid pound cakes or bread-like treats. Some were enhanced with raisins or nuts, while others took the form of a jelly roll that symbolized the "round and round" motion of train wheels. Whether enjoyed as a snack during travel or baked in honor of the great transcontinental railway, the Railroad Cake became a delicious symbol of an era defined by innovation and connectivity.
A Recipe to Try
Curious to bake a Railroad Cake yourself? Here's a historical recipe to transport you back to the 1800s:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- Mix well, bake quickly—but don’t burn it!
This simple, no-frills cake is a testament to its time—a hearty, dependable treat for travelers embarking on long journeys.
Railroads and Cakes: A Sweet Reminder of Connection
The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, brought together a nation, reducing coast-to-coast travel time from months to mere days. Similarly, cakes—often shared during celebrations—are a universal reminder of connection and joy. The Railroad Cake bridges these two worlds, symbolizing progress and the comforts of home.
Celebrate National Cake Day!
This National Cake Day, we encourage you to bake something sweet, share it with loved ones, and reflect on the history that connects us. If you’re feeling adventurous, try baking a Railroad Cake and imagine the journeys it might have accompanied in the 19th century.
Share your creations with us! Tag us in your photos and tell us about your baking journey. Let’s celebrate the past, present, and future with a slice of history on this National Cake Day! 🍰
Source:
Colorado Railroad Museum. “Dining on the Rails: Railroad Cake!” Colorado Railroad Museum, 14 May 2021, https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/2021/05/14/railroad-cake/#:~:text=However%2C%20up%20until%20the%201860s,%E2%80%A6%20Hence%2C%20the%20Railroad%20Cake! Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.