The UK's Top Five Favourite Cakes

Sitting down for a cup of tea or coffee in your local cafe often comes with a slice of cake. What’s not to like?

From traditional recipes that have stood the test of time to more modern adaptations, however, certain cakes have become firm favourites across the nation. Here we take a quick look at our top five favourites, the amazing cakes that help create the perfect café experience.

Victoria Sponge

Queen Victoria was known to enjoy a slice with her afternoon tea. The Victoria Sponge is a quintessentially British cake and a favourite that should always come with a hot beverage.

It consists of two light and buttery sponge cakes sandwiched together with jam and whipped cream in between. The simplicity of a Victoria sponge is key. It relies on the quality of its ingredients, however, including flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The cake epitomises traditional British baking and remains a staple in cafés across the UK. Its popularity endures perhaps because of its nostalgic connection to a bygone era of refined afternoon teas.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is a classic around the world, and the UK is no exception. What sets it apart is the rich intensity of the cocoa used in the sponge, and the variety of ways it can be adapted.

Visit your local café and you might find it with layers of chocolate ganache, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a velvet chocolate buttercream filling. The big appeal of chocolate makes this cake a favourite for all occasions, from birthdays to an everyday coffee break.

Red Velvet Cake

With its distinctive deep red colour offset by white cream cheese frosting, this cake a visually striking addition to any display. Originally from the United States, it’s found a fervent following in the UK in recent years.

The subtle chocolate flavour, enhanced by a touch of cocoa powder, and the moist cake make it uniquely appealing. The cream cheese frosting certainly adds just the right tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Carrot Cake

Everyone loves a carrot cake and they are a staple in many cafes around the UK. The carrots impart a natural sweetness that is a little healthier than cakes made with sugar. Typically spiced with cinnamon and sometimes mixed with nuts or raisins, carrot cake is often topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

It is may be considered healthier than other cakes due to the inclusion of a vegetable, but you don’t want to overdo it. The rich flavour makes it a definite favourite in coffee shops particularly when accompanied by a strong espresso.

Cheesecake

Though not a cake in the traditional sense, cheesecake is another big favourite widely in the UK for its creamy texture and crumbly biscuit base. It can be baked or set with gelatine and comes in a variety of flavours, from the classic vanilla to fruit-topped versions or decadent chocolate swirls.

The versatility and richness of cheesecake make it a favourite dessert option, often chosen to finish a meal or as a guilty pleasure with a mid-afternoon coffee.

These amazing cakes mean there’s something for everyone. Each cake offers a different slice of baking heritage, making them firm staples in cafés across the country. Whether enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or as a celebratory treat, they hold a special place in the hearts and palates of the British public.