Sunday
Jul202008
Cake For Breakfast: Observations on a Forbidden Treat
Sunday, July 20, 2008 
Cake for breakfast. The phrase strikes a shiver of happiness in our very souls. We're talking serious cake here--frosted, maybe layered, as in a slice of birthday or wedding cake--or a cupcake would do, of course. It's the ultimate luxury--far more indulgent than any doughnut, far more delicious than any muffin could ever aspire to be. Everyone does it sometimes--and yet, most are covert about this pleasure, only admitting it in a slightly embarrassed way, as if frightened it might be a problem (as you can see from this posting on Apartment Therapy). Well, we say, no more embarrassment! We took it upon ourselves to explore this phenomenon and muse on its appeal--and also came up with a quick list of justifications for why it's just fine to eat cake for breakfast:
Cake for breakfast: Theories on its appeal
Proximity: Well, the obvious reason is that it's simply there. It will probably be the first thing in the fridge you see in the morning, and definitely the most festive. Which leads to our next point...
Visual Appeal: Really, the sea of beige-toned breakfast choices out there--oatmeal, toast, cereal--doesn't stand a chance against a festively frosted cake. We defy you to eat your toast and be happy knowing full well there's cake in the fridge.
Temperature: In many, but not all, cases, the cake has been stored in the fridge and is most likely cold. To some, this is a detriment. To others (those who truly understand), this is an opportunity for a truly sublime culinary experience. Taking a bite of cold cake, at first one only tastes coldness. But then something happens--a buttery flavor blossoms in the mouth. A wave of creamy sweetness takes over. This may be as close to heaven as one can possibly get while still on earth.
Cake for breakfast: Why you should just do it
It will keep you sane: You can't deprive yourself all of the time. If you wake up craving cake and instead eat something virtuous like oatmeal, it's likely that you'll still be craving the cake all day. This will undoubtedly lead to idly munching various non-cake items throughout the day in an effort to fill the void. Really, you should have just had the cake. So have it!
Of course, if the cake in question is a cupcake, you could always call it a muffin.
It tastes better the next day: Letting the cake sit overnight will allow certain flavors to develop, and some say it tastes better the next day. You've got to see for yourself somehow; why not figure it out first thing in the morning?
Because Bill Cosby Says So: Bill Cosby says it's ok to eat chocolate cake for breakfast--"it has eggs. It has milk. It has wheat. Nutritious!". Coming from the man who made pudding pops part of our everyday language, this is not advice to be taken lightly.
It will give you energy: As Cakespy reader Jessie K says, "cake is good anytime of the day...but having it for breakfast is just a fun sugar rush when you need it most." We concur. Try to get that kind of energy burst from a granola bar.
It pairs well with coffee: Is there anything more beautiful than the symphony of tastes that occurs when cake and coffee are combined?
It will be delicious: 'Nuff said!
tagged cakespy mischief
cakespy mischief
Reader Comments (67)
I know what I'm having for breakfast as soon as I'm back in my kitchen....
I have been known to have to do this on occasion, when there is a cake available to me for breakfast. In fact, I know I'm getting a Dairy Queen ice cream cake for my birthday next week, and I am anticipating having the left-overs for breakfast the next day (should there be any).
And of course, then there is the pancake. I totally know this isn't the point of the post, but still...
Vegan Noodle: Like duh! :-) Yours would be great for breakfast from all that I have seen!
Wandering Coyote, you're so right about pancakes. Especially when covered with whipped cream, fruit and syrup...who are we trying to fool? Waffles too!
My mother once told me that one of the best things about being a grown up is that you can eat cake for breakfast if you want. She's a wise lady.
I love the little sleepy cuppie!
There are people who DON'T have cake for breakfast? Crazy!
Well, now I feel so much better about my breakfast choices! :)
HAHAHA I love your site. You've got a pretty good sense of humour and a wonderful chunk of creativity.
Good work. I'm sure to be coming back to your site :D Thanks for dropping by :)
Cheers,
Mable
www.mabletan.com
I love the whole Bill Cosby routine especially when the kids all sing "Dad is great, gives us chocolate cake."
Hey if Mr. Cosby says it's so....it's so!! Oh Jess I saw your picnic basket in the last Taste of Home! Too damn cute!!
Cosby was the first thing I thought of when I started reading this post. If there's birthday cake in the house, it absolutely must be eaten for breakfast, period.
I love that Cosby bit. "Dad is great! He gives us chocolate cake!!"
And, yes, I was in Atlanta for the gift show. Were you there, too?
Well, this is all the justification I need! Devil's Food Cake is the new breakfast of champions, as far as I'm concerned!
I agree. There's nothing better than a cup of steamy-hot coffee next to a super delicious slice of cake. Exactly what you need to kick the day off!
Love the drawings over the cake :)
Hi folks
lovely as usual.....passing through after a long gap...missed a lot of your posts, too ! will catch up soon !
your site is so cute and pretty!
I ate a cupcake for breakfast this morning. I think you know where I stand on the desserts for breakfast debate. LOL. Love your drawings! Freaking adorable as always! :)
/Clara
When I was a kid, we used to eat toasted pound cake for breakfast all the time.Toasted because it was stale.We also used to put it in a bowl with milk. Cake the breakfast of champions.Guess that is what happen when you grow up in a dysfunctional household. I was too young for coffee and cigarettes.
I'll wake up to cake and I'm not afraid to admit it. Besides, I need something to go with my milk in the morning.
You're a girl after my own heart! A nice slice of cake for breakfast and you're ready to take on the day! Muffins are for wimps! ;)
WAKE & CAKE!! I do it far more often than I should.
You just justified my morning cake cravings beautifully Jessie!! YAY for you & YAY for Bill Cosby! I'd say..how does it matter if we have to eat it sometime during the day anyway...might as well make the morning shine!!
Couldn't agree more. Cake before 8am always tastes twice as nice as cake after 8am!
I might have to cheat and have some for breakfast then! Consider me sold!
As the saying goes, "Let them eat cake!!" For breakfast :0)
ah, justification! glorious, glorious justification.
as if i needed any more excuses to eat cake... :)