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)
Yes, the cake shown! I would love the recipe. It looks amazing.
Leigh Ann: I used the one that can be found here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/407976 some say the Carol Walter one is better but this one treated us pretty well I thought. Actually these are leftover bits from the batch of cupcakes I made.
I have no qualms about cake for breakfast. I just consider it a very late dessert.
Makes perfect sense to me.
I'm drinking my first cup this morning and I really enjoyed reading you blog. I came here via Pat Sloan's Corner
I remember hearing this straight from you and thought to myself...I am one of them :-P I totally would eat cake for breakfast (but I couldn't believe the vote on Apartment Therapy, so I'm not crazy!) My reason - it goes well with coffee and it makes you happy early :)
I recently had cake for breakfast. It's 1 pkg duncan heinz devil's food, one package cook-n-serve vanilla pudding, beat for two minutes, then sprinkle on 2/3 or so of a pkg of chocolate semi-sweet chips. Bake in 9X13 greased/floured pan for 40 minutes, and you have the best breakfast cake eva. So long as you don't refrigerate, the chips are still soft the next day, and the cake is like devil's food pudding. I had a hunk when I got up the next day, and it was divine!
How did I not find your blog before! You must go on my blogroll, stat! :)
I am familiar with cake-as-breakfast; when I was baking daily a few weeks ago, it was one of the only ways to get through it without it going bad! Or, you know, just because I didn't have enough for dessert the night before. Either way!
Dana: Ah, I like that reasoning!
Glamah: I concur!
Ruthie: Thank you for coming across us!
MPG: Those are the best reasons of course--especially that it makes you happy!
Annie McPhee: That sounds phenomenal!
Jamboree: Thanks for finding us! And for bravely eating the cake regardless of the time of day, so that it wouldn't go bad. You're a trouper!
I'm a firm believer in cake any time of the day. That or pie. There's never a bad time for pie.
A slice of cake or pie is one of life's great small pleasures. Why would we deny ourselves a bit of pleasure now and again?
I am totally 100% behind you on this platform. That's a gorgeous cake too.
I forgot to mention cook the pudding first lol. But yes, it's wonderful :) Thanks for a lovely blog.
Can I come sleep over your house next weekend? ;)
I listen to Cosby's "Chocolate Cake for Breakfast" all the time on my iPod. Now that's a man who knows what breakfast is all about. Though I have to disagree with the grapefruit juice...
I used to regularly eat cake for breakfast - funfetti cake at that. Yum! I do like it cold just out of the fridge too.
Wow I never knew that this was "wrong" until my boyfriend began to question it but I just brushed it off and now that I've stumbled upon your adorable cupcake laden blog, I see others feel guilt. My mom always fed me cake for breakfast after birthdays and whenever she baked cake...she would often greet me at the door after school singing "I knew you were coming so I baked you a cake". I think her justification is that there are pancakes and coffee cakes and if those are perfectly acceptable breakfast treats, so are fudge cakes and chocolate rolls and anything else she could dream up. I love you mom!
ahh, that cake look so cute, I can't wait to do it for my darling