Italian birthday cake is iconic. It’s central to so many second- and third-generation Italian-Canadian and Italian-American childhood memories. A moist sponge, soaked in liqueur, is paired with lemon and chocolate creams. My Nonna Lucia’s Italian birthday cake is soaked in coffee and always a little crooked. Her mother, Nonna Angelina, used to make it for Easter.
A few years ago, I posted about this cake on Facebook and asked people to share some stories. I want to learn more about the history of this cake and its place in your family stories.
Do you have a recipe for this cake that has been handed down to you?
When did/does your family make this cake?
Do you hate this cake because you’ve been forced to eat it so many times?
I am starting a project on stories of Italian birthday cake. It will include recipes, oral histories, photos, etc. I have a few ideas for the outcome, but I want to start talking with people first! Click here to submit your stories and recipes. Also, please feel free to share this post.