Tipsy cake facts for kids
A tipsy cake shaped like a hedgehog, and decorated with nuts, raisins and a cherry
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| Type | Cake |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | England |
| Main ingredients | Sponge cake, sherry, brandy, sometimes bourbon or Tennessee whiskey |
A tipsy cake is a yummy dessert that's a bit like a trifle. It's made from soft sponge cakes soaked in sweet liquids like sherry and brandy. Imagine a cake that has absorbed delicious flavors! This dessert is very popular in the American South. People often enjoy it after dinner or at friendly get-togethers.
What is Tipsy Cake?
Tipsy cake is a sweet treat that started in England. It usually has several small cakes stacked up. The spaces between the cakes are often filled with almonds. It's a type of trifle, which is a layered dessert.
This cake became well-known by the mid-1800s. It was even included in a famous cookbook from 1861. That book was called Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.
Why is it Called "Tipsy"?
The name "tipsy cake" comes from the amount of alcohol used in the recipe. The word "tipsy" means feeling a little bit dizzy or lightheaded. This dessert was also sometimes called "Tipsy Parson". This was a funny nickname because it suggested the cake might make a visiting preacher feel a bit "off the wagon." This just means the cake had a good amount of the special liquids!
History of Tipsy Cake
Tipsy cake first appeared around the mid-1700s. The idea for this dessert came to the American colonies from the British. British settlers brought their recipes with them when they moved to the coastal South.
The dessert stayed popular with Southern planters. These were people who owned large farms and enjoyed sweet foods.
How Tipsy Cake is Made
There are different ways to make a tipsy cake. One common way uses pound cake or angel food cake that might be a bit old. It also includes fruit jam, a small amount of whiskey, and more sherry.
Warm vanilla pie filling or custard is also a key part. All the ingredients, except the warm filling, are mixed together first. Then, the warm filling is poured over the top. The whole dish is then chilled in the refrigerator. Just before serving, whipped cream is often added on top.
