Cake Primer: An Introductory Guide to Cake Types

Cake Primer: An Introductory Guide to Cake Types

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or a romantic anniversary, cakes are the perfect way to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. However, with so many different types of cake out there, it’s easy to feel a little spoiled for choice. But worry not—this guide is here to break down all the different varieties of cake, helping you find the best one to indulge in next.

1. Sponge Cake: Light and Airy

Sponge cake is the epitome of lightness and airiness. Made with a simple blend of eggs, sugar, flour, and occasionally a leavening agent like baking powder, this type of cake is known for its delicate, fluffy texture. Its structure is also perfect for absorbing syrups, making it the go-to base for delicious fresh fruit cakes or the ever-popular mango mousse cake. If you’re making this melt-in-your-mouth delight from scratch, don’t be afraid to dress it up with various toppings like tangy berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar to create a personalised dessert.

2. Pound Cake: Rich and Buttery

Pound cake is a dense and buttery classic dessert

Pound cake is a classic dessert that boasts a dense and buttery flavour. Traditionally made with equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, the pound cake is loved for its rich taste and tight crumb. It’s a fantastic choice for those who prefer fuller, more substantial dessert types.

Moreover, pound cakes are fairly versatile. Indulge in a simple, unadorned slice for its full buttery goodness, or opt for a more decadent version drizzled with glaze or topped with fresh fruit. It’s also a popular choice for afternoon tea or as a companion to a cup of hot coffee.

3. Chiffon Cake: A Fluffy Favourite

Chiffon cake is another light and fluffy type of cake that shares some similarities with sponge cake but with a unique twist. What sets chiffon cake apart is the addition of vegetable oil to the batter, which results in a moist and tender texture. Beaten egg whites are carefully folded into the mixture, giving it an airy quality that’s a delight to the taste buds.

Chiffon cakes can be served as a stand-alone treat or layered with fruit compote, making it an excellent choice for events or celebrations. In Singapore, pandan chiffon cake is especially popular, with its fragrant local flavour and soft texture.

4. Cheesecake: Creamy and Decadent

Assorted cheesecake slices, perfect for dessert

This decadent dessert is made with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and flavourings like vanilla or lemon zest. Baked in a crust made from graham crackers or cookies, cheesecakes are often served chilled and topped with fruit, chocolate, or caramel sauce.

There are also different types of cheesecakes to choose from. For example, New York-style cheesecake is rich and dense, while Japanese cheesecakes are of the fluffier variant. They can even be infused with more interesting flavours like matcha and raspberry lemon, adding a delightful twist to the classic creamy base.

5. 3D Cakes: Sculptural Sweet Creations

While 3D cakes are not strictly a type of cake, they are a creative and visually stunning variation that pushes the boundaries of traditional cake design. Made with a combination of fondant, buttercream, and other edible decorations, these cakes can be sculpted into various shapes and figures. A popular example is the longevity peach cake, which is often created for milestone birthdays or special celebrations. Each cake can be uniquely designed to fit with the theme or occasion, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or corporate event.

Indulge in the Sweetest Cakes for Every Celebration

With so many types of cakes to choose from, each offering its own unique flavour, texture, and appeal, there’s a perfect option for every occasion and taste. From the airy lightness of a sponge cake to the rich, buttery goodness of a pound cake, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice.

Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Shop at Swee Heng Bakery today and explore our exquisite collection of freshly baked cakes, from classic favourites to innovative creations.