Cake vs. pie: Which is better?
The dispute between cake and pie has been continuous for generations, with many unable to settle on the better option.
Cake and pie originated from Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek civilizations.
Both nostalgic American classics, cake and pie have been debated for many decades, with one question proposed: Which option is best?
For some, pie is the better option, as many believe it is more flavorful and versatile.
“I prefer pie; I’m not such a lover of cakes. I’m not exactly sure why. I think that with pies, it is the pastry crust that I enjoy because it is so buttery, and the taste melts in your mouth,” said Pascack Hills Culinary Teacher Julianne Downes.
I think that with pies, it is the pastry crust that I enjoy because it is so buttery, and the taste melts in your mouth.
— Julianne Downes, Pascack Hills Culinary Teacher
Cake and pie originated from Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek civilizations, though having been significantly modified over the centuries that have passed.
Initially invented by Ancient Egyptian civilizations, cakes resembled bread more than the style of contemporary cake. They were typically sweetened with honey and were flat unleavened structures.
In the mid-1600s, the Europeans modified the traditional cake recipe with additions of sweet icing and an updated circular structure. Their versions of icing contained a mixture of egg whites and sugar boiled into a mixture with other selected ingredients. In addition, Europeans typically used dried fruits as flavors for European cakes.
Cake continued to evolve in the 1800s, though the essential ingredients, such as sugar and chocolate, were costly. As buttercream frosting began to replace the boiled egg style, there became a more remarkable resemblance to the contemporary cake.
With significant advancements during the Industrial Revolution, ingredients and techniques became more available than prior, increasing the production of these delicious confections.
On the other hand, pie was invented by the Ancient Greeks, despite being considered an iconic American classic. The Ancient Greeks were the original inventors of the pastry shell, which they created by combining flour and water. Traditionally, pies were savory in Ancient Rome, flavored with meats and seafood.
Despite this early foundation for pies, the sweeter, modernized pie didn’t become common until the early 1800s.
The earliest indication of pumpkin pie was by the English settlers who traveled along the Mayflower to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the early 1600s.
The Pilgrims living in the northeastern United States created pumpkin pie without a crust, filling a hollowed-out pumpkin shell with a spiced milk mixture. They would then proceed by baking the pies in hot ashes, similar to a traditional cake.
The natives occupying the land in America also grew squash and pumpkins, which educated the Pilgrims on new uses. Though not the familiar classic, the serving of pumpkin pie began on the first Thanksgiving in 1621.
Despite great strides in inventing the modern-day version, Francois Pierre La Varenne further explored the pumpkin pie in the 17th century. The French chef included a pumpkin pie recipe in his 17th-century cookbook titled, “Le Vrai Cuisinier François” (The True French Cook), later known as “The French Cook” when published in 1653. The recipe was entitled “Tourte of Pumpkin” and was the first version of a pumpkin pie to include a pastry shell, though it lacked many of the additional ingredients in today’s traditional pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin pie was finally revolutionized in 1796 when Amelia Simmons included a recipe in her “American Cookery.” Her pumpkin puddings were in the middle of a pie crust, resembling the beloved pumpkin pie by all of America in the present day.
The dispute between cake and pie has been continuous for generations, with many unable to settle on the better option. The creation of more flavors expands the conflict’s difficulty.
Cake can also be considered a versatile dessert, as some believe it has a wider variety of flavors than its competition. Many could also argue that pie is a seasonal dessert, while cake is easier to enjoy at celebrations all year round.
“Cake can have many fillings and toppings all around. Pie is only good in the fall, and sometimes summer, but cake can be had year round,” said an anonymous Hills sophomore.
Pie is only good in the fall, and sometimes summer, but cake can be had year round.
— Anonymous Hills Sophomore
Out of a group of surveyed students from Hills, 75% preferred cake, while the remaining 25% preferred pie.
Another Hills student who preferred to remain anonymous provided the counterargument of the affirmative perspective on cake.
“Pie is better because it has more variety and can be sweet or savory. It can also have many flavors and different toppings,” they said.
The conflict between cake and pie opens up another can of worms for the future. Cake offers various options and is considered a dessert served throughout all seasons of the year; however, the complexity of pie provides more options with better flavor and texture.
These vast differences leave the debate open.
Do you prefer cake or pie? Leave your opinion in the comments below!
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Hills sophomore Thomas Samouhos is excited to be part of the Trailblazer for a second year. He joined the publication his freshman year as a staff writer and primarily wrote articles for the In-Depth section. This year, Samouhos is eager to cover In-Depth stories and work alongside his fellow editors.
Fun fact: Samouhos loves to travel, with his latest getaway being Ocean City, Md.
Priya • Aug 7, 2023 at 4:45 AM
It all depends on the choice of a person. But mostly I think cakes are well preferred.