Cakes are very popular in Peru, mainly for Birthdays, but it’s very popular to go to a cafe and have a piece of cake with a coffee or a tea.

A freshly made cake with apricots and cream in Peru

There are very posh places full of people having a nice chat and enjoying a cake, probably this tradition comes from Italy or France.

Peruvian people like light and spongy cakes with fresh fruit and with fillings (my favourite is manjar that is made by simmering milk and sugar until you get a product similar to caramel) , cakes are made from layers and are very nicely decorated with fresh fruit, chocolate coverture, jelly and many more things. Many cakes look like a work of art.

A selection of fresh cakes on offer in a Metro supermarket in Lima.

Peruvian people have a “sweet tooth” but cakes are not made as sweet as in the UK and you can taste the rich flavour of the fruits and another ingredients, not just the sweetness of sugar.

People can buy cakes in supermarket as well like the ones in the picture that look very impressive compared to UK cakes but you can find more sophisticated ones in bakeries and cafes.

Wedding cakes are often very large and elaborate as well and they have some ‘surprises’ inside to play games with in the wedding party!

Tags: Food, Traditions