International Cake Day – Nov. 26, 2026

International Cake Day
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Tags:
AppreciationSweet Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every November 26
Holiday emoji:
🎂

International Cake Day arrives every November 26, inviting everyone to indulge in the delightful world of cake. Whether you’re baking a masterpiece, sharing a slice with loved ones, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, this day is a perfect excuse to celebrate. Get ready to explore new recipes, visit your local bakery, and savor every crumb!

Want to sponsor International Cake Day? Learn how

Expected International Cake Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Cake Day often brings sweet deals from bakeries and grocery stores. Look for discounts on slices and whole cakes at local shops, and keep an eye out for special offers from national chains like Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Cheesecake Factory, and Crumbl Cookies. Baking supply retailers such as Wilton and King Arthur Baking Company may also offer promotions on ingredients and tools. Don’t forget to check your favorite grocery stores like Kroger and Whole Foods for in-store bakery specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Cake Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalCakeDay. Share stunning photos of your homemade cakes, bakery finds, or favorite cake recipes.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalCakeDay. Film a time-lapse of your cake decorating process or a fun ‘cake reveal’ video.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalCakeDay. Share your favorite cake memories or ask friends for their top cake recommendations.

Social Media Tips for International Cake Day

Individuals

Bake your favorite cake recipe or try a new one. Share slices with neighbors, co-workers, or family, spreading the joy of this sweet day.

Creators

Host a virtual cake-decorating challenge or create a tutorial for a unique cake design. Engage your audience by asking them to vote on flavor combinations.

Brands

Run a 'decorate your own cake' contest with a prize pack of baking supplies. Partner with a local bakery for a special co-branded cake flavor or giveaway.

Top Brands for International Cake Day

  1. Betty Crocker

    An iconic American brand of baking mixes and cookbooks, Betty Crocker has been a household name since 1921. Known for its easy-to-use cake mixes, it empowers home bakers to create delicious desserts with minimal effort.

  2. Duncan Hines

    Founded in 1957, Duncan Hines is another leading American brand of baking mixes. Offering a wide variety of cake and brownie mixes, it provides convenient solutions for baking enthusiasts looking for quality and flavor.

  3. Wilton

    Wilton Brands LLC, established in 1929, is a global leader in cake decorating and bakeware products. From frosting tips to molds and specialized tools, Wilton equips bakers of all skill levels to create professional-looking cakes.

  4. Sprinkles Cupcakes

    Opening its first store in Beverly Hills in 2005, Sprinkles is credited with sparking the gourmet cupcake craze. They now offer a range of cakes, including their signature layer cakes, known for their rich flavors and elegant simplicity.

  5. Carlo's Bakery

    Founded by Carlo Guastaferro in 1910 and later purchased by Bartolo Valastro Sr. in 1964, Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, became famous through the reality show 'Cake Boss.' It's renowned for its custom cakes and Italian pastries.

  6. King Arthur Baking Company

    America's oldest flour company, established in 1790, King Arthur Baking Company is dedicated to providing high-quality baking ingredients and resources. They offer a wide range of flours, mixes, and recipes for every type of cake.

  7. Goldbelly

    Launched in 2013, Goldbelly is an online marketplace that ships iconic foods from across the U.S. directly to consumers. It features a curated selection of famous cakes from renowned bakeries nationwide, allowing anyone to enjoy a taste of regional specialties.

International Cake Day Hero

Julia Child

Julia Child (1912–2004) was an American chef, author, and television personality who brought French cuisine to the American public with her cookbook 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' and her television series 'The French Chef.' While known for savory dishes, her work demystified complex baking techniques, inspiring countless home cooks to tackle everything from soufflés to elaborate cakes. Her joyful approach to cooking and emphasis on quality ingredients profoundly influenced American culinary culture.

History of International Cake Day

Our favorite confection, cake, has a pretty long history. The word ‘cake’ itself is of Viking origin, and is derived from the Old Norse word ‘kaka.’ The Greeks also had their own cake which was baked using flour mixed with other ingredients such as eggs, milk, nuts, and honey. They also had a cake called ‘satura,’ which was flat and had a heavy consistency.

The word “cake’ took on a different name during the period of Roman rule, and that was ‘placenta,’ a Greek dish derived from their term for cake. A placenta was made from many layers of dough and was typically baked on a pastry base or inside a pastry case. The Greeks used beer to leaven it and included in the mixture was cheese made using goat’s milk. The basic bread dough was sometimes enriched with butter, eggs, and honey, as a sophisticated kind of bread that produced a sweet and cake-like baked good. This way of cooking was a common ancient Roman practice.

Early cakes in England also started off as regular bread, with the most obvious difference between them being their shape, that is, the more rounded, flat shape of cakes. Another difference is the method of production, where cakes are turned over while baking, as opposed to bread which was left upright throughout the baking process.

International Cake Day timeline

1200 — 1300
The Word ‘Cake’ is Derived

The word ‘cake’ comes from the Old Norse word, ‘kaka.’

1600 — 1700
The Earliest-Known Cakes are Made

According to historians, the earliest form of modern cakes are first made.

1894
An Early Book of Cake Recipes Released

A book titled “The Cassell’s New Universal Cookery Book” is released and it contains several cake recipes.

1929
The First Cake Mix Surfaces

The first cake mix containing flour and other ingredients is first sold.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Cake Day

Local bakeries can offer special discounts on their most popular cakes or introduce a limited-edition flavor for International Cake Day. Restaurants might feature a unique dessert menu with various cake options, encouraging patrons to indulge. Small businesses could host a cake-decorating workshop or collaborate with a local pastry chef for a tasting event. Social media campaigns inviting customers to share their favorite cake memories, with a prize for the best story, can also drive engagement.

International Cake Day FAQs

When is International Cake Day?

International Cake Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26. It’s the perfect mid-week treat to sweeten up your Thanksgiving week.

How popular is cake in the United States?

Cake remains incredibly popular in the U.S., with millions enjoying it regularly. Americans consume an estimated 13 pounds of cake per person annually, making it a staple for celebrations and everyday indulgence.

What are the most popular cake flavors?

While preferences vary, classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet consistently rank among the top. Lemon, carrot, and strawberry cakes also enjoy widespread popularity, especially during warmer months.

What is the history of cake?

The earliest forms of cake date back to ancient Egypt, where sweetened bread was made with honey and nuts. The modern, round cake with icing emerged in Europe in the 17th century, evolving with advancements in baking technology and ingredients.

International Cake Day Activities

  1. Bake a cake

    One of the best ways to celebrate International Cake Day is to bake some cake. There are now so many online recipes that are readily available, so you don’t have to bother finding a cookbook.

  2. Eat some cake

    Of course, you should enjoy some cake on International Cake Day. It’d be an absolute shame if you didn’t.

  3. Share the fun online

    Whether it’s a recipe you came up with, a video of you making some cake, or a picture of you enjoying a yummy slice, don’t forget to share it on social media. Use the #InternationalCakeDay hashtag.

5 Decadent Facts About Cakes

  1. Cupcakes surfaced in the 19th century

    Cupcakes as we know them today were first referred to as cupcakes in the 19th century.

  2. Cakes were once called placentas

    Cakes were referred to as placentas during Roman times because of their flat shape.

  3. A world record for eating cupcakes

    The world record for eating cupcakes is a staggering 72 cupcakes in six minutes.

  4. Cakes are simply an upgrade from bread

    Cakes are pretty much a sophisticated form of bread — the major difference is in the ingredients, method of preparation, and varieties.

  5. Cakes are similar to biscuits

    The only difference between both is that cakes harden when stale, while biscuits do the opposite and soften over time.

Why We Love International Cake Day

  1. Cakes are delicious

    Cakes are very delicious when made properly. Indulge in as many as you desire this International Cake Day.

  2. Cakes literally provide happiness

    It’s not a myth. Eating cakes releases oxytocin which is responsible for causing happiness.

  3. Cakes are healthy

    Cakes are actually quite healthy when consumed appropriately. This is because they contain a high nutritional value.

International Cake Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 26 Thursday
2027 November 26 Friday
2028 November 26 Sunday
2029 November 26 Monday
2030 November 26 Tuesday