A cake is a generally a concoction of flour, butter, eggs and sugar. In the West cakes are usually risen sponges which may be flavoured with chocolate, lemon, all kinds of fruits, or sliced and filled with jam (US: jelly), More elaborate gâteaux and tortas may combine meringue with sponge and flavourings, and even plain sponges may be used as the building blocks for mighty wedding or christening cakes.

In winter, particularly to celebrate Christmas. cakes are often incredibly rich, filled with dried fruits and brandy and then iced thickly to resemble snow scenes. Traditionally cake was eaten with morning coffee or afternoon tea.