Le Cake à l’Anglaise vs. English Fruit Cake: What’s the Difference?
Introduction
When it comes to cakes, the French and the British have their own unique traditions. If you've come across "Le Cake à l’Anglaise" and thought it was the same as an English fruit cake, you’re not alone! The names sound similar, but these two cakes have very distinct characteristics.
I recently tried Le Cake à l’Anglaise from the Brossard brand, which I bought from Carrefour, and I must say, the taste really surprised me. It was packed with plenty of fruits and had a juicy texture that made every bite delightful. This experience led me to dive deeper into understanding what makes this cake different from its British counterpart.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between Le Cake à l’Anglaise and English fruit cake, their history, ingredients, and how they’re enjoyed. Whether you're a baker, a foodie, or just someone curious about European desserts, this guide will give you all the delicious details!
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| Le Cake à l’Anglaise from the Brossard brand |
What is Le Cake à l’Anglaise?
Le Cake à l’Anglaise is a classic French pound cake with dried or candied fruits, often enjoyed with tea or coffee. Despite its name, it is not the same as the dense and boozy English fruit cake. The French refer to many loaf-style cakes as "cake," borrowing the term from English, but their version is lighter, buttery, and subtly sweet.
Key Features of Le Cake à l’Anglaise:
- A moist, tender pound cake or butter cake base
- Dried or candied fruits like raisins, cherries, or citrus peel
- Sometimes flavored with rum or Grand Marnier for an aromatic touch
- Best enjoyed fresh with tea or coffee
History & Origins: The French have long admired British baked goods, and in the 19th century, they adapted the British-style fruit cake into a lighter version that suited French tastes. The result? Le Cake à l’Anglaise became a staple in French households and bakeries.
What is English Fruit Cake?
English fruit cake is a dense, rich, and heavily fruited cake that has been enjoyed in the UK for centuries, especially during Christmas and weddings. Unlike Le Cake à l’Anglaise, it is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and alcohol, making it a long-lasting and flavor-rich dessert.
Key Features of English Fruit Cake:
- A dense and heavy texture
- Packed with dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries, figs, apricots)
- Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
- Often soaked in brandy, rum, or sherry for weeks or months
- Traditionally covered in marzipan and royal icing for celebrations
History & Origins: Dating back to the Middle Ages, fruit cakes were originally made with preserved fruits and honey. By the 18th and 19th centuries, they became associated with British celebrations. Today, English fruit cake remains a symbol of festive gatherings and is often passed down through generations with family recipes.
Key Differences Between Le Cake à l’Anglaise & English Fruit Cake
| Feature | Le Cake à l’Anglaise | English Fruit Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, buttery | Dense, rich, heavy |
| Main Ingredients | Flour, butter, eggs, sugar, dried fruits | Flour, butter, eggs, dried fruits, nuts, spices, alcohol |
| Flavor | Mildly sweet, citrusy or rum-infused | Strong, spiced, deeply fruity |
| Alcohol Use | Optional (light flavoring) | Essential (soaked for months) |
| Occasion | Everyday tea-time cake | Christmas, weddings, special events |
| Storage | Best eaten fresh | Can be aged for months or even years |
While Le Cake à l’Anglaise is an everyday treat, English fruit cake is a celebratory cake meant to last.
How to Enjoy Each Cake
Le Cake à l’Anglaise:
- Best served with a cup of tea or coffee
- Delicious as a breakfast cake or an afternoon snack
- Can be lightly toasted and topped with butter or jam
English Fruit Cake:
- Traditionally served during Christmas or weddings
- Often paired with a glass of brandy, port, or tea
- Aged cakes develop a deeper, richer flavor over time
Fun Facts About These Cakes!
🍰 The longest-lasting English fruit cake was found to be over 100 years old, and it was still edible thanks to its alcohol preservation!
🍊 Le Cake à l’Anglaise was inspired by British baking but became a French favorite, appearing in cookbooks as early as the 19th century.
🎂 Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake was a traditional English fruit cake, continuing a royal tradition that dates back centuries.
☕ In France, "cake" often refers to any loaf-shaped sweet bread, including savory versions with olives, ham, or cheese.
Which One Should You Try?
If you love light, buttery cakes with a hint of fruit, go for Le Cake à l’Anglaise. But if you prefer rich, spiced, and boozy cakes, English fruit cake is for you!
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a sweet treat with tea, both cakes offer a delicious experience—each with its own cultural charm.
Conclusion
Le Cake à l’Anglaise and English fruit cake might sound similar, but they are completely different in taste, texture, and tradition. While the French version is a simple, light cake for everyday enjoyment, the British version is a grand, festive cake meant to last for months.
Next time you see "Cake à l’Anglaise" in a French bakery or an English fruit cake at a holiday table, you'll know exactly what makes each one special!
References & Further Reading
- "French Patisserie: Master Recipes and Techniques" by Ferrandi Paris
- "The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets" by Darra Goldstein
- British Baking Society: History of the English Fruit Cake
- French Culinary Institute: The Evolution of French Cakes
Would you try Le Cake à l’Anglaise or stick with a traditional English fruit cake? Let me know in the comments! 🎂🇫🇷🇬🇧
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