New research has revealed that cheesecake is now the top-rated sweet treat in the UK, with chocolate cake and carrot cake in second and third place, followed by lemon drizzle and Victoria sponge.
Despite the Victoria sponge being one of the most iconic British bakes, a quarter (25%) of Brits voted the American cheesecake's creamy texture and versatile flavours as number one to satisfy their taste buds.
Other non-traditional bakes that made the top 30 list include Doughnuts, Banoffee pie and Cinnamon buns as Brits move away from classic cakes to sweet treats more commonly found across the pond.
And while 60% say they prefer traditional cakes, modern-day bakes such as Pistachio croissants and chocolate Oreo cake also made the list.
The poll of 2,000 adults was commissioned by community retailer SPAR to celebrate the Blooming Great Tea Party with the UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie as National Afternoon Tea Week kicks off today.
SPAR and Marie Curie are encouraging people to bake their favourite cakes, hold a tea party and raise vital funds to help ensure more people, whatever their illness, get the end of life care they urgently need.
From the 8th-28th of August, shoppers can also show their support when they buy selected products in their local SPAR store. Well-known household brands including Diet Coke, Robinsons and Cadbury’s have a 5p per unit donation on selected lines.
Ian Taylor, Retail and Brand Development Director at SPAR said:
"The results show how diverse our cake preferences are. From rich chocolate cake to classic lemon drizzle, there's a cake for every palate and occasion."
"With cheesecake coming out as the UK's top teatime treat it’s obvious that people are looking for bakes that give us flavours with inspiration from around the world."
“The popularity of traditional cakes is no surprise as we are a nation that loves our classic bakes, but cakes come in all shapes and sizes so it can be hard to choose a favourite."
The generational difference in our favourites is also clear, with 15% of those aged 18-24 more likely to choose a red velvet cake compared to 28% of over 55-year-olds who favour a coffee cake.
And it seems that the older generation is no longer the bakers of the nation, with half of 18 to 34-year-olds most likely to say they love to bake at home (49%) – 23% more than those aged 55 and over.
Gen-Z were also the generation to bake most often, on average nearly 3 times a month, whereas 30% of people aged 65 and over admitted they never bake at all.
TV shows such as The Great British Bake Off (20%) and Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites (10%) are inspiring people to bake more, including the younger generation.
However, almost half (47%) believe their grandparents are better at baking than them, but 17% believe their cake-making skills are superior to their parents.
Impressively, 41% said they can make a cake without following a recipe and a quarter (25%) can bake without having to check measurements or use scales - rising to a huge 42% for 18 - 24-year-olds.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe it’s important to share moments with friends and family over a slice of cake and a cup of tea, as 44% feel that baking someone a cake shows that you care.
A third of us (33%) have baked cakes for a charity, and when asked if taking time out to enjoy having a cup of tea and a slice of cake when you feel stressed or anxious helps, 74% agreed.
Ian Taylor added; ““We love seeing how baking can bring people together and encourage kindness. Hosting a tea party is a great way to unite the community to show off their baking skills and support good causes.”
“SPAR store teams and shoppers across the country will be supporting the Blooming Great Tea Party to raise money and make a difference to the people Marie Curie help."
Suzy Pelta, expert cake maker and winner of Lorraine’s Cake Club Competition, who has created a lemon honey drizzle cake recipe to celebrate the Blooming Great Tea Party, said “Baking is such a great way to show love to your friends and family! And it's such a lovely way to help raise money for a brilliant cause like Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party with SPAR. “
“I love that baking gives you a chance to be creative, make something delicious and bring joy to others, all with a few simple ingredients. And let's face it, who doesn't love a slice of delicious cake and a lovely cup of tea?”
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