Few bakes conjure the warmth of home quite like a Welsh Cake. Golden on the outside, soft and spiced on the inside, and best enjoyed with a generous sprinkle of sugar and a hot cuppa, these humble little treats hold a special place in the heart of Welsh culture — and in our kitchen at CwtchBakes.
But where did they come from? Why have they stood the test of time? Let’s take a delicious stroll through history…
A Sweet Start in a Coal-Dusted Past
Welsh Cakes — or Pice ar y maen in Welsh, meaning “cakes on the stone” — first appeared in the 19th century. Traditionally, they were cooked on a cast-iron griddle or bakestone placed directly on the fire. This method was ideal for working-class families in coal-mining communities who had limited access to ovens.
Initially, these cakes were a way to use up simple pantry staples: flour, butter, lard, sugar, eggs, and dried fruit like currants or sultanas. The addition of warming spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg gave them their characteristic comforting flavour, perfect for the chilly Welsh weather.
A Miner’s Pocket-Sized Pick-Me-Up
Welsh Cakes quickly became a staple in the miner’s lunch tin. Small, sturdy, and sweet, they were the perfect mid-shift treat. Mothers, grandmothers, and daughters would bake fresh batches in the morning, wrapping them in cloth and slipping them into tin boxes to keep spirits high underground.
They were also a favourite at Welsh fairs and eisteddfods, sold from market stalls and enjoyed by children and grandparents alike. Their simplicity made them accessible, but their flavour made them unforgettable.
A Cake of Many Names
You might hear Welsh Cakes referred to by different names depending on where you are in Wales — bakestones, griddle cakes, or picau ar y maen. Some families even have their own treasured recipe passed down through generations, each with its own twist: a touch more spice here, a splash of vanilla.
And while the traditional round shape is most common, some bakers press them into hearts or ovals for special occasions. Here at CwtchBakes, we love honouring old ways while experimenting with new flavours — always with that familiar warm hug in every bite.
From Wales to the World
Though they began as a regional treat, Welsh Cakes are now enjoyed far beyond the valleys and hills of Cymru. Welsh communities abroad have proudly kept the tradition alive, and in recent years, their charm has spread further thanks to food festivals, baking shows, and (of course) passionate small bakeries like ours.
And it’s easy to see why: they’re versatile, easy to love, and full of nostalgia.
Bringing History to Your Plate
At CwtchBakes, we believe every Welsh Cake tells a story of resilience, family, and the simple joys of home baking. Whether you’re tasting one for the first time or reliving your grandmother’s recipe, we invite you to savour not just the flavour, but the heritage baked into every bite.
So next time you pick up a Welsh Cake from us, know you’re holding a little piece of history — lovingly made, and ready to cwtch.
Diolch for reading, and happy nibbling!