What is International Pizza Cake Day?

International Pizza Cake Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday in April. This day honors the unique culinary creation known as the pizza cake;a multi-layered pizza that resembles a cake. It is a fun and indulgent celebration for food lovers who enjoy combining two of the most beloved comfort foods.

History and origin

Some say that pizza cake was first created many years ago by Chef François Gundermeaux. ​According to this legend, the first pizza cake was a cake designed to resemble a pizza, and created by Chef François Gundermeaux for the wedding of France’s Duke of Angoulême and Italy’s Lady Mauriello during the French Renaissance. The story suggests that Lady Mauriello’s father, Geomar, requested a traditional Italian pizza for the wedding feast. Unfamiliar with pizza but skilled in pastry-making, Chef Gundermeaux crafted a cake mimicking the appearance of a pizza. Upon tasting it, Geomar reportedly exclaimed, “This is not pizza, this is pizza cake!” However, this tale only appears on the International Pizza Cake Day Facebook page and lacks historical verification. ​

The concept of the pizza cake gained popularity in April 2014 when Boston Pizza, a Canadian-based chain, introduced it as part of their “Pizza Game Changers” promotion. This campaign featured various innovative pizza-related products, with the pizza cake quickly becoming the most popular, receiving over 15,000 votes by April 21, 2014. The original pizza cake consisted of six layers and was promoted as ideal for special events like birthdays and weddings. Following its introduction, the pizza cake concept went viral. In September 2014, the Pillsbury Company published a recipe by Shawn Syphus, further popularizing the dish. Since then, International Pizza Cake Day has been observed to celebrate this indulgent fusion of pizza and cake.

Who participates?

• Food enthusiasts: People who enjoy experimenting with unique and extravagant culinary creations.
• Restaurants and pizzerias: Eateries that offer special pizza cake dishes or promotions to attract customers.
• Home cooks and bakers: Culinary hobbyists who try making their own versions of pizza cakes.
• Food bloggers and influencers: Content creators who share recipes, tutorials, and experiences related to pizza cakes.
• Event planners: Professionals who incorporate pizza cakes into celebrations for a unique twist.

Slogans and themes

International Pizza Cake Day celebrates culinary creativity and indulgence. Themes focus on layering flavors, trying new combinations, and bringing people together over food. Popular slogans include “layered with flavor, baked with love,” “indulge in a slice of heaven,” and “where pizza meets cake;a match made in culinary heaven.” The day encourages food lovers to get creative and enjoy a fun take on traditional dishes.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• Red: Represents tomato sauce and passion for food.
• Yellow: Symbolizes cheese and warmth.
• Brown: Represents the baked crust and richness.

Symbols

• Layered slices: Represent the multiple layers of a pizza cake.
• Chef’s hat: Symbolizes culinary creativity and expertise.
• Pizza cutter: Represents the act of serving and sharing.

Patterns

• Checkerboard: Reflects the traditional tablecloths in pizzerias.
• Layered circles: Emphasizes the stacked nature of a pizza cake.
• Melting cheese drips: Symbolizes indulgence and savory delight.

Most used hashtags

• #InternationalPizzaCakeDay
• #PizzaCake
• #LayeredDelight
• #PizzaLoversUnite
• #CulinaryFusion

How to celebrate

• Create your own pizza cake: Experiment with different ingredients and layers to craft a personalized pizza cake at home.
• Dine out: Visit local pizzerias or restaurants that offer special pizza cake dishes or promotions.
• Share on social media: Post pictures and recipes of your pizza cake creations using the event’s hashtags.
• Host a pizza cake party: Invite friends and family to enjoy various versions of pizza cakes, encouraging each guest to bring their own creation.
• Explore new recipes: Try different variations, such as dessert pizza cakes or incorporating international flavors.

Why is International Pizza Cake Day important?

This day celebrates culinary innovation and the blending of beloved foods;pizza and cake. It encourages creativity in the kitchen and offers a fun way to enjoy comfort food in a novel form. By participating, individuals and businesses can explore new culinary ideas, share their creations, and bring people together over a shared love for inventive cuisine.