1900s

As cocoa powder and chocolate become more available to the average person Chocolate cakes grew in popularity as they were much easier to make.
1910s
People often made sponge cakes and used fruit preserves in them as they were cheap and affordable and popularized during wartime america.

1920s

Pineapple Upside down cake was very popular as pineapples were a trendy food thanks to companies like Dole. Jello cakes were also popular at the time but have nit yet reached their peak.

1930s

In the 1930s icebox cakes became popular as the new kitchen appliance- the icebox- was popular in homes. Below is a recipe for an icebox cake from the 1930s.

1940s

Because of the scarcity of ingredients during WW2 wartime cakes marked the decade. There were lots of cake recipes that needed no sugar or fat as people had to get innovative.

1950s

One of the most iconic cakes of the 1950s was the baked Alaska. This cake was perfect for home entertaining, which was very popular during the 50s as it was scorched and frozen.

1960s

Pineapple Upside down cakes regained popularity and jello desserts continued to stay in the spotlight.

1970s

Carrot cakes reached peak popularity in the 70s thanks to the new health and dieting craze at the time, which made a vegetable cake sound much more appealing.

1980s

Tiramisu picked up steam in the US during the 80s. Ice cream cakes were also popular.

1990s

Chocolate lava cake emerged as a high end dessert but soon trickled down to be everywhere.

2000s

Gourmet cupcakes took off in the 2000s thanks to television. They were convenient and adored. Cake pops also became popular as they were a cute new spin on cakes.

2010s

Decorated layered cakes have definitely marked the 2010s. Think of layered white or red velvet cakes designed to look like unicorns, galaxies, and pretty much anything. Filled cakes were popular too, as seen with the Flour Shop's iconic sprinkle cake. Thanks to popular sites such as youtube and instagram cake decorating became trendy.

2020s

Right now Korean Lunch Box cakes are gaining popularity on social media thanks to tik tok and instagram. Like the 2010s cakes continue with the trend of decorated tiered cakes but with a more classic and minimalistic theme.