Rainbow cakes. Lots of sprinkles. That’s what most people think of when they think of baking and Pride. After all, this month is a joyful celebration of queerness, and nothing says celebration like a pan of festive blondies, rainbow-frosted cupcakes, vibrant Italian Rainbow Cookies, or an elaborate cake.
But beyond the flag-inspired prismatic offerings that have come to define Pride bakes in the modern era, you might also consider making something that’s inspired by queer history. In October of 1977, gay rights activist Thom Higgins marched up to anti-gay crusader Anita Bryant at a press conference in Des Moines, Iowa, and hit her square in the face with a whipped cream-topped fruit pie. I’m not suggesting you smash a pie in anyone’s face, but serving one at your Pride party is a tasty nod to the early activists who fought for queer rights when it wasn’t popular or easy to do so. (And also: wouldn't it be more satisfying to smash a cream pie?)
Chiffon cake is another recipe that’s perfect for a subversive Pride celebration. This style of cake was created by Harry Baker, who in 1923 fled Ohio for Los Angeles after he was caught in flagrante delicto with another man. Upon arriving in L.A., he invented the recipe for chiffon cake and sold the cakes to the restaurant The Brown Derby, who served them to Hollywood stars, including Cary Grant. He later sold the secret recipe to General Mills, which eventually published his technique of mixing oil (not butter) with egg yolks before folding into whipped egg whites to make a light but sturdy cake.
But it really doesn’t matter what you bake; we all know that baking itself is an act of love and care for friends and community. And caring for one’s community is an important thing to do during Pride month, but every other month of the year, too.
With pride,
