Connecticut’s Election Cake Tradition: A Sweet Celebration of Democracy

A Timeless Tradition: The Election Cake Bake-Off in Connecticut

While election day often brings stress and anxiety for many, in Hartford, Connecticut, it is celebrated with a sweet twist. The annual Election Cake Bake-Off at Connecticut’s Old State House transforms this civic event into a delicious tradition, featuring a multi-tiered, red, white, and blue cake adorned with an American flag, stars, and a bald eagle made entirely of frosting.

A Rich Historical Legacy

The tradition of election cakes dates back to 1771 in Hartford, a time when the northeast United States consisted of 13 colonies. Connecticut, known for its early self-governance, celebrated election day with community festivities, including the baking of large cakes. Nicole Sousa, events and outreach manager at the Old State House, shared insights into this historical practice with Morning Edition.

“It was definitely something that Connecticut, as a colony and then later as a state, celebrated and really felt attached to,” Sousa noted.

The original election cakes differed significantly from today’s creations. They were dense fruit cakes, often soaked with alcohol, and baked in massive quantities. According to Sousa, these cakes were made using 30 quarts of flour, ten pounds of butter, 14 pounds of sugar, 12 pounds of raisins, three dozen eggs, and over a quart of wine or brandy—enough to feed large gatherings of voters.

Amelia Simmons included a version of a traditional election cake in her book American Cookery, recognized as the first American cookbook.

The Modern Bake-Off

Fast forward more than 250 years, the Old State House hosted its fifth annual Election Cake Bake-Off on October 26. Professional bakers competed to craft non-partisan, election-themed cakes that celebrate American democracy.

“They’re in it to win it for sure,” Sousa said. “But they’re also in it for the love of Election Day, the love of baking and the love of the idea of election cakes.”

Judges evaluated the cakes based on presentation, creativity, and taste. The winning cake was declared the official Connecticut Election Cake of 2026, and its creator secured a commission to bake the Old State House’s birthday cake the following year.

The Winning Creation

This year’s victors were a mother-daughter team led by Sophia Grestini from Amy’s Cakes LLC in Cheshire, CT. Their cake featured four layers of lemon blueberry and traditional spiced sponge, covered in patriotic colors and symbols such as an “I voted” pin, ballot box, and American flag.

Fondant figures of a donkey and elephant adorned the second tier, representing the two major political parties. Atop the cake stood a bald eagle sculpted from frosting, serving as both decoration and protector from wandering forks.

Sousa praised the cake’s deliciousness and the joyful spirit of the bakers. “That’s what we’re trying to do with the election cake contest — we’re trying to bring that joy back to Election Day,” Sousa expressed. “It should be fun, it should be a way to show that you’re contributing to your country and part of your community.”