Julia Child is a name synonymous with French cuisine in American households. Through her cookbooks and television shows, she introduced the art of French cooking to millions of home cooks, demystifying recipes that were once thought to be complex and inaccessible. Her influence on culinary culture is undeniable, but for those with a sweet tooth, one question often lingers: what was Julia Child’s favorite cake? Julia Child was known to enjoy many desserts, but her favorite cake was the Gâteau à l’Orange, a classic French orange sponge cake.
This article will dive into what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, explore its significance, detail how it aligns with her culinary philosophy, and look at other cakes she cherished. We will also consider the legacy she left in the baking world, her contributions to modern cooking, and how she made French cakes approachable for home cooks.
1. Julia Child: The Chef Who Changed American Cooking
Before we answer the question, what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, it’s essential to understand who Julia Child was and why her contributions to the culinary world still resonate today. Julia Child was born in 1912 and didn’t discover her passion for cooking until she moved to France with her husband, Paul Child, in the 1940s. It was in France that she attended Le Cordon Bleu, the world-renowned cooking school, and fell in love with French cuisine.
Child’s groundbreaking cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, co-written with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, brought French techniques and recipes to American homes. Her television series, The French Chef, further solidified her influence, as she demonstrated complex French dishes in an accessible, often humorous, manner. Her larger-than-life personality, coupled with her deep love of cooking, made her a beloved figure in kitchens everywhere.
Given her deep love for all things French, it’s no surprise that what was Julia Child’s favorite cake would be rooted in French pastry traditions. Let’s explore this favorite in detail.
2. What Was Julia Child’s Favorite Cake? The Gâteau à l’Orange
When people ask what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, the answer is the Gâteau à l’Orange—a light, airy French orange sponge cake. This cake is delicate, infused with the zest and juice of fresh oranges, and exemplifies many of the qualities Julia Child loved in her favorite desserts: simplicity, elegance, and, most importantly, flavor.
The Gâteau à l’Orange is a traditional French cake made using simple ingredients such as eggs, sugar, flour, butter, and oranges. What sets it apart is the technique involved in preparing the cake. By carefully beating the eggs to incorporate air, and gently folding in the other ingredients, you create a fluffy, light cake that balances the sweetness of sugar with the tangy brightness of citrus.
For Child, this cake was more than just a sweet treat—it reflected the heart of French baking, where high-quality ingredients and proper techniques take center stage. The cake was often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze made from orange juice and sugar, making it elegant but never overly fussy.
3. Why Was the Gâteau à l’Orange Julia Child’s Favorite?
To fully appreciate why Julia Child’s favorite cake was the Gâteau à l’Orange, we must look at what made this cake stand out to her.
Simplicity Paired with Technique
Julia Child loved recipes that demonstrated how simple ingredients, when treated with care and precision, could yield incredible results. The Gâteau à l’Orange requires very few ingredients—eggs, sugar, flour, butter, and oranges—but the success of the cake hinges on mastering the technique of beating the eggs properly and folding in the flour without deflating the batter. This focus on technique over complexity is a hallmark of French cuisine and something Child cherished.
Love for Citrus
Child had a known affinity for citrus flavors. She often praised the way citrus could lift the flavor of a dish, adding brightness without overpowering other ingredients. The Gâteau à l’Orange, with its fragrant orange zest and juice, embodies this philosophy. The natural sweetness of the cake, balanced by the tanginess of the orange, creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
French Influence
As someone deeply influenced by her time in France, it’s no surprise that Julia Child’s favorite cake would have French roots. The Gâteau à l’Orange represents the kind of dessert that Child admired most—light, elegant, and rooted in tradition. This cake, often served as part of a formal meal or a simple afternoon snack, reflects the French approach to dessert: one that emphasizes natural flavors and avoids overly rich, heavy elements.
4. How to Make Julia Child’s Favorite Cake: Gâteau à l’Orange Recipe
Now that we know what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, let’s dive into how you can make this cake at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on Julia Child’s approach to baking this iconic dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of two oranges
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Prepare the orange zest and juice by zesting two oranges and setting the zest aside. Juice the oranges until you have about 1/2 cup of fresh juice.
- Beat the eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial, as incorporating air into the eggs will give the cake its light texture.
- Fold in the zest and juice gently into the egg mixture, making sure to combine them thoroughly without losing the airiness of the eggs.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt, and fold them into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the melted butter to the batter, gently folding until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or glaze with a mixture of orange juice and sugar if desired.
This recipe, while simple, requires attention to detail—exactly the kind of technique-driven baking that Julia Child adored. The result is a cake that is both elegant and comforting, ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert after dinner.
5. The Joy of Baking According to Julia Child
To fully understand what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, one must also understand her philosophy toward baking. Child viewed baking as both an art and a science. While she embraced precision in the kitchen, she also believed in the importance of enjoying the process, encouraging home bakers to learn from their mistakes.
Precision and Attention to Detail
Julia Child was known for her exacting approach to cooking, and baking was no exception. In French baking, small variations in technique or ingredient measurements can significantly affect the final product, especially with delicate cakes like Gâteau à l’Orange. Child emphasized the importance of following recipes closely, but she also believed in understanding why certain techniques work—whether it’s the correct way to fold in flour or how to beat eggs to achieve the perfect texture.
Learning Through Mistakes
One of the reasons Child became such a beloved figure was her willingness to embrace imperfection. In her cooking shows, she didn’t shy away from making mistakes on camera, reminding viewers that even the most experienced cooks can have mishaps. She encouraged home bakers to experiment and not to feel discouraged if their cakes didn’t turn out perfectly on the first try. This mindset helped make French baking more accessible to Americans, inspiring many to tackle recipes they might have otherwise avoided.
6. Other Cakes Julia Child Loved
Though the Gâteau à l’Orange was her favorite, Julia Child had a deep love for many other cakes, especially those rooted in French patisserie. Here are some other cakes she frequently enjoyed.
Reine de Saba (Queen of Sheba Cake)
The Reine de Saba cake is a rich, dense chocolate almond cake, often topped with a silky chocolate glaze. This cake holds a special place in French dessert culture, and Child loved it for its deep, luxurious flavor. The almond meal adds a nutty richness that complements the bittersweet chocolate, making this cake a decadent treat for special occasions.
Génoise
The génoise is a classic French sponge cake that relies on whipped eggs for its rise. This cake was one of Child’s favorites to bake because of the technique required to make it correctly. The génoise can be used as a base for a variety of cakes, from simple fruit-topped desserts to elaborate layer cakes filled with mousse or cream.
Bavarian Cream Cake
Bavarian cream cakes, or bavarois, are another type of French dessert that Julia Child appreciated. These cakes typically consist of a light sponge base layered with a creamy, mousse-like filling made from whipped cream and eggs, often flavored with vanilla or fruit. The texture of Bavarian cream is incredibly smooth and light, making these cakes a favorite for more formal gatherings.
7. Julia Child’s Lasting Influence on Baking
To answer the question, what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, is also to acknowledge the broader impact she had on baking as a whole. Her legacy continues to inspire both amateur and professional bakers, encouraging them to explore French techniques and approach baking with a sense of joy and curiosity.
French Baking in American Kitchens
Before Julia Child, many Americans viewed French cuisine, especially French baking, as too difficult to master at home. Child changed that perception by breaking down complex recipes and demonstrating them on her television shows. She taught viewers that they could create French cakes like Gâteau à l’Orange in their own kitchens, making French patisserie less intimidating and more approachable.
Emphasis on Quality Ingredients
One of the reasons what was Julia Child’s favorite cake stands out is because it highlights her emphasis on using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Child always encouraged cooks to use the best ingredients they could find, particularly when it came to simple cakes where the flavor of each component shines through. The Gâteau à l’Orange, with its focus on fresh oranges and other basic ingredients, is a perfect example of this principle.
Making Mistakes Part of the Process
Child’s open attitude toward mistakes made her a relatable figure in the kitchen. She believed that the process of baking—whether it’s mastering the folding technique or learning how to bake a génoise—was as important as the final product. This approach has inspired countless bakers to take on new challenges, knowing that even if they fail, they can learn and improve.
8. How to Serve Gâteau à l’Orange
Now that you know what was Julia Child’s favorite cake, it’s time to consider how to serve it. The beauty of Gâteau à l’Orange is its versatility. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Simple and Classic
For a classic presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. The simplicity of this approach lets the bright citrus flavor take center stage.
With Whipped Cream
For a more indulgent serving option, add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to each slice. This pairs beautifully with the light, airy texture of the cake and adds a touch of richness.
With Fresh Berries
If you’re serving the cake during the spring or summer, consider pairing it with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Glazed
For a more formal presentation, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a glossy finish that adds both flavor and elegance.
9. Conclusion: What Was Julia Child’s Favorite Cake?
In conclusion, what was Julia Child’s favorite cake? The answer is the Gâteau à l’Orange, a delicate French orange sponge cake that reflects her love of simplicity, quality ingredients, and proper technique. This cake embodies many of the qualities Child admired most in cooking: elegance, attention to detail, and a focus on natural flavors.
While she loved many other cakes, from the rich Reine de Saba to the versatile génoise, the Gâteau à l’Orange holds a special place in her legacy. It’s a dessert that continues to inspire bakers around the world, and one that offers a taste of Julia Child’s enduring influence on the culinary world.