Sri Lanka's Beloved Love Cake: A Christmas Tradition with a History of Affection

Rich, fruity, nutty, and infused with exotic spices, Sri Lanka's iconic love cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt tradition. Baked primarily during Christmas, this decadent treat holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans across the globe. With its crunchy crust, moist center, and captivating aroma of citrus, rosewater, and spices, love cake offers a warm embrace reminiscent of home.

For many, the act of baking love cake is as cherished as eating it. It represents care, patience, and affection—a true labor of love.

The Origins of Love Cake: From Portuguese Sailors to Sri Lankan Kitchens

The history of love cake dates back to colonial Ceylon, when Portuguese and Dutch settlers brought their culinary traditions to Sri Lanka’s shores. Food historian and chef Dhayanie Williams explains that the cake likely evolved from bolo d’amor, or “cake of love,” a Portuguese delicacy made with semolina, cashew nuts, and sherry.

Local ingredients, such as pumpkin preserve and abundant Sri Lankan spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, adapted the recipe to suit regional tastes. Rosewater—a nod to Arabic influences from Moorish Portugal—added an exotic, floral aroma. The result was a fusion of European techniques and Sri Lankan flavors, creating the beloved dessert known today.

A Culinary Symbol of Love and Celebration

Why is it called love cake? Folklore suggests Sri Lankan women baked it to win the hearts of Portuguese sailors. Another explanation lies in the premium ingredients used—cashews, butter, spices—which were considered luxurious and reserved for the people you cherished most.

Traditionally baked by the Dutch Burgher community, love cake has transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries in Sri Lanka. It is now a centerpiece during weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, symbolizing love, luck, and the bonds of family.

Williams notes that “a good love cake must have three distinct layers: a crusty top, a soft, gooey middle, and a firm base.” Achieving this trifecta requires meticulous preparation and attention to detail.

A Family Tradition Passed Through Generations

For many families, the recipe for love cake is a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations. Variations may include ingredients like brandy, honey, or almond essence, but the core components remain consistent.

Chef Williams recalls learning to bake love cake from her Burgher mother-in-law, who referenced classic Sri Lankan cookbooks such as Hilda Deutrom’s Ceylon Daily News Cookery Book from 1930. Adapting the original measurements, she perfected her version of the cake, which has become a staple in her celebrations and her business.

Making Love Cake: A Labor of Love

Preparing love cake is no small feat. Chopping cashews by hand, roasting semolina, and balancing spices demand patience and precision. Williams, who bakes in bulk during the festive season, says organization is key to managing the process. While modern tools like mixers simplify some steps, the essence of love cake lies in its handcrafted quality.

Despite its laborious nature, the process of making love cake fosters connection—whether it’s families working together in the kitchen or gifting a slice to someone special.

From Sri Lanka to the World: Love Cake’s Legacy

Though rooted in Sri Lankan heritage, love cake has found a global audience, cherished by the diaspora and beyond. Its distinct flavor profile—a medley of spices, nuts, and citrus—encapsulates the island's rich culinary history and enduring traditions.

As Williams notes, “A slice of love cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a story of love, culture, and connection.”