Having cake on your birthday should be ... a piece of cake! You know, easy peasy. But, ordering a birthday cake around Spanish-speaking countries is pretty complicated if you’re not a local. We found a dozen ways to say "cake" around Latin America.
“It has always surprised me how for something as simple as cake there is so much variation on how we all call it,” Chespin2003 writes on Reddit. “Here (and in most of Mexico, I assume) it's called pastel. All other words like torta or tarta mean different things here.”
To make things easy, especially for your birthday, we’ve gathered some words used to describe this beloved dessert across Spanish-speaking countries. Here we bring you a list of 8 ways to say cake.
8 Ways to Say ‘Cake’
Pastel – “Pastel” is one of the most commonly used words for cake in Latin America. It is widely recognized and used in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The term “pastel” can refer to any type of cake, from simple sponge cakes to elaborate layered creations. It also means pastry in some parts of Latin America.
Torta – In many parts of Latin America, outside of Mexico, “torta” is another popular term for cake. This word is particularly prevalent in Argentina, C hile, and Uruguay. Interestingly, in Mexico, “torta” usually refers to a type of sandwich.
Bizcocho – “Bizcocho” is a term often used in Spain and some parts of Latin America, such as Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It typically refers to a sponge cake or a simple, sweet bread. In some regions, “bizcocho” or “bizcochito” can also mean a type of cookie or biscuit, which adds another layer of complexity to its usage.
Queque – In Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and other parts of Central America, “queque” is the word of choice for cake. This term is derived from the English word “cake” and is a testament to the influence of English on the Spanish spoken in these regions. “Queque” is used to describe all kinds of cakes, from birthday cakes to traditional holiday desserts.
Ponqué – In the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, “ponqué” is a common term for cake. This word is also derived from the English “pound cake,” reflecting the historical and cultural exchanges between these regions and English-speaking countries.
Tarta – “Tarta” is used in Spain and some parts of Latin America, such as Argentina and Uruguay, to refer to cakes and tarts. This term can describe both sweet and savory dishes, depending on the context. For example, a “tarta de manzana” is an apple tart, while a “tarta de chocolate” is a chocolate cake.
Cake – In Cuba, the word used for “cake” is the same, but it’s pronounced as "quey." Bizcocho is another type of sweet, and a torta is an omelet.
Kuchen – In Chile, a “kuchen” is a cake or pie with fruit or nuts, and the “queque” is like a sponge cake. While a “torta” is reserved for a celebratory cake, for birthdays and weddings.
Featured image of birthday cake by Deposit Photos.
