British Jaffa Cakes are a very popular snack in Britain – in fact, with just 46 calories in each Jaffa cake, they are quite healthy. They are made by the famous McVitie brand and named after the famous Jaffa oranges. These delicious treats have a base of soft sponge cake, a layer of tart orange jelly on top, and are finally covered in a layer of smooth milk chocolate. The contrasting textures and flavours create a delightful eating experience. Jaffa Cakes are a popular option for tea-time snacks or a quick treat when you are craving something sweet and tangy.

History of Jaffa Cakes

In 1927, McVitie & Price (Today McVitie's) first made the Jaffa Cake. They created the jam for centre layer by combining sugar and tangerine oil. It is this zesty layer that was created from Jaffa oranges, and this is where this snack gets its name from.

The Legal Battle

Although the company has been creating these delectables since 1927, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise challenged them for calling their chocolate orange treats "cakes" in 1991.

According to UK law, biscuits are considered a luxury food item; hence, VAT needs to be added to the price before selling it. Whereas cakes were a staple food and, therefore, were not subject to VAT.

The Customs and Excise said that Jaffa Cakes were biscuits covered in chocolate, but the company said otherwise. Lawsuit was filed and fought, and McVitie came out victorious as the bakers proved in the court that the base was cake and not biscuit. They made a large Jaffa cake and produced it in the court. They argued that cakes harden when they get stale, and biscuits get soggy – the Jaffa they made turned hard. McVitie's won the case, and to date, they are sold free of consumer taxes at affordable rates.

Jaffa Cakes a Beloved Snack of the British

The main reason why Jaffa cakes are so famous and liked by all is that they are a versatile snack. They can be had as a snack without any accompaniments and excel in many different culinary applications. The following are a few common ways people include Jaffa Cakes in their culinary endeavours:

Used in Baking – Jaffa Cakes have been incorporated into recipes in ingenious ways by inventive bakers. Bakers make delicious cakes such as Jaffa Cakes-inspired cupcakes, cheesecakes, and more. The combination of cake, jelly, and chocolate of this treat adds a delightful taste to all baking goodies.

Tea Time Delight -  Jaffa Cakes are best enjoyed with a cup of tea. It is a match made in heaven, especially when you combine the zingy orange flavoured snack with the comforting warmth of tea. The slightly spongy texture of the cake and the cooling jelly layer create a delightful contrast of flavours.

A favourite Among Kids - Jaffa Cakes are a favourite among kids, and parents frequently pack them in lunch boxes or use them to decorate birthday cakes. Kids of all ages find this chocolatey goodness and vivid orange jelly irresistible.

Gourmet Garnish - Jaffa Cakes taste lovely when they are added as a garnish for various drinks like milkshakes, cocktails, and ice cream sundaes. A Jaffa Cake topped with one scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce produces a visually stunning dessert with a flavourful explosion.

Modern Variations of Jaffa Cakes

Even though the traditional Jaffa Cakes is favourite snack, McVitie's has come up with many exciting new variations in recent years. Some variations on the traditional orange include flavoured jellies like lemon, lime, strawberry, and blackcurrant. They also make Jaffa Cakes that are coated with dark chocolate instead of conventional milk chocolate. The company has also developed Jaffa Cake Bars, Jaffa Cake Mini Rolls, Jaffa Jonuts, etc.

The Love for Jaffa Cakes!!

Did You Know: In 2013, the beloved snack of the UK made its way to the space. A group of enthusiasts sent Jaffa Cakes on a weather balloon, which made its way to the stratosphere. This gained a lot of attention from the media and made Jaffa Cakes even more famous.

Recently, a man named Max Stanford from Durham ate 102 Jaffa Cakes in 3 minutes in February 2023.

However, the Guinness Book of World Records says that the record for most Jaffa Cakes eaten in 1 minute was held by  Pete Czerwinski (Canada) in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, on 9 January 2013. Pete ate 17 Jaffa Cakes.

Because of the unique ingredients and the interesting burst of flavours, they have also become known outside the UK. Tourists who visit the UK make sure that they try this lovely snack. Irrespective of the fact whether this snack is a biscuit or a cake, people are in love with Jaffa Cakes, and it holds a special place in the hearts of the British.