Vintage Cake Savers Are Popular in Today's Kitchen

Friends Like Martha Stewart

Everyone has a few friends who could pass for Martha Stewart.... you know these types...these are folks who love to entertain.... are wonderful bakers and are talented home chefs. These gals (and even a few guys) also seem to have all the right kitchen gadgets and equipment.

For example, when these Martha Stewart types are invited to a friend's home for dinner, they bring a lovely dessert cake packed snuggly in a cozy Cake Saver or Cake Keeper.

Introducing Cake Carriers
(aka Cake Savers or Cake Keepers)
You have seen these handy cake carriers, the newer ones are generally made of plastic (such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid) and fit tightly over a Bundt style cake keeping in the moisture and protecting the shape of the cake. Cake keepers are used for both toting cakes from place to place or for storage both in and out of the refrigerator.

Re-Usable is "Greener"
For example, a cake made with cream or icing may need to be kept cold, and a Cake Saver is an ideal cake protector. Ecologically conscious cooks also like using cake carriers for storage because they are re-usuable and help keep the kitchen "Green".

History of Cakes
Although cakes have been made for centuries, the earliest cakes were more like breads and were either flat or loaf style. In the 1800's with advances in baking powder and baking soda (which replaced yeast) cakes could rise better and could be made in a variety of molds and styles.

Cake Savers reach Popularity in Dimestore Era
Cake Savers reached popularity in the 1930s,1940s, 1950s when many new kitchen appliances and convenience foods were being introduced into the home accompanied by free recipe booklets.

Housewives were also encouraged to bake at home with dozens of family magazines promoting the latest baking powder, flour products and appliances to make kitchen chores easier.

As a buyer and seller of kitchen collectibles, I'm always interested in learning more about the items I sell. Cake savers are readily available and sought after by collectors who like keeping a retro style kitchen. In my first book, Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, I show numerous photos of different types of cake carriers.

Years ago, cake carriers were first made of metal, baked enamel or glass and later followed by plastic which gained popularity in the 1950's. their covers sat loosely on top of a bottom piece which could serve as a plate. You can generally date the age of a cake carrier by the materials it is made of and the general design of the product.

Some Cake Keepers are designed with a handle attachment for both easy carrying and added help for keeping the lid in place.

Cake carriers were often part of matching kitchen-ware sets which might include a bread box, canisters and a match safe along with other kitchen accessories.

Who Made Cake Savers?
Some companies such as Harper J Ransburg of Indianapolis, were known to hand paint designs on their wares. Today you will find plenty of vintage cake carriers for sale from a variety of different companies such as Decoware, Lincoln, Ransburg, Kromex, Westbend, Lustroware etc.
They usually sell for $18.00-25.00. Unusual or hand painted enamel varieties may sell for a bit more.

Photo Credits
http://www.vintagegoodies.etsy.com
http://www.seymourantiques.com/
http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

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C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

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Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
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