What Bracha for Cake?
Learn the Mezonot blessing for cake and baked goods
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי מְזוֹנוֹת
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam, borei minei mezonot.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates various kinds of nourishment.
Cake: Mezonot
The standard blessing for cake is "Mezonot," which is said on baked goods made from the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, oats, rye) that are not bread. This includes:
- Regular cake (chocolate, vanilla, carrot, etc.)
- Cheesecake with a crust
- Cupcakes and muffins
- Cookies and biscuits
- Pastries, danishes, and croissants
- Pie crust
- Donuts
When Does Cake Become Hamotzi?
There is an important exception: if you eat a large quantity of cake as the basis of a meal (the equivalent of what you would normally eat bread for), many authorities hold that it requires "Hamotzi" and Birkat Hamazon instead of Mezonot and Al HaMichya. The exact amount varies by opinion, but a common guideline is approximately 4 eggs' volume (about 8 oz / 230g).
After-Blessing: Al HaMichya
After eating a k'zayit (olive-sized portion) of cake, say the "Al HaMichya" after-blessing. This is a condensed version of Birkat Hamazon that thanks God for sustenance from the five grains.
Special Cases
Bread-like cake (e.g., babka, challah-textured cake): If the dough is bread-like in texture and taste, some authorities require Hamotzi. Consult your rabbi.
Crumble or streusel topping: Mezonot applies to the whole item.
Rice cake: Despite the name, rice cakes are "Mezonot" if made with rice flour, but with a different after-blessing (Borei Nefashot, not Al HaMichya).
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheesecake with a cookie or graham cracker crust is Mezonot. The grain-based crust is the primary component for bracha purposes. Even crustless cheesecake may still be Shehakol since it's primarily dairy.
Cookies receive the same Mezonot blessing as cake, since they are baked goods made from grain flour with a sweet taste.
If you eat a meal-sized quantity of cake (approximately 8 oz / 230g or more) as your main food, many authorities hold you should wash, say Hamotzi, and bench Birkat Hamazon. Consult your rabbi.