The ancient Romans used to hold a winter solstice festival, called Saturnalia, for which a similar cake was traditionally made. With strong Catholic roots, many people will likely be shocked to learn that this Spanish tradition has pagan roots. What is the history of this pastry in Spain? The rosca is often referred to as a “bread” more than a cake, and it’s prepared without the creamy filling. Roscón de reyes is Spain’s version, and rosca de reyes is the Mexican version. Have you heard this tasty baked good called a rosca de reyes, too? If you’re from Mexico or Latin America, the answer is absolutely. Is there a difference between rosca de reyes and roscón ? To honor the Three Wise Men, or Three Kings, this traditional Spanish cake almost resembles a crown, with the candied fruits taking the place of fine jewels.
This sweet, circular- or oval-shaped cake is eaten in every Spanish household on January 6, typically for breakfast. Spain’s version of a roscón de reyes is reminiscent of Mardi Gras’ King Cake, or if you crossed that with a fruitcake (except better, a lot better).
Instead of celebrating Saint Nicholas Day, or St. (Hint: No one’s upset, not in the slightest.) For each important day during the holidays, there are special dishes or delicacies enjoyed, including Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings’ Day, celebrated annually on Epiphany, the Christian feast day. It’s a running joke among everyone there that it’s a never-ending period of fiesta after fiesta, feigned disgruntlement at having to constantly eat out, drink, and stay up late with friends and family. If you thought the Christmas season is long in the U.S., spend the holidays in Spain. If you need cake to read about cake, head straight to the roscón de reyes recipe in English or in Spanish. In the absence of holiday get-togethers this year, micro-sized recipes are the real MVP, allowing me to get a taste of a traditional Spanish holiday recipe-for a roscón (o rosca) de reyes-that I picked up while living in Spain. But I live alone, so there’s no one to easily pawn homemade goods off on, which means I often end up forgoing a recipe to not be wasteful (nor overindulge myself). ‘Tis the season of sweets, and baking is one of my favorite hobbies.
Micro-Sized Holiday Meals is a 6-part series for scaling down culturally-rich recipes that are traditionally meant for feasts, so you can still get a taste of the holidays while staying at home.