**JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy’s Wedding Cake: A Slice of History Still Available Today**
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In a delightful nod to culinary history, the iconic wedding cake from John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier’s nuptials can still be ordered more than seven decades after their extravagant ceremony. The wedding, held on September 12, 1953, is often dubbed “The American Royal Wedding” for its grandeur and the notable figures who attended.
The couple exchanged vows in front of 600 distinguished guests at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island. Among those in attendance were senators, diplomats, and prominent social figures, all gathered to witness the union of the future president and first lady. The celebration continued at Hammersmith Farm, the expansive oceanfront estate belonging to the Auchincloss family, where over 1,200 guests mingled.
A striking 300-pound fruitcake created a stunning centrepiece for the reception, ordered by Joseph P. Kennedy, JFK’s father. However, while this towering cake was visually impressive, it was a smaller ‘groom’s cake’ that was served to guests during the festivities.
Montilio’s Baking Company from Massachusetts was tasked with crafting this delectable dessert. The cake consisted of three layers of white cake filled with raspberry jam and frosting, all enveloped in a creamy vanilla buttercream. As guests indulged in this treat, the flavours left such a lasting impression that the same recipe was later featured at President Kennedy’s inauguration as well as at the inaugural balls for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
The attention to detail in these cakes extended beyond just JFK’s wedding; Montilio’s has a rich heritage of providing desserts for significant events. The bakery was also responsible for cakes served during visits from notable figures, including the queen of England and Pope John Paul II.
Today, this piece of history remains accessible to dessert enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Keen customers can order a seven-inch, three-layer recreation of JFK’s wedding cake online through Goldbelly. This version, which serves eight people, features the same white cake and raspberry preserves as originally crafted. Impressively, it can remain fresh for seven days when refrigerated or even up to a year in the freezer.
Montilio’s continues the tradition of handcrafting baked goods, adhering to recipes that have remained unchanged for over 70 years. According to Goldbelly, the bakery prides itself on using simple ingredients and old-fashioned techniques that reflect a legacy of quality and care.
The cake serves as not only a delicious treat but also as a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American history. It is a sweet testament to the enduring legacy of the Kennedy family and their significant impact on American culture and politics.
For those wishing to taste a part of this iconic wedding, the JFK wedding cake stands as a delicious option that celebrates not just an extraordinary love story, but also the rich tradition of baking that continues to thrive today.
In a world where trends fade quickly, the enduring popularity of this historical dessert showcases the timeless allure of the Kennedy wedding and the flavours that defined an era.