Which country is called as land of cakes?

The correct answer is Scotland.

Scotland has been affectionately known as the "Land of Cakes" for centuries. While the modern word "cake" often brings to mind sugary, sponge-based desserts, the historical root of this nickname refers to something much heartier and more essential to the Scottish diet: the oatcake. In the centuries before wheat became a staple, oats were the primary grain capable of thriving in the thin soil and cool, damp climate of the Scottish Highlands.

The term was famously popularized by the celebrated Scottish poet Robert Burns, who referred to Scotland as the "Land o' Cakes" in his 1789 poem On the Late Captain Grose's Peregrinations thro' Scotland. However, the nickname predates Burns; it was used to describe the nation's reliance on thin, unleavened cakes made of oatmeal. These "cakes" were not a luxury but a fundamental source of energy for soldiers, farmers, and travelers alike.

Because wheat was difficult to grow in much of Scotland, oats became the national grain. Samuel Johnson, the famous English lexicographer, once mockingly defined oats as "a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people." To this, a Scotsman famously replied, "But where will you find such horses and such men?"

These oatmeal cakes were baked on a "girdle" (a flat iron plate) and were valued for their long shelf life. They were often the only sustenance carried by Scottish Highlanders on long marches. This cultural reliance on the oatcake solidified the image of Scotland as a land defined by its unique baking traditions.

Beyond the Oatcake: Shortbread and Scones

While the historical title refers to oats, Scotland’s reputation for "cakes" expanded during the Victorian era. Scotland is the birthplace of Shortbread, a rich, buttery biscuit that was once an expensive luxury reserved for weddings and Christmas. Mary, Queen of Scots, is often credited with refining the recipe for shortbread in the 16th century, particularly "Petticoat Tails," which were flavored with caraway seeds.

The "Land of Cakes" in Modern Culture

Today, the nickname is a point of pride and a common theme in Scottish tourism and culinary festivals. The tradition of the "high tea"—a late afternoon meal featuring an array of savory and sweet bakes—remains a cherished practice. Modern Scottish bakers have evolved the traditional oatcake into a gourmet snack paired with local cheeses and smoked salmon, ensuring that the legacy of the "Land of Cakes" continues to thrive.