It’s 6 January today, the date Christians mark the feast of Epiphany that celebrates the visit of the Magi, the three kings, to the Baby Jesus. It’s also a busy day for Flemish bakers baking Epiphany cakes. This is no different at Bakery Wouters in Kalmthout (Antwerp Province). They have 13 shops across the province of Antwerp and also deliver to hospitals and nursing homes. They are baking around 1,500 Epiphany cakes today. ‘The tradition has become more popular since the corona pandemic,’ says baker Chris Wouters.
For Flemish bakers Epiphany isn’t as busy as Shrove Monday, a celebration in the week before Lent, the Christian season of fasting, but there is still a lot of work to be done. ‘I feel that the Epiphany cake has grown in popularity since the pandemic,’ says Chris. ‘People were limited in what they could do and were on the look-out for connection and a cosy atmosphere at home. Epiphany cake fitted the bill.’
Epiphany cake is traditionally made with puff pastry and frangipane. A bean or a figurine is hidden inside. The person who finds it in their piece of cake gets to wear the golden crown on top of the cake and be 'king for the day'. ‘This year, we opted for a king figurine. We also change the shape from time to time. We've made it square, but this year it's round. The crown fits better that way.’
Bakery Wouters has 13 branches across the province of Antwerp. ‘Epiphany cake is particularly popular at our branch in Edegem. Don't ask me why, I wouldn't know.’