Library of Congress Unveils Six-Foot Cake for America 250

The Library of Congress unveiled a six-foot-tall cake at Madison Hall to mark America 250. The cake incorporated whole-wheat flour from George Washington’s gristmill at Mount Vernon along with Vermont butter, Kentucky bourbon-soaked currants, cardamom, thyme-infused honey, sautéed Granny Smith apple slices, and Swiss buttercream frosting.

The design featured symbols from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Examples include Alaska’s Iditarod, Indiana’s IndyCar heritage, Guam’s proa boat, Maryland’s blue crab, and West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge.

Cake artist Grace Pak created the sculpture.

America 250 consultant Conor Ryan stated the cake measured four feet wide and six feet tall. Only a portion is edible because the remainder will remain on display. Private donors supplied ingredients and design elements. The Smithsonian Institution and Colonial Williamsburg provided historical consultation.

The event included remarks from Pak, America 250 VP of Government Relations Tom Jensen, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN). The first slices were given to Tiger Scout Harrison Yang and Daisy Scout Anneke Ziemke. The National Birthday Cake Tribute will be on public display at the White House Visitor Center from July 7 through August 2.