"From Eating Abak to World War II: The Surprising History Behind 45 Million Cakes Sold [Delicious Stories]"

Abak Craze Hits Korea: A Dessert Over a Century Old
Born with the Refrigerator, Gained Popularity During World War II

Editor's NoteThe earliest confections are believed to have originated in the ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Sweets have accompanied every moment of human history. From biscuits and chocolate to ice cream, we share delicious stories behind the treats we love.

'Abak' (Icebox), a popular cake from Twosome Place, has sold more than 45 million units since its release last year. It is known for its unique way of eating—scooping lightly frozen, chilled cream cake with a spoon.

Twosome Place Icebox Cake (Abak) Video. Screenshot from Twosome Place YouTube.

Twosome Place Icebox Cake (Abak). The Asia Business Daily DB

This 'Abak' actually originated in the United States and boasts a history spanning over a century. It is also a dish that gained prominence through significant historical events such as the advent of the electric refrigerator and World War II.

Abak Begins with the Spread of the Electric Refrigerator in the United States

Abak is a dessert made by layering cookies, chocolate, and cream, then lightly freezing it at a low temperature. The term 'Abak' is believed to have first appeared in the United States in the 1920s. At the time, advertisements and dessert recipes featured in newspapers frequently mentioned the name 'Icebox Cake.'

Why was it called 'Icebox,' and why did its popularity begin specifically in the 1920s? The 1920s was when electric refrigerators began to be introduced into American households. Before that, people used 'iceboxes' filled with ice to store food for extended periods, but thanks to refrigerators, Americans could keep fresh fruit, milk, and more for much longer.

Before Abak, Americans made a layered dessert called "trifle," which consists of cream, cookies, and fruits. The photo shows a trifle made by an ordinary person. Screenshot from Katie's Food Finds

Abak cakes emerged as part of marketing strategies by companies seeking to boost refrigerator sales during this era. Even before Abak, Americans enjoyed a dessert called 'trifle,' which involved layering cookies and cream for spooning. By chilling the trifle in the refrigerator, it was reborn as Abak, boasting a more unique texture. Abak quickly became a symbol of the middle class, enjoyed only by households that owned a refrigerator.

Becoming the Nation's Dessert During World War II

Recipes for apple cake published in American newspapers in the late 1930s. During the Great Depression and wartime hardships, Americans made desserts by pouring various ingredients such as cracker crumble and strawberry all at once. Screenshot from Newspaper.com

However, it was in the 1930s, during World War II, that Abak truly became recognized as an American dessert. Having already endured the hardships of the Great Depression, Americans had to tighten their belts even further to manage the enormous military spending required by the war. In such circumstances, ingredients like whipped cream, cookie crumbles, and chocolate powder transformed from 'leftover food' into 'precious calories.'

According to the newspaper archiving website Newspaper.com, from the early 1930s, when the Great Depression hit, major American dailies rushed to publish Abak recipes. The ingredients used for Abak, such as eggs and gelatin, were relatively inexpensive, and it was ideal for repurposing leftover flour or cookie crumbs at home. The website notes that whenever expensive ingredients like peaches, coffee, or strawberries became available, American households would turn them all into Abak for storage. The Abak craze reportedly only began to subside in the 1950s.

Recently, the trending "Abak" among Generation Z in the U.S. is more about showcasing individuality than dealing with leftover snacks. TikTok capture

While America's love for Abak cooled for a time as the postwar era of prosperity arrived, in recent years, Abak has been rediscovered alongside the 'custom dessert craze.' The main appeal of Abak lies in its versatility, as it pairs well with most dessert ingredients.

On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, recipe videos showcasing personalized versions of Abak are flooding the internet, and now not only Americans but Millennials & Gen Z across Korea, Japan, Europe, and the world are falling in love with its charm.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.