History of the Balfours Frog Cake

The Balfours frog cake is a local delicacy that we in South Australia adore, a dessert deeply rooted in the state’s culinary culture. While it may appear to be just a novelty cake to those who are new in coming across it, its history and the affection people hold for it make it truly special. And that’s why it’s such an important part of The F Factor, our Adelaide food tour focused on local icons.

Origins of the frog cake

Balfours is one of Australia’s oldest bakery brands to still exist today. It was founded in Adelaide in 1853 by Scottish immigrants James Calder and Margaret Balfour. In the first few decades of business, the bakery had built a reputation for quality pastries and baked goods. Known for their wedding cakes in particular, the frog cake was a different turn in their offering.

While it was long believed the frog cake was created in 1922, internal Balfours investigations were done ahead of the 100th anniversary, meant to be celebrated in 2022. Balfours held off and instead celebrated the centenary in 2023, now believing the frog cake was introduced in 1923 instead. What remains true is that is was inspired by a trip to Paris, conceived as creative take on a traditional French ‘petit four’. It is the same as those well loved high-end treats, with its fondant covering. But Balfours opted for a cake shaped like a frog’s head, and the reason is still a mystery today!

The cake’s body is essentially sponge cake with a thin layer of apricot jam in the middle and on top, while its head is filled with pastry cream under its fondant covering. Traditionally the eyes are hand painted and mouths slit by hand in the factory, making each and every frog cake unique!

Evolution and Variations

While the original frog cake came only in green, flavours have evolved over time to keep up with changing tastes. Green remains the most iconic and traditional colour, but in later decades Balfours introduced pink and brown versions. I think the pink frog tastes the similar although it’s meant to have a strawberry-flavoured icing, while the brown version’s chocolate icing is quite distinctive.

Balfours has occasionally released limited-edition frog cakes for special occasions like charity events or Australian Rules football (AFL) matches.

And regarding their size, it’s mostly been the one size throughout its history – but for about 10 years up to 2023 mini frog cakes existed, which were a bite-sized version of the sweet treat. Sadly they were discontinued.

Why People Love the Frog Cake

The frog cake holds a special place in the hearts of many South Australians. It was always designed as a high-end treat, and remains a nostalgic experience for many. I’m one of many locals from Adelaide who grew up eating frog cakes – but only on occasion. It was never something I got all the time, and my mum reminds me of how expensive they always were (even in the 1990s). They were sometimes had at special occasions like birthdays, or on a day out to the Rundle Mall tea room/bakery. I have my own frog cake memories which continue to make me smile and reminisce – it’s just such a unique eating experience that it always sticks with you. A frog cake is instantly recognisable to anyone who eats one!

The fact that Balfours has kept the cake largely unchanged for more than a century also speaks to its timeless appeal. It has become a symbol of South Australian culinary heritage – in 2001, the frog cake was officially listed as a South Australian Heritage Icon by the National Trust. This really solidified its status as more than just a dessert, but in my opinion a cultural treasure.

What Makes It Unique

What truly sets the frog cake apart from other desserts is not only its taste, but its story. This combination appeals to those with a sweet tooth but also those who appreciate how the cake has stood the test of time. And it’s become a symbol for South Australia – what other cake can boast 100 years of history with consistent popularity? They’re still bought in supermarkets and select bakeries across South Australia today.

It’s more than a dessert – I’d argue the frog cake is part of South Australia’s identity. Its appeal across multiple generations makes it so iconic, and I love sharing the frog cake story with guests on The F Factor who then get to taste it for themselves! I was lucky enough to be a part of this history when assisting to film a segment for popular show South Aussie with Cosi (in 2023), and feel proud to showcase South Australia’s iconic foods day in, day out!

Flamboyant forever,
Katina