We’re delighted to share that Cranberry’s Café, Bar & Restaurant is bringing back a piece of Glasgow culinary nostalgia just in time for Halloween. The iconic Halloween cake – fondly remembered by generations for its spooky-face fondant icing and cream-filled sponge – has made a comeback. 
The Return of the Halloween Cake
Back in the 1950s through to the early 1990s, local bakeries such as City Bakeries produced these autumnal treats in abundance. They consisted of a soft sponge, coloured fondant icing with a scary face, and a cream-filled centre plus butter-cream filled “cheeks”. 
Now, Cranberry’s on Wilson Street in the Merchant City has re-imagined this classic for our times. As a news article notes:
“One of Glasgow city centre’s oldest cafes has brought back a Glasgow favourite in time for Halloween. … The Halloween cake from City Bakeries and other local bakeries was massively popular …”
What’s Different This Time
- At Cranberry’s we’re baking our own version in-house, offering advance ordering ahead of October 31st.
- And we’re combining old tradition with new flair:
- Our cake retains the fondant face and cream-filled middle, as per the original.
- We’ll have special slices and whole cakes available (pre-order recommended).
- Our café is open from 8am until 5pm, and we’re licensed for drinks too – perfect for a cosy daytime treat with a wee dram or hot drink.
- Alongside this launch we’re continuing to serve our much-loved toasties, paninis, baked potatoes, and new additions such as our nacho breakfast.
Why It Matters
For many Glaswegians, that cake wasn’t just dessert, it was part of the city’s childhood memory bank. The phrase “You’ve got a face like a Halloween cake” became one of those affectionate insults.
By resurrecting it, Cranberry’s is tapping into that nostalgia, offering something familiar but freshly made and contemporary.
How You Can Join In
If you’d like to be part of this nostalgic revival:
1. Pop into Cranberry’s at Wilson Street (Merchant City) between 8am–5pm.
2. Pre-order your Halloween cake ahead of October 31st.
3. Bring friends or family, enjoy the throw-back treat, and maybe pair it with one of our hot drinks or a wee cocktail.
4. Snap a photo, tag us on social media, and share your memories of the original Halloween cake tradition.
We’re excited to bring back this wee slice of Glasgow heritage. Come join us, have a taste of old-school fun, and make some new memories with us at Cranberry’s.
For the full press coverage, see:
• “Nostalgic Glasgow Halloween cake resurrected by city centre cafe” – GlasgowWorld
• “Glasgow fave create little nostalgia” – GlasgowLive