Photo by rthanuthattaphong
Ah, space cakes. The original cannabis confection that launched a thousand trips. Born in the hazy heyday of Amsterdam’s 1970s coffeeshop scene, these dense, dank, and delightfully potent treats quickly became the stuff of stoner legend. More than just a sweet treat with a psychoactive kick, space cakes embody the spirit of a unique time and place in cannabis history. Space cakes emerged from a confluence of countercultural movements, progressive politics, and culinary creativity. Together, these forces forever changed the way the world consumes and appreciates cannabis.
The Birth of a Legend: Amsterdam’s Coffeeshop Culture
Amsterdam’s progressive drug policies in the 1970s were a stark contrast to the strict prohibition seen in much of the world. The Dutch government’s pragmatic approach, which prioritized harm reduction and public health over criminalization, created a unique environment where cannabis culture could thrive.
In the early 1970s, Amsterdam was a mecca for the counterculture movement. The youth counterculture was in full swing, and Amsterdam’s liberal attitudes toward drugs, particularly cannabis, attracted free spirits from around the globe. It was against this backdrop that a new kind of establishment began to emerge—the coffeeshop.
These laid-back lounges offered a safe, welcoming space for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a bit of bud with their brew. And what goes better with a fresh cup of joe than a sweet, sticky space cake? As coffeeshops like Mellow Yellow and The Bulldog became counterculture hotspots, space cakes quickly rose to fame as the edible of choice.
The appeal of space cakes was multifaceted. They offered a discreet, smoke-free way to consume cannabis. At a time when cannabis was still heavily stigmatized, enjoying it as a seemingly innocent baked good was a game-changer. The dense texture and rich flavor of space cakes also made them incredibly satisfying, both as a snack and as a THC delivery method.
Perhaps most significantly, space cakes introduced a new way of experiencing cannabis. Unlike smoking, which delivers an almost immediate but short-lived high, consuming edibles like space cakes provides a slower onset with more prolonged effects. For the adventurous travelers flocking to Amsterdam, this meant being able to enjoy an extended, immersive cannabis experience while exploring the city’s canals, art galleries, and vibrant streets.
Baking Up Bliss: Crafting the Perfect Space Cake
The art of crafting the perfect space cake evolved over time, with bakers and cannabis enthusiasts alike contributing to the growing body of knowledge. Early recipes often relied on simply mixing ground cannabis into the batter, which could result in an uneven distribution of THC and an overpowering herbal flavor. As techniques advanced, bakers began to focus on creating a more palatable and consistently potent product.
One key innovation was the development of cannabutter. This allowed for a more even distribution of THC and a more pleasant flavor profile. To make cannabutter, bakers would simmer cannabis in melted butter for several hours, allowing the THC to infuse into the fat. The strained, cooled butter could then be used in place of regular butter in any recipe, opening up a world of possibilities for infused confections.
At its core, a space cake’s a simple pound cake, but with one magic ingredient: cannabutter. By infusing melted butter with high-quality cannabis, bakers can create a treat that packs a potent psychoactive punch.
However, crafting the ideal space cake requires finesse. The key is finding the right balance—a batter that’s dense enough to hold a generous dose of cannabutter, but not so heavy that it feels like a brick in the belly. Many bakers also experiment with flavors. Some add hints of vanilla, chocolate, or citrus zest to complement the earthy notes of the cannabis.
Interestingly, the dense, moist texture of space cakes isn’t just a happy accident—it’s a nod to traditional Dutch baked goods like ontbijtkoek (spiced breakfast cake) and boterkoek (butter cake). By drawing on these time-honored recipes, early space cake creators were able to root their innovative creations in the culinary heritage of the Netherlands.
Cosmic Cannabis Cake Recipe
Yield: One 9×5 inch loaf (10 slices)
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted cannabutter*
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
*Prepare cannabutter using a reliable recipe, and exercise caution with dosage.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the cannabutter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth, thick batter forms.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice, serve, and savor the journey.
Space Cakes’ Lasting Legacy
The influence of space cakes and Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture extends far beyond today’s thriving edibles market.
Space cakes and coffeeshops played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of cannabis. They provided a safe, welcoming space where people could consume cannabis openly and responsibly. This helped challenge long-held stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the plant, paving the way for more progressive drug policies worldwide.
The legacy of the space cake lives on as a symbol of the movement that embodied the spirit of an entire era of cannabis culture. Space cakes catalyzed the global edibles revolution seen today. They introduced cannabis-infused food to a wide audience, sparking the curiosity and innovation that led to today’s sophisticated edibles market.
These edibles are a tribute to the pioneers who dared to dream of a different relationship with cannabis, and the role a humble pound cake played in sparking a global revolution.
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