Ever tasted donkey’s gudge?

If you remember this unique Cork sweet treat from your childhood, you’ll likely get a kick out of a conversation underway on X (formerly Twitter) right now.

Local cake fans have been sharing their favourite memories of Cork bakeries and cafés… and it might send you off on a hunt for a Chester cake or a chocolate slice.

“When I was a kid, the “Gas man” emptied the coin meter  – we would usually get a small bit back. With the money, IF we were very lucky my Mam got us a THOMPSONS Chocolate slice.” posted @urlofcork.

I was home in cork at weekend. Saw this… think it’s called donkeys gudge. Used to love it pic.twitter.com/8LkQP4J3IT

— Jonathan O’Connell (@JTOConnell1980) April 9, 2024

“Maybe it’s age… today’s version wasn’t a patch on it.”

Other posters remembered a particular chocolate slice sold at the Roches Stores Cafe and the “divine” apple doughnut that was a speciality at the café upstairs in the Paul Street Shopping Centre. Sneckels, triangular Battenburg and London Buns are three more forgotten treats people still pine for.

“The trick was to eat around the “doorbell.”

Another spot to get a shout-out was The Tudor Rooms on Cook Street in the late 60s and early 70s.

Posters had fond memories of the snowballs at Thompsons on MacCurtain Street and a delicacy called a doorbell cake, apparently “the trick was to eat around the “doorbell”.

“My mum’s friend ran the Princes Street Cafe in the 70s. It had a wonderful mural with Blackrock Castle in it. Mum used to come home every so often with a box of cakes from her.” adds Sarah McS.

“I can still remember the taste of those slices and the iced lemon buns – any version today doesn’t come near!”

Miriam O’Callaghan remembers “going to Charlie Duggan’s to collect birthday cakes and the Green Door for lemon sponges.”

If you’re craving a taste of these traditional Cork goodies for yourself this week, “Brackens on the Old Mallow Road do a lovely version,” according to Chris O’Donoghue.

The Old Mill is also a fine purveyor of some marvellous traditional Cork pastries and cream cakes.

Main image: Bracken’s Bakery