The answer is: Sarah

Gen 18:6

When we dive into the story of Sarah baking what is often considered the first cake in Genesis 18:6, it’s more than just mixing flour and sugar—this event unveils a beautiful tapestry of hospitality and divine encounter. Immediately following this moment, we see three visitors arrive, who are later revealed as angels or divine messengers. Sarah's action demonstrates a significant culture of hospitality in the ancient Near East, where the act of feeding guests was deeply valued.

It's fascinating to note that as she prepares the cake, Sarah is not only displaying her culinary skills but also unwittingly honoring a pivotal moment in biblical history. This same chapter also foreshadows the extraordinary news these visitors bring—a baby would be born to elderly Sarah, and that huge promise silently unfolds within her kitchen.

Trivia alert: Did you know that cakes, in what we see today with frosting and decoration, evolved much later? In biblical times, cakes were more about bread-like consistency. Discussions around bread and cake flitz around the Old Testament but carry forward into rituals and sacrifices as well.

This echoes robust themes in Scripture, like the rhythm of sharing meals seen throughout the Bible. From the last supper to the multitude being fed with loaves and fishes, nourishing the body often reflects nourishing the spirit, bridging heaven and earth—always with a slice of hospitality involved!