real cake; actual cake
Used to distinguish a genuine cake from a fake or decorative one, such as a display model or a ceremonial cake that is not meant to be eaten. Often contrasted with セレモニーケーキ (ceremony cake).
See also: セレモニーケーキ
At the wedding, besides the ceremonial cake, we also prepared a real cake.
fresh cake; cake made with fresh ingredients
Emphasizes that the cake is freshly baked or made with fresh, often perishable ingredients like cream or fruit, as opposed to preserved or frozen cakes.
This shop's fresh cakes are baked every morning.
Fresh cake doesn't keep long, so eat it today.
Compound of 生 (nama, 'fresh, raw, real') and ケーキ (kēki, from English 'cake'). The exact derivation is uncertain, but it likely arose to distinguish real or fresh cakes from decorative or preserved ones.