Named for George Washington, this cake is also known as LaFayette Pie. The recipe, or a similar version, was often prepared in honor of George Washington’s birthday.

Mention of the dessert dates back to the Civil War era. In many instances, the two cake rounds are stacked with a jelly or fruit filling in-between, similar in presentation to a Boston Creme Pie, hence the term pie in its name. On occasion the top layer of Washington Pie is dusted with powdered sugar.