Its name is derived from the pilchard (silver sardines) industry in Cornwall prior to the 20th century when a 'huer' (cliff top lookout) helped locate shoals of fish.

[3] Cornish tradition states that Hevva cake was baked by the huers on their return to their homes, the cake being ready by the time the crews returned to land.

[1] With no raising agent or egg, they are simply made from flour, lard (or more recently butter), currants, milk, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.

The bake falls somewhere between a sweet scone and a light egg-free fruit cake.

[2] The cakes are about 1/2" thick, with a criss-cross pattern scored across the top, representing the fishing nets.