I enjoy baking cakes, but am not so great at the icing/decorating part.
Way back, cakes were only modifications of breads, it was easier to do it
So the sugary sweetness was added later?  Or just the shape was modified?
Both.In those days, cakes were only a different type of bread.
Well, I'm certainly glad they evolved to what they are today.  I just love birthday cakes.
 Cake is often served as a celebratory dish on ceremonial occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays
I think it should be served every day!  Why save it for the special occassions, every day should be one.
rich and elaborate, and many are centuries old. Cake making is no longer a complicated procedure; while at one time considerable labor went into cake making (particularly the whisking of egg foams), baking equipment and directions have been simplified so that even the most amateur of cooks may bake a cake.
History.
The term "cake" has a long history. The word itself is of Viking origin, from the Old Norse word "kaka".
The ancient Greeks called cake πλακοῦς ("plakous"
, or a special type of paper that sticks to the dough but is easily removed, once cooked. Bread pans are found in a variety of designs and sizes providing the baker with different possibilities not only for baking bread, but also cakes and puddings. 
Types of bread typically baked in bread pans include sandwich breads, brioche, challah, and raisin bread. 
See also.
- Cake pan
- List of cooking vessels
- Proofing
- Pullman loaf, type of square slicing bread, made with