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.
dried, candied, or fresh fruit, nuts, cocoa, and extracts such as vanilla, with numerous substitutions for the primary ingredients. Cakes can also be filled with fruit preserves, nuts or dessert sauces (like pastry cream), iced with buttercream or other icings, and decorated with marzipan, piped borders, or candied fruit.
Cake is often served as a celebratory dish on ceremonial occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. There are countless cake recipes; some are bread-like, some are
, 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