I went on a date with a baker.

This joke expertly employs wordplay, specifically a pun, to deliver its punchline. The humor hinges entirely on the dual meaning of the phrase "a piece of cake." In its idiomatic sense, it's a universally understood expression signifying something that was remarkably easy or effortless. However, when the setup involves a date with a baker, "a piece of cake" instantly conjures its literal meaning: an actual slice of a baked confection, creating a clever and unexpected twist that is both logical within the context of the baker and surprising as a description of a date.

In the grand scheme of real-world experiences, dating is often far from a "piece of cake," frequently involving nerves, potential awkwardness, and varying degrees of success. This common reality makes the punchline even more amusing, as the ideal of an effortlessly enjoyable date resonates with many. Bakers, by profession, are associated with creating delicious, often sweet and comforting goods, which perfectly primes the audience for the literal interpretation of the phrase. The idiom itself has been a popular part of the English language for decades, making it a familiar and accessible linguistic tool for this lighthearted bit of comedy.