Traditional Dundee Cake

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 Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake that is typically made with raisins, currants, peel, and almonds. The cake is often decorated with a pattern of whole almonds on top, arranged in a circular pattern. It is typically served as a dessert or with tea. The origins of Dundee cake can be traced back to the 19th century and it is still popular today.


Traditional Dundee Cake


The History of the Dundee Cake Recipe


The Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake that is believed to have originated in the city of Dundee in the 19th century. The cake is known for its distinctive pattern of almonds arranged around the top of the cake, giving it a decorative appearance.


The recipe for Dundee cake typically includes a mixture of dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as a variety of nuts and spices. The cake is traditionally made with a rich, buttery pastry and is often flavored with a small amount of whisky or brandy.


The history of the Dundee cake can be traced back to the 19th century when the city of Dundee was a major center for the production of jam and marmalade. The local marmalade industry helped to popularize the use of oranges in baking, and it is likely that the original Dundee cake recipes included orange zest as a flavoring.


During the 19th century, Dundee cake was a popular treat among the working-class population of the city, and it was often served as a traditional Scottish dessert on holidays and special occasions. Today, Dundee cake is still a popular treat in Scotland and can be found in bakeries and supermarkets throughout the country.

It is often associated with Christmas and New Year but can be enjoyed all year round.


What is a Dundee Cake


Traditional Dundee Cake


A Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake that is believed to have originated in the city of Dundee in the 19th century. The cake is known for its distinctive pattern of almonds arranged around the top of the cake, giving it a decorative appearance.

The recipe for Dundee cake typically includes a mixture of dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as a variety of nuts and spices. The cake is traditionally made with a rich, buttery pastry and is often flavored with a small amount of whisky or brandy. The fruit is often soaked in a spirit like sherry or whisky before being added to the batter.

It is a rich, moist, and dense cake that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It is often associated with Christmas and New Year but can be enjoyed all year round.


What is a Dundee Cake


A Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake that is believed to have originated in the city of Dundee in the 19th century. The cake is known for its distinctive pattern of almonds arranged around the top of the cake, giving it a decorative appearance.

The recipe for Dundee cake typically includes a mixture of dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as a variety of nuts and spices. The cake is traditionally made with a rich, buttery pastry and is often flavored with a small amount of whisky or brandy. The fruit is often soaked in a spirit like sherry or whisky before being added to the batter.

It is a rich, moist, and dense cake that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It is often associated with Christmas and New Year but can be enjoyed all year round.


What is the difference between a Dundee Cake and a Christmas Cake?


A Dundee cake and a Christmas cake are both traditional fruitcakes, but there are a few key differences between the two.

One of the main differences is the appearance. A Dundee cake is known for its distinctive pattern of almonds arranged around the top of the cake, giving it a decorative appearance, while Christmas cakes are often decorated with icing and festive decorations.

The ingredients are also different, Christmas cakes often include a mixture of dried fruit such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, as well as nuts, spices, and cand peel. Some Christmas cake recipes also include brandy, while others use rum, Sherry, or another spirit as a soaking liquid. While Dundee cake typically includes the same ingredients as Christmas cakes, it is known for its use of orange zest in the recipe.

Another difference is that Christmas cakes are often associated with Christmas and New Year, while Dundee cakes can be enjoyed all year round. Christmas cakes are usually made weeks before Christmas and are often fed with alcohol to enhance the flavor and keep it moist, but Dundee cakes can be made and enjoyed at any time.

In summary, while both Dundee cakes and Christmas cakes are traditional fruitcakes, they have different appearances, ingredients, and associations.


How long does a Dundee Cake last?

A Dundee cake, like other fruitcakes, can last for several weeks or even months when stored properly. The high sugar and alcohol content in the cake helps to preserve it and keep it fresh.
Here are a few tips on how to store Dundee cake to ensure it stays fresh:
Wrap the cake in a double layer of parchment or wax paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from moisture and light.
Keep the cake in an airtight container or a cake tin.
Store the cake in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause the cake to dry out.
If you have fed the cake with alcohol, it will last up to 3 months, if not, it will last for about 2-3 weeks.
It is also important to note that if the cake starts to dry out or develop a hard crust, you can revive it by brushing it with a little more alcohol or by wrapping it in a dampened cloth and then rewrapping it in the original wrapping.
Overall, properly stored Dundee cake can last for several weeks or even months, making it a great option for special occasions and for enjoying year-round.

Variations


Traditional Dundee Cake


There are many variations of the traditional Dundee cake recipe. Some variations include:
Chocolate Dundee Cake: This variation includes cocoa powder or melted chocolate added to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor.
Orange Dundee Cake: This variation includes the zest and juice of oranges added to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
Whisky Dundee Cake: This variation includes whisky or other spirits added to the batter for a boozy flavor.
Nutella Dundee Cake: This variation includes Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread added to the batter for a nutty, chocolatey flavor.
Gluten-Free Dundee Cake: This variation is made with gluten-free flour instead of regular flour, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance.
Vegan Dundee Cake: This variation is made with vegan butter, plant-based milk, and egg replacements, making it suitable for vegans.
These are just a few examples of the many variations of Dundee cake that you can make. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this traditional Scottish treat.


Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 8 oz (225g) caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 oz (225g) self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground mixed spice
  • 8 oz (225g) raisins
  • 8 oz (225g) currants
  • 8 oz (225g) sultanas
  • 4 oz (110g) chopped mixed peel
  • 4 oz (110g) chopped almonds
  • 2 tbsp whisky or brandy (optional)


Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice together and fold them into the butter mixture.
Stir in the dried fruit, mixed peel, and chopped almonds.
If using, add the whisky or brandy and mix well.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
Arrange the almonds in a ring around the top of the cake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container or a cake tin.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can feed the cake with more whisky or brandy every two weeks, just brush it over the cake surface.
This recipe will give you a traditional rich, moist and dense Dundee cake. You can vary the recipe by using different types of dried fruit, nuts, or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee or as a dessert.
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