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Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake

Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake recipe
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A traditional Scottish fruit cake rich with sultanas, currants, and almonds, topped with a decorative almond pattern. This Dundee Cake is moist, lightly spiced, and infused with orange zest, perfect for teatime or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mixed spice (or ground cinnamon)
  • 1/2 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
  • 1/4 cup currants
  • 1/4 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/4 cup whole blanched almonds, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F / 163°C. Grease a 6-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This preparation ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking for easy removal after baking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale, fluffy, and increased in volume. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula halfway through; this creaming process incorporates air, which helps the cake rise and become light in texture.
  3. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well for about 30 seconds after each addition until fully incorporated. If the mixture appears curdled, add a tablespoon of the measured flour to stabilize it; this prevents separation and ensures a smooth, emulsified batter for consistent results.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, and ground mixed spice. Sifting aerates the dry ingredients, removes lumps, and evenly distributes the leavening agents for a uniform rise during baking.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to a tough cake, so fold gently to maintain tenderness.
  6. Using a flexible spatula, fold in the sultanas, currants, finely chopped candied orange peel, ground almonds, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Ensure the fruits and nuts are well-coated to prevent sinking and to infuse every bite with flavor and moisture.
  7. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with the spatula to create an even layer. Arrange the whole blanched almonds in a circular pattern on top, gently pressing them in slightly; this traditional decoration adds visual appeal and a nutty crunch to the finished cake.
  8. Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it. The cake should be golden brown, spring back when lightly pressed, and pull away slightly from the edges of the pan.
  9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the structure to set, preventing the cake from collapsing or breaking when removed, ensuring a stable final product.
  10. After 10 minutes, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto the wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and let it cool completely. Cooling entirely ensures easier slicing, better flavor melding, and a moist crumb without gumminess.

Notes

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F / 150°C for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dundee cake, Scottish fruit cake, Hairy Bikers recipe, almond topped cake, traditional British dessert, dried fruit cake, easy baking recipe, holiday cake, teatime treat, family dessert, moist fruit cake, orange zest cake

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/hairy-bikers-dundee-cake/