Mary Berry Easy Dundee Cake Recipe

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Introduction

The Dundee cake, a Scottish classic, is renowned for its rich fruit and distinctive almond decoration. Mary Berry’s easy Dundee cake recipe brings this traditional treat into the modern kitchen, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Its enduring popularity stems from its delightful combination of textures and flavors the moist, dense cake studded with dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of blanched almonds. This recipe is frequently sought after, especially during holidays and special occasions, for its ease of preparation and impressive results.

Ingredients

The key ingredients for Mary Berry’s easy Dundee cake recipe include:

• Dried Mixed Fruit: Typically a blend of raisins, sultanas, currants, and candied peel. Consider using dried cranberries or chopped apricots for variations. Approximately 700g
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferable for controlling the salt content. 225g
• Caster Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s texture. 225g
• Eggs: Large eggs are used to bind the ingredients and add richness. 4
• Self-Raising Flour: Ensures the cake rises evenly. 275g
• Ground Almonds: Adds moisture and a nutty flavor. 50g
• Orange Zest: Enhances the overall flavor profile. 1 orange
• Almonds: Blanched almonds for decorating the top. Around 100g
• Optional: A splash of whisky or brandy can be added for a richer flavor. 1-2 tablespoons.

Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Brown sugar can replace caster sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

Preparation Steps

Before baking, thorough preparation ensures a successful Dundee cake.

• Fruit Preparation: If the dried fruit is very dry, soak it in a little orange juice or tea for a few hours, or overnight, to plump it up. Drain well before use.
• Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 140C (275F/ Gas Mark 1) to ensure even baking.
• Preparing the Cake Tin: Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper. Extend the paper above the rim to prevent burning.
• Mixing Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour into a large bowl and mix with the ground almonds.
• Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Tip: Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly incorporates air, which helps the cake rise.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for baking Mary Berry’s easy Dundee cake:

1. Adding Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture curdles, add a spoonful of flour.
2. Folding in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the sifted flour and ground almonds, followed by the orange zest and the soaked dried fruit. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough cake.
3. Adding Alcohol (Optional): If using, stir in the whisky or brandy.
4. Pouring into the Tin: Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and level the surface.
5. Decorating with Almonds: Arrange the blanched almonds in concentric circles on top of the cake.
6. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes. Check the cake after 2 hours. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
7. Testing for Doneness: The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recommended Time and Temperature: Bake at 140C (275F/ Gas Mark 1) for 2 hours 15 – 2 hours 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

The Dundee cake is delicious on its own, but can be enhanced with complementary pairings.

• Tea or Coffee: A slice of Dundee cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Cream or Custard: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla custard for a richer dessert.
• Cheese: Offer alongside a selection of cheeses, such as a sharp cheddar or a creamy brie, for a savory contrast.
• Glaze (Optional): Brush the warm cake with a light apricot glaze for added shine and moisture.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To achieve the perfect Dundee cake, consider these tips and avoid common mistakes:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Monitor the cake closely and cover with foil if necessary.
• Even Distribution of Fruit: Ensure the dried fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake.
• Soaking Fruit: Soaking the dried fruit plumps it up and prevents it from drawing moisture from the cake during baking.
• Proper Oven Temperature: Ensure the oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can be helpful.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mary Berry’s easy Dundee cake recipe is a delightful introduction to traditional Scottish baking, offering a blend of rich flavors and simple preparation. Its moist texture, studded with dried fruit and adorned with blanched almonds, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. The Dundee cake is highly adaptable to personal preferences, allowing for variations in fruit and the addition of spirits. Why not try this satisfying and straightforward recipe at home? Discover more delectable recipes and enhance your culinary skills by exploring other cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.