Delicious Welsh Cakes Recipe
This classic Welsh Cakes recipe yields soft, buttery treats filled with currants and delicately spiced with cinnamon and mace. Cooked on a griddle or cast-iron pan, these traditional cakes are perfect for an afternoon snack or teatime indulgence.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time
- Yield: 15 cakes 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Welsh
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fat and Egg
- 2 ounces lard
- 2 ounces butter
- 1 large egg
Additions
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
- Granulated sugar (for coating finished cakes)
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, caster sugar, baking powder, salt, ground mace, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Fats: Using your fingers or a food processor, blend the lard and butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring well-distributed fat for tender cakes.
- Add Currants and Egg: Stir the dried currants into the mixture. Beat the large egg lightly and incorporate it into the dough. If the dough feels too dry, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk gradually until you achieve a soft dough that is neither wet nor sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film or place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out round shapes. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut additional rounds until all dough is used.
- Cook the Cakes: Heat a cast-iron pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter the surface. Place the Welsh cakes on the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a light golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Cool and Coat with Sugar: Let the cooked Welsh cakes cool for a minute. While they are still warm, toss them in granulated sugar to coat all sides, giving a pleasant sweetness and a slight crunch to the exterior.
- Serve: Enjoy the Welsh cakes slightly warm. For reheating, use a pan, toaster, warmed oven, or microwave briefly to regain their softness and warmth.
Notes
- Use a light hand when blending lard and butter to maintain a crumbly texture ideal for Welsh cakes.
- If you prefer, substitute currants with raisins or chopped dried fruits.
- Adjust milk quantity as needed to avoid overly sticky dough.
- Cooking on moderate heat is key to avoid undercooked interiors or burnt exteriors.
- Welsh cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat lightly before serving.
Keywords: Welsh cakes, traditional Welsh recipe, stovetop cakes, currant cakes, tea time snack, easy baking snack