Introduction
Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane with a classic British dessert? Heavy cake is a popular sweet treat in the UK that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich, buttery cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special celebration. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious heavy cake recipe UK that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make a heavy cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g ground almonds
- 50g chopped glace cherries
- 50g chopped mixed peel
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. 2. Grease and line a 20cm/8in round cake tin with baking parchment. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. 5. Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, and fold into the mixture. 6. Add the vanilla extract, ground almonds, glace cherries, and mixed peel, and mix well. 7. Add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth. 8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. 9. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 10. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
This heavy cake recipe serves 12 people and contains the following nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 428
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Sugar: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this heavy cake recipe is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Equipment
To make this heavy cake recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- 20cm/8in round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions
Heavy cake is best served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
You can customize this heavy cake recipe by adding different types of dried fruits or nuts, such as raisins, apricots, or walnuts. You can also add a splash of brandy or rum to the batter for a boozy twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have ground almonds, you can substitute them for ground hazelnuts or pecans. You can also substitute the glace cherries and mixed peel for dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Storage
Store this heavy cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Tips
To ensure that your heavy cake comes out perfectly every time, make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to create a light, airy batter that will rise beautifully in the oven.
Notes
This heavy cake recipe is a traditional British dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is heavy cake?
Heavy cake is a traditional British dessert that is made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and dried fruits. It is a rich, buttery cake that is perfect for any occasion.
What is the texture of heavy cake?
Heavy cake has a dense, moist texture that is similar to a fruitcake or a pound cake.
Can I freeze heavy cake?
Yes, you can freeze heavy cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. In conclusion, heavy cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This classic British dessert is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different types of dried fruits and nuts. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it at a special celebration, this heavy cake recipe is sure to impress your guests. So why not give it a try and indulge in the richness of this timeless dessert?