Homemade Dundee Cake Recipe: Sweet Citrus Bliss in Every Slice

Sweet memories of scotland dance through my dundee cake recipe, a cherished treat that whispers tales of traditional bakeries.

Generations of bakers have perfected this delightful confection with care and precision.

Plump raisins and candied cherries nestle among ground almonds, creating a symphony of textures.

Each slice promises a rich, golden crumb that melts softly on your palate.

Warming spices hint at cozy afternoons beside crackling fires in highland cottages.

Complex yet comforting, this cake connects you to a culinary heritage that spans generations.

Come bake a slice of scottish warmth that will transport you across misty landscapes and time.

Why Delia Smith Dundee Cake Is A Favorite

• Craft a Stunning Centerpiece: Transform your baking into an artistic display with carefully arranged whole almonds creating beautiful circular patterns on top of the cake.
• Preserve and Enhance Flavors: Letting the cake rest for a day or two allows the fruity and nutty flavors to meld together, developing a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Celebrate Scottish Tradition: Enjoy a classic Scottish dessert that brings heritage and culinary craftsmanship to your table, perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, encouraging confidence in the kitchen.

What Goes In Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft wheat flour that provides the basic structure for the cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Butter: A rich dairy product that adds moisture and creates a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: A sweetener that enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cake together and provide richness.

• Mixed Fruits, Orange Zest: Dried fruits and citrus zest that add vibrant flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Ground Almonds: Nutty ingredient that provides a subtle almond flavor and dense texture.
• Whole Almonds: Decorative nuts arranged on top of the cake for a classic Dundee cake appearance.

Step By Step For Delia Smith Dundee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain. This creates a light and even texture for the cake.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, silky batter that will give the cake its delightful texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Fruity Goodness

Fold in the delicious mix of dried fruits and citrus zest. Add ground almonds to enhance the cake’s rich, nutty flavor. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Tin

Carefully spoon the batter into a prepared cake tin, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top to ensure an even bake and attractive final appearance.

Step 5: Decorate with Almonds

Artfully arrange whole almonds on top of the cake in concentric circles. This creates a beautiful traditional pattern that is characteristic of Dundee cake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F). Bake for approximately 1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Mature

Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin. For the best flavor, wrap the cake and let it rest for 1-2 days before slicing. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a more delicious treat.

Helpful Hints For Delia Smith Dundee Cake Bakers

• Sift Smoothly: Use a fine-mesh sieve to ensure flour and baking powder are lump-free, creating a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
• Arrange Almonds Artfully: Place whole almonds in concentric circles carefully, slightly pressing them into the batter to prevent falling off during baking.
• Check Moisture Levels: Test cake doneness with a skewer – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Rest and Develop Flavor: Letting the cake sit for a day or two allows flavors to meld and intensify, making the Dundee cake even more delicious.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap butter with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour for those with specific dietary requirements.

Mix It Up With Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• Gluten-Free Scottish Treat: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version of the classic Dundee cake.
• Vegan Fruity Version: Swap eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based margarine.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate more dried fruits for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Chocolate Adaptation: Mix in dark chocolate chips and replace some almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a rich, indulgent variation.

Foods That Go Great With Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• Sip Scottish Whisky Pairing: Complement the rich, fruity Dundee cake with a smooth single malt scotch whisky, enhancing the cake's nutty almond and citrus zest flavors.
• Brew Hot Earl Grey Tea: Match the cake's traditional Scottish heritage with a classic Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes dancing perfectly with the cake's citrusy undertones.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or clotted cream to balance the cake's dense texture and add a luxurious, velvety contrast.
• Explore Dessert Wine Match: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling, which will harmonize with the cake's fruity and nutty profile.

How To Keep Delia Smith Dundee Cake At Its Best

• Wrap the Dundee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
• Slice the cake, then place individual pieces in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain its softness and prevent drying out.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQ For Delia Smith Dundee Cake Fans

• What makes Dundee cake unique?

This Scottish traditional fruit cake is known for its distinctive top pattern of whole blanched almonds arranged in concentric circles, giving it a classic, elegant appearance.

• Is Dundee cake difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s a straightforward recipe that requires basic baking skills and simple mixing techniques, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels.

• What is the origin of Dundee cake?

The cake originated in Dundee, Scotland, and was traditionally made by the Keiller marmalade company in the 19th century, becoming a beloved Scottish baking tradition.

• Can I customize the fruits in the cake?

Yes, while traditional recipes use a mix of dried fruits like currants and sultanas, you can adapt the recipe with your preferred dried fruits while maintaining the basic proportions.

Dundee Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scottish bakers elevate dundee cake to a delightful masterpiece of citrusy fruit and almond essence. Sweet memories of traditional Scottish baking dance across your palate with each carefully crafted slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) spreadable butter
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) golden caster sugar
• 3 large eggs

Dried Fruits:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) currants
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) sultanas
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) glace cherries, halved
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) mixed peel, chopped

Flavoring and Topping:

• 1 zest of orange
• 1 zest of lemon
• 2 tablespoons ground almonds
• 60 grams (2.1 ounces) whole blanched almonds (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

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Instructions

1. Gently combine flour and leavening agent in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a light, airy texture.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then incorporate eggs gradually to create a silky, homogeneous mixture.
3. Fold in a medley of dried fruits, citrus zest, and finely ground almonds, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
4. Transfer the mixture into a prepared cake tin, carefully smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
5. Delicately position whole almonds in concentric patterns across the cake’s surface, creating an elegant decorative topping.
6. Place the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C, allowing it to bake for approximately 2 hours until a golden-brown crust forms and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, allowing flavors to settle and develop.
8. Wrap the cooled cake and allow it to mature for 24-48 hours, enabling the fruits to infuse their rich flavors throughout the dense, traditional Scottish treat.

Notes

• Fold ingredients gently to maintain light, airy texture and prevent dense cake.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent mixing and better incorporation.
• Toast almonds lightly before adding to enhance nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same weight measurement.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg