If you are looking for a delicious and easy fruit cake recipe, you might want to try this Dundee cake by Mary Berry. Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish cake that is made with currants, sultanas, mixed peel, and almonds. It has a rich and buttery flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. It is perfect for afternoon tea, or as a festive treat for Christmas.
Dundee cake is said to have originated in the 19th century when the marmalade company Keiller’s of Dundee added fruit cake to their range of products. The cake was named after the city of Dundee and became popular throughout Britain. Mary Berry, the famous British baker and cookbook author, has her own version of this classic cake, which is simple to make and tastes amazing.
Mary Berry Dundee cake is a type of fruit cake that is made with dried fruit, cherries, almonds, and orange marmalade. It is a traditional Scottish cake that originated in the city of Dundee, where it was first produced by the marmalade company Keiller’s in the 19th century. The cake has a rich buttery flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. It is usually decorated with blanched almonds arranged in circles on top and sometimes brushed with corn syrup or sugar for extra shine and sweetness.
Here is how you can make Mary Berry’s Dundee cake at home, with a complete step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prepare the oven and the cake tin
Preheat the oven to 150°C (140°C fan, gas mark 2). Grease and double-line the cake tin with greaseproof paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tin and make it easier to remove later.
Step 2: Cream the butter, sugar, and marmalade
In the food processor or the electric mixer, cream together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a smooth and airy base for the cake. Add the marmalade and mix for a few seconds. This will add some orange flavor and sweetness to the cake.
Step 3: Add the eggs and flour
Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will incorporate air into the batter and make the cake rise. If the mixture looks curdled, add a little flour and mix well. This will prevent the cake from becoming dense and heavy. Sift in the flour, the baking powder, and the mixed spice, and mix to a soft dough. This will combine the dry ingredients and add some spice to the cake.
Step 4: Stir in the almonds, dried fruit, and cherries
Stir in the ground almonds, the dried fruit, and the cherries with a large metal spoon. This will add some crunch, texture, and color to the cake. Add the whisky or the milk and mix well. This will moisten the batter and add some flavor.
Step 5: Spoon the mixture into the cake tin and decorate with almonds
Spoon the mixture into the cake tin, and smooth the surface. This will ensure even baking and a flat top. Carefully arrange the blanched almonds in circles on top. This will create a beautiful and traditional decoration for the cake.
Step 6: Bake the cake and test for doneness
Bake for 1½ to 2 hours or until well-risen, firm, and golden brown. This will cook the cake and give it a nice crust. To test if the cake is done, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Step 7: Cool the cake and brush with corn syrup
Leave the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the tin, peel off the lining paper, and set aside to cool completely on a wire rack. This will allow the cake to set and prevent it from breaking. Heat the corn syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, until runny. Brush over the top surface of the hot cake. This will add some shine and sweetness to the cake. Sprinkle with granulated or caster sugar, if using. This will add some crunch and sparkle to the cake.
Step 8: Store or freeze the cake
Store the cake in a tin and eat it within 4 to 5 days. This will keep the cake fresh and moist. You can also wrap the cake in foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. This will preserve the cake and allow you to enjoy it later. To defrost the cake, leave it at room temperature for a few hours, or in the fridge overnight.
Mary Berry’s Dundee cake is a delicious and easy fruit cake recipe that you can make at home. It is a traditional Scottish cake that is rich, buttery, and crumbly, and packed with dried fruit and almonds. It is perfect for afternoon tea, or as a festive treat for Christmas. Try this recipe and enjoy a slice of this classic cake with your family and friends.
