Description
A traditional Scottish dessert, the Rich and Spiced Scottish Black Bun Cake is a delightful blend of spices, dried fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dark molasses
- 1/4 cup whiskey or brandy
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup black treacle (or substitute with additional molasses)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds (for decoration)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the molasses, whiskey (or brandy), vanilla extract, and black treacle until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruit, nuts, and candied citrus peel.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Decorate with slivered almonds on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For best flavor, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- You can substitute the whiskey or brandy with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- For an extra touch, drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and water over the cooled cake before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Rich and Spiced Scottish Black Bun Cake, Scottish dessert, festive cake