Dundee Cake

Dundee Cake is a traditional Scottish fruitcake that is loved for its rich and fruity flavor. This cake is packed with a mixture of currants, sultanas, raisins, and mixed peel, and it is beautifully adorned with blanched almonds on top. The cake has a tender crumb and a slightly dense texture, making it perfect for a special occasion or afternoon tea.

Dundee Cake is a classic Scottish treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering or celebration.

INGREDIENTS:

• 175g/6oz butter
• 175g/6oz caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 50g/2oz ground almonds
• 300g/11oz self-raising flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 100g/4oz currants
• 100g/4oz sultanas
• 100g/4oz raisins
• 50g/2oz mixed peel, chopped
• 25g/1oz whole almonds, blanched and split

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 240°C/475°F/Gas mark 9. Line a 20cm/8in cake tin with greaseproof paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Stir in the ground almonds.
5. Sift the self-raising flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl, and gradually fold it into the creamed mixture.
6. Add the currants, sultanas, raisins, and chopped mixed peel to the bowl and mix well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
8. Lightly arrange the blanched and split whole almonds on top of the cake batter.
9. Place the cake tin in the center of the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the temperature to 170°C/325°F/Gas mark 3.
10. Bake the cake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until it is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin before removing and serving.

YIELD: Serves 10

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a tender texture in the cake.
• When arranging the almonds on top, you can create a decorative pattern if desired.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin to prevent it from breaking.

TIPS:

• Serve Dundee Cake as a delightful treat for afternoon tea or special occasions.
• This cake is traditionally enjoyed plain, but you can also serve it with a dusting of icing sugar or accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Dundee Cake is a beloved Scottish fruitcake known for its rich flavor and delightful combination of fruits and almonds. This traditional cake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at afternoon tea or celebrating special occasions.

With its tender crumb and aromatic fruit mixture, Dundee Cake offers a taste of nostalgia and a slice of Scottish heritage. The combination of currants, sultanas, raisins, and mixed peel provides a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite, while the blanched almonds add a beautiful visual touch.

Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a cup of tea, Dundee Cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering or moment of indulgence.