Welsh Cakes Recipe & Video (2024)

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Welsh Cakes Recipe & Video (1) Welsh Cakes Recipe & Video (2)
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If you are not of Welsh descent you may not know about Welsh Cakes.I think the best way to describe this delicious tea time treat, is to say they are like a scone. Only instead of baking them in the oven they are cooked on a griddle or in a frying pan, which gives them a golden brown outer crust, yet inside they are wonderfully soft. Dust the tops with a little granulated white sugar or powdered sugar or maybe even a slathering of butter, and then sit down and enjoy one (or two) with a nice hot cup of tea. When you look at this recipe you will see how similar it is to a scone. The only real difference is that less milk is used in the Welsh Cake batter because you want a dough that can be easily rolled and cut into rounds.Again, as with scones they are often flavored, and while I like to make them as my mother did, with a little ground cinnamon and mace, feel free to leave out these spices and instead add a little vanilla extract.Currants or raisins are most commonly added to the dough, but I like a combination of currants and mixed peel.(Mixed peel or candied citrus peel is preserved fruit that has been dipped several times in a concentrated sugar syrup. It is usually packaged in small plastic tubs.) As with a scone dough it is important not to over work the dough as you want the Welsh Cakes to be nice and soft inside. Now, unlike scones that are baked in a hot oven, Welsh Cakes are cooked on a lightly buttered griddle, electric frying pan, or in heavy bottomed frying pan (I prefer cast iron). Preheat the pan to medium high (350 degrees F (180 degrees C)) before greasing it with butter. Keep in mind that you may have to adjust the heat as you go to ensure that the Welsh Cakes have a lovely golden brown crust and are cooked all the way through.Welsh Cakes are fully cooked when they have turned golden brown on both sides, yet the insides of the cakes are still soft (but not doughy). A sprinkle of granulated white sugar or powdered immediately after cooking adds a nice touch, or they can be served plain, buttered, or with clotted cream and jam.

Welsh Cakes: In a largebowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, andmace. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with apastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Stirin the currants and mixed peel.Add the beaten egg and enough milk to forma soft dough.

Kneadthedough gently on a lightly floured surface and roll to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (5mm). Cut into rounds using a 2 1/2 inch (6 cm) cookie cutter.

Heat a griddle,heavy bottomed frying pan, or electric frying pan to medium hot (about 350 degrees F (180degrees C)). Lightly butter and then cook the welsh cakes for about 3 minutesper side, or until they are golden brown, but still soft in the middle.Immediately after baking, sprinkle with granulated white sugar or powderedsugar.Serve warm or at room temperature. Welsh Cakes can be covered and storedat room temperature for several days or they can be frozen.

Makes about 20 - 21/2 inch cakes.

Note: WelshCakes can also be baked in a 350 degree F (177 degree C) oven.Place on aparchment paper lined baking sheet and bakeuntil set and very lightly browned yet still soft inside (they won't get asbrown as when you cook them on a griddle).They can also becooked on a baking stone in the oven.Heat the stone in a 350 degree F(177 degree C) oven and then bake the Welsh Cakes on the stone.

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Welsh Cakes Recipe & Video (4)

Welsh Cakes Recipe:

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground mace

1/2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter. diced

1/3 cup (80 ml) currants or raisins

1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped Mixed Peel (candied citrus peel)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Note: Mixed peel or candied citrus peel is preserved fruit that has been dipped several times in a concentrated sugar syrup. It is usually packaged in small plastic tubs.

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Welsh Cakes Recipe & Video (2024)

FAQs

What are Welsh Cakes called in England? ›

They were usually called Pica ar y Maen in south Carmarthenshire, West Glamorgan and South Glamorgan. In English, they would be called 'bakestone cakes' or simply 'bakestones'.

What is the difference between Eccles cakes and Welsh Cakes? ›

These are somewhat similar in appearance to Eccles Cakes but Welsh Cakes are a bit flatter than an Eccles Cake and unlike an Eccles Cake, Welsh Cakes are not filled. In order to make Welsh Cakes, these must be made on a griddle or a bake stone. Once you get the hang of cooking these, it's literally a piece of cake!

Why do my Welsh Cakes go hard? ›

Why did my Welsh cakes turn out hard, dry or crumbly? If your Welsh Cakes turned out hard, dry or crumbly, your mixture was probably not wet enough. Next time, add a little bit of milk so the mix is softer.

What is the most popular dessert in Wales? ›

Welsh cakes

Perhaps the best-loved of all Welsh treats, these small, circular cakes are dusted in sugar and provide the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea. Traditionally cooked on a bakestone, Welsh cakes can also contain sultanas and chocolate chips for a sweeter twist on the original recipe.

What is the best way to eat Welsh Cakes? ›

How to serve your Welsh cakes. I suggest eating these warm, either straightaway or reheated in the toaster. Traditionally I believe these are eaten just as they are, or of course you can add a topping such as butter or jam. I'm thinking now that peanut butter might work on these too, or even chocolate spread!

Are drop scones the same as Welsh Cakes? ›

According to Doug Windsor, the former national chef of Wales, the two cakes are made in a different way. He explained: "A Welsh cake is made from a dough, while a drop scone is made from a batter and is more of a pancake," he said.

Do you eat Welsh cakes hot or cold? ›

Welsh cakes can be eaten hot or cold, though the vast majority of Welsh people will tell you how to eat Welsh cakes is eating them while they're still warm. You can heat them up easily in a pan, toaster oven, standard oven, or even your microwave.

What is the slang for welsh cake? ›

They have gone by a few different names since their inception including their Welsh language names “cage bach” or "picau ar y maen" but also they are known as "Griddle Cakes", "Welsh Tea Cakes" and "Welsh Miner Cakes".

Why were Eccles cakes banned? ›

When Oliver Cromwell gained power in 1650 A.D., both the wakes and the eating of Eccles Cakes were banned due to the Puritan belief that they both had pagan connections. On the other hand, maybe the powers that be in London, did not want their Northern subjects to have too much of a good thing!

How do the Welsh eat Welsh cakes? ›

Welsh cakes are served hot or cold, sometimes dusted with caster sugar.

Do Welsh cakes need to be refrigerated? ›

For Welsh Cakes and Scones, we suggest eating within 3.5 weeks if unrefrigerated. 4.5 weeks if refrigerated and 20 weeks or more if frozen. Shortbread stays fresh 1 week longer. If unopened - store all in their original package.

Do you toast Welsh cakes? ›

Do not be deceived by their rustic appearance. These pan cooked cakes are melt in the mouth delicious and incredibly more-ish. Serve them warm (you can toast them!) with a healthy spread of butter!

Can you cook Welsh cakes on a crepe maker? ›

Method. Cook them on a bakestone, crepe maker or in a heavy frying pan on a low heat. When ready, dust them with sugar and cinnamon and enjoy!

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite dessert? ›

Posted on www.today.com (Read original article here.) “This chocolate biscuit cake is Her Royal Majesty the Queen's favorite afternoon tea cake by far,” chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef and former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, told TODAY Food.

What color eyes do Welsh have? ›

Brown and hazel eyes are more common in Wales (and western/southwestern Britain) than elsewhere in the country.

What is a typical Welsh breakfast? ›

The Welsh Breakfast is a unique combination of some of the most symbolic food of Wales, such as Welsh bacon, Laverbread, and Penclawdd co*ckles. The breakfast begins with thick slices of Welsh bacon. Historically, bacon was kept and used as a staple source of fat in most kitchens throughout Wales.

What is another name for Welsh Cakes? ›

They have gone by a few different names since their inception including their Welsh language names “cage bach” or "picau ar y maen" but also they are known as "Griddle Cakes", "Welsh Tea Cakes" and "Welsh Miner Cakes".

Are Welsh Cakes the same as scones? ›

Welsh cakes do not have the same solid structure and the hidden texture of English scones, but their thinness (they are way “slimmer” than scones, or American biscuits) is indeed deceitful, as they are packed with even more flavour, and comforting butter, than their English counterparts.

How long do fresh Welsh Cakes last? ›

Cook the Welsh cakes in batches, for about 3 mins each side, until golden brown, crisp and cooked through. Delicious served warm with butter and jam, or simply sprinkled with caster sugar. Cakes will stay fresh in a tin for 1 week.

Why are my Welsh cakes dry? ›

06 The exact cooking length will depend on what you are cooking your Welsh cakes on, but keep a close eye - too short a period and they won't be cooked in middle, and cooked for too long and they will be dry.

What is the slang for Welsh cakes? ›

' Some may casually use 'cêcs' in their conversations, which is the Welsh slang for 'cakes. ' It's indeed one of those words that sparks conversations due to its unique variations!

Is an Eccles cake a Welsh cake? ›

Eccles cakes are a Lancashire food tradition, with similar cakes being found in other parts of the County of Lancashire, and are traditionally eaten with Lancashire cheese.

What is a fairy cake in British slang? ›

Fairy cakes are not, as their name might imply, themed cakes designed and decorated to the liking of fantasy and sci-fi fans. They are, simply stated, smaller versions of cupcakes. They're widely popular in the UK, and tend not to pile on the icing in the same way that American bakers do with cupcakes.

What are alternative names for Welsh cake? ›

Welsh cakes (Welsh: picau ar y maen, pice bach, cacennau cri or teisennau gradell), also bakestones or pics, are a traditional sweet bread in Wales. They have been popular since the late 19th century with the addition of fat, sugar and dried fruit to a longer standing recipe for flat-bread baked on a griddle.

What is the traditional wedding cake in England? ›

The traditional recipe for an English wedding cake is a fruit cake. This type of cake has a long shelf life.

What is a Jaffa cake in England? ›

Jaffa Cakes are a cake introduced by McVitie and Price in the UK in 1927 and named after Jaffa oranges. The most common form of Jaffa cakes are circular, 21⁄8 inches (54 mm) in diameter and have three layers: a Genoise sponge base, a layer of orange flavoured jam and a coating of chocolate. Each cake is 46 calories.

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