How to Make Eccles Cakes
Eccles cakes are a traditional British pastry filled with currants and topped with a sugar glaze. They are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for any occasion. This article will provide you with an easy recipe for making Eccles cakes at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1 cup currants
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Cut out circles using a 2-inch cookie cutter.
- Place the circles of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon 1 teaspoon of currants onto each circle of dough. Fold the dough in half and crimp the edges to seal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before glazing.
- To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cakes.
FAQ
Q: What can use instead of currants?
You can use raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots instead of currants.
Q: Can make these cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cakes ahead of time and freeze them. To freeze, let the cakes cool completely and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the cakes come to room temperature for a few hours before glazing.
Q: What can serve with Eccles cakes?
Eccles cakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Pros
- Eccles cakes are delicious and easy to make.
- They are a great treat for any occasion.
- They can be made ahead of time and frozen.
Tips
- Use fresh currants for the best flavor.
- Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thick.
- Glaze the cakes while they are still warm for a shiny finish.
Summary
Eccles cakes are a delicious and traditional British pastry that is easy to make at home. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy Eccles cakes any time you want.
Enjoy!
easy recipe for eccles cakes
250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
100g caster sugar
75g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
50g currants
50g finely chopped mixed peel
– 225g plain flour
– 75g caster sugar
– 75g butter, chilled and diced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon milk
– 100g currants
– 25g flaked almonds
225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
75g caster sugar
1/2 tsp salt
110g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 large egg, beaten
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
110g currants
75g sultanas
50g flaked almonds
75g unsalted butter, softened
To finish:
Icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/gas 5. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg, milk and vanilla extract and mix until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. Roll out to a thickness of 2cm and cut out 12 circles using a 6cm cutter.
4. Place the circles on the prepared baking tray and brush with a little milk. Fill each circle with a teaspoonful of the filling, then fold over and seal the edges.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.
Dip the tops in melted chocolate and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands.
2 eggs
No, you don’t need a piping bag to make Eccles cakes. You can simply spoon the mixture into the greased muffin tins.
About 30 minutes