Want to make a traditional lardy cake? Patisserie Makes Perfect from www.patisseriemakesperfect.co.uk
Introduction
Lardy cake is a traditional British pastry that is a favorite among cake lovers. It is a sweet, sticky, and indulgent treat that is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. The cake is made with layers of dough, lard, sugar, and dried fruits that are rolled and baked until golden brown. The result is a rich and decadent cake that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In this article, we will share with you a delicious lardy cake recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup lard, at room temperature
1 tsp salt
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
Filling
1 cup lard
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup chopped candied peel
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and lard and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the lard, sugar, raisins, currants, candied peel, and cinnamon.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll Up the Dough
Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
Step 5: Cut the Dough
Cut the log into 1 inch slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Lardy Cake
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the lardy cake for 25-30 minutes until it is golden brown.
Nutrition
One serving of lardy cake (1 slice) contains approximately:
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 27g
Protein: 4g
Tips and Tricks
For a richer flavor, use rendered pork fat instead of lard.
You can add other dried fruits to the filling such as chopped apricots, dates, or figs.
If you don't have candied peel, you can use grated orange or lemon zest instead.
Make sure the lard is at room temperature so that it is easy to mix with the sugar and other ingredients.
If you want a sweeter cake, you can dust the lardy cake with powdered sugar after it has cooled.
Conclusion
Lardy cake is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. This traditional British pastry is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite dried fruits and spices. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, lardy cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try out our recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious cake!