The moment you take a bite of Lardy Cake, you’re transported to a world of sweet indulgence. Imagine rich layers of dough, generously filled with butter, sugar, and plump raisins that create a symphony of flavors in your mouth. savory crockpot pulled chicken The aroma wafting from the oven is like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it impossible to resist a second slice.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Lardy Cake?
- Can I use butter instead of lard?
- How do I know when my Lardy Cake is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made Lardy Cake for my family; their faces lit up as they took their first bites. It became our go-to treat for Sunday brunches and cozy gatherings. Each bite is not just a taste but an experience to savor, making it the perfect addition to any occasion. scrumptious cheesy garlic wraps delicious garlic parmesan focaccia Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises deliciousness and joy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lardy Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for novice bakers
- Its sweet, buttery flavor will delight everyone at your table
- The golden-brown crust is visually stunning and sure to impress your guests
- Enjoy it warm or cold; its versatility fits any time of day!
Sometimes, my friends joke that I should start a Lardy Cake fan club after they tried my latest batch!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Strong White Bread Flour: This flour gives your cake structure and fluffiness; make sure it’s strong for the best rise. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter as it adds richness; feel free to let it soften at room temperature beforehand.
- Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is crucial for achieving that delightful rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; use regular granulated sugar for mixing into the dough.
- Full-Fat Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast nicely; let it cool slightly before adding to avoid killing the yeast.
- Raisins or Currants: These little gems add chewy sweetness; soak them in warm water beforehand for extra plumpness.
- Cinnamon Powder: A dash of cinnamon enhances flavor; adjust according to your preferences if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Eggs: Eggs enrich the dough and help with rising; be sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
- Extra Butter for Greasing: You’ll need this for greasing your pan; don’t skimp on this as it prevents sticking!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
The Dough Preparation: Start by warming your milk until it’s slightly warm but not hot—think baby bath temperature. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast, then add the warm milk gradually while mixing until you form a soft dough.
Kneading Time: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. easy no knead focaccia recipe Picture yourself giving that dough an enthusiastic workout because it deserves some love!
The First Rise: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. The smell will begin to fill your kitchen!
Add the Goodies: Once risen, punch down the dough (yes, let out all that pent-up frustration). Fold in softened butter, raisins or currants, and cinnamon until evenly distributed—this is where things get buttery!
The Second Rise: Shape your mixture into a loaf or roll style depending on preference and place it in greased baking tins. Let them rise again for another 30 minutes—patience is key here.
Baking Bliss: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while waiting. Bake your creation for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Don’t forget to check if it’s done by tapping on the bottom—it should sound hollow.
Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Lardy Cake! Enjoy each slice warm with a cup of tea or coffee—trust me; you’ll want seconds!
You Must Know
- Lardy Cake is a delightful sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert
- The fluffy texture combined with rich butter and sugar creates an irresistible indulgence
- This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it also holds up well for a few days
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make a perfect Lardy Cake, start by melting the lard and mixing it with warm milk, then combine it with flour and sugar to create a smooth dough. Let it rise before shaping and baking for optimal fluffiness. For more inspiration, check out this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Lardy Cake by adding dried fruits like raisins or currants for added sweetness and texture. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Lardy Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, enhancing its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- If you want a richer flavor in your Lardy Cake, use high-quality lard
- Always let the dough rise completely; this ensures a fluffy texture
- Don’t skip the resting time after shaping; it helps develop the flavors beautifully
Sharing my first experience making Lardy Cake was unforgettable; my friends devoured it faster than I could slice! Their smiles made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What is Lardy Cake?
Lardy Cake is a traditional British sweet loaf made with lard, sugar, and dried fruits.
Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, using butter will change the flavor but still yield a delicious cake.
How do I know when my Lardy Cake is done?
It’s done when golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Lardy Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Lardy Cake is a delightful traditional British sweet loaf that elevates any occasion with its rich, buttery flavor and chewy raisins. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this easy-to-make cake features layers of fluffy dough infused with lard, making it an irresistible treat. With its stunning golden-brown crust and warm aroma, Lardy Cake promises to be the star of your table. Get ready to indulge in a slice of nostalgia!
Ingredients
- 4 cups strong white bread flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup full-fat milk (warm)
- 1 cup raisins or currants (soaked)
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Extra butter for greasing
Instructions
- Warm the milk until slightly hot, then combine flour, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
- Gradually add the warm milk while mixing to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about an hour until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and fold in softened butter, raisins/currants, and cinnamon.
- Shape into a loaf or rolls; place in greased baking tins and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
