Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup black treacle
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the black treacle and milk to the mixture and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
7. Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
11. Lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 260
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 23g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Black treacle can be substituted with molasses or honey.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Chopped nuts can be substituted with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots or figs to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
- Replace the raisins and nuts with chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth batter.
- Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter before baking to ensure even baking.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Alternatively, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Garnishes:
- Top the cake with a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the cake with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.
Pairings:
- Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Pair the cake with a glass of red wine for a sophisticated dessert.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the cake with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, for a balanced dessert.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter before baking.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of milk in the batter.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and utensils before preparing the recipe to prevent contamination.
- Store the cake properly to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Pontefract Cake is a type of liquorice candy that originated in the town of Pontefract in West Yorkshire, England.
- This recipe is a twist on the traditional candy, incorporating raisins and nuts for added texture and flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- This cake has a rich, sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- The raisins and nuts add a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Region: British