Traditional Village-Style Lardy Cake 🥮✨
Lardy Cake is a classic British treat, traditionally enjoyed in the southern counties of England. This rich, sticky, and indulgent bake is made with layers of sweet, spiced dough, dried fruit, and lard (or butter for a modern twist). Perfect with a cuppa on a cosy afternoon! ☕🍰
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
🍞 Strong White Bread Flour – 500g
🍯 Caster Sugar – 50g
🍞 Fast-Action Yeast – 7g sachet
🧂 Salt – ½ tsp
🥛 Warm Milk – 250ml
🧈 Lard or Butter – 75g, softened
🥚 Egg – 1, beaten
For the Filling:
🧈 Lard or Butter – 75g, softened
🍯 Light Brown Sugar – 100g
🌿 Mixed Spice – 1 tsp
🍇 Currants or Raisins – 150g
For the Glaze:
🍯 Golden Syrup – 2 tbsp, warmed
👨🍳 Method
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm milk, softened lard (or butter), and beaten egg. Mix into a soft dough.
2️⃣ Knead & Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3️⃣ Roll & Layer: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the softened lard (or butter) over the surface, sprinkle with brown sugar, mixed spice, and currants. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then roll out again and repeat the process to create layers.
4️⃣ Shape & Second Rise: Place the dough in a greased baking tin, cover, and leave to rise for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) / Gas Mark 6.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.
6️⃣ Glaze & Serve: While still warm, brush with golden syrup for a deliciously sticky finish. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
⏳ Serving Information
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1hr 45min rising)
🔥 Cooking Time: 35 minutes
🍴 Servings: 8-10 slices
🌟 Calories: ~350 per slice
Rich, sweet, and utterly comforting, this Village-Style Lardy Cake is the perfect old-fashioned British bake. Enjoy warm with a hot cup of tea for a proper traditional treat! ☕😍