Delicious Caraway Seed Cake Recipe for Foodies
Welcome to my Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe article! This classic cake is a beloved Irish holiday tradition that has been enjoyed for generations. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I understand the importance of honoring traditional recipes while also putting my own spin on them. I believe this recipe strikes the perfect balance between honoring the original and adding some new elements.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple yet flavorful. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, yet the result is a delicious, moist cake with a subtle nutty flavor from the caraway seeds. Whether you’re celebrating an Irish holiday or just want to try something new and delicious, this cake won’t disappoint.
As someone who appreciates history and culture, I always try to learn about how different dishes came to be. I discovered that caraway seeds were once widely used in Irish baking because they were easy to come by and added a unique nuttiness to dishes. They were often paired with potato cakes or soda bread but also found their way into desserts like this wonderful cake.
I hope you enjoy learning how to make this classic caraway seed cake as much as I enjoyed developing this recipe. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic caraway seed cake, then this Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe will not disappoint. Not only is it a traditional Irish holiday dessert that has been passed down for generations, but it’s also a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
With its warm, nutty flavor from the caraway seeds, combined with the subtle sweetness of the cake, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. The use of ground almonds creates a richer texture than most cakes and adds some crunchiness to each bite.
But that’s not all. This cake is versatile enough to be eaten on its own or dressed up with whipped cream, frosting, or served with jam. You can even have a slice with your tea or coffee or served warm as dessert.
The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, meaning even those who are new to baking can create a classic caraway seed cake with ease. Whether you’re looking to impress your family and friends during the holidays, or just craving some old-fashioned goodness, you’re sure to love this Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Get those ingredients ready and start baking! You won’t regret giving this classic recipe a try.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the Ingredients you’ll need to make this classic Irish Caraway Seed Cake Recipe:
- 1 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (25g) caraway seeds
- Optional: 1/4 cup ground almonds
Note: If you can’t find caraway seeds, you can substitute them with cumin seeds.
This recipe follows a traditional Irish soda bread recipe and it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any other Irish holiday tradition. The cake is studded with caraway seeds which add a sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. The ground almonds are optional, but they add a delicious nutty taste and make the cake even more moist.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the mixture to remove any large lumps and distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Step 4: Add the Caraway Seeds and Flour Mixture
Gradually add in the sifted flour mixture in batches while whisking continuously. Fold in 2 tablespoons of ground caraway seeds or Optional: ground almonds (for added flavor and texture).
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Add Caster Sugar Topping
Once cooled, sprinkle some Golden caster sugar over the top of your Irish Caraway Seed Cake for extra crunchiness.
Now that you have learned how to make classic Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe, you can indulge yourself with a delicious traditional dish that has been passed down through generations.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is making it personalized and tailoring it to your preferences. Luckily, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your needs! Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try out:
– Flour – If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can easily make some by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
– Butter – Instead of using regular butter, you can swap it out for salted butter or even margarine.
– Caraway Seeds – If you’re not a fan of caraway seeds, cumin seeds can be used as a substitute.
– Eggs – For a vegan option, you can replace the eggs with applesauce or mashed bananas.
– Almonds – The recipe calls for ground almonds, but if you don’t have any or if you’re allergic to nuts, they can be omitted entirely.
– Sugar – If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe.
– Raisins – Some people like to add raisins to their caraway seed cake for some extra texture and flavor. You can add around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of raisins to the mixture before preparing it.
– Flavorings – Vanilla extract is commonly used in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other flavorings such as almond extract or lemon zest.
With these substitutions and variations, you can adjust the recipe according to your taste while still enjoying a classic Irish caraway seed cake.
Serving and Pairing
Irish Caraway Seed Cake is a delicious treat that goes well with tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. However, it can also be served as a dessert after dinner. For a traditional approach, serve the cake in slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of caraway seeds on top.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this cake can also be paired with different types of ice cream. Vanilla or cinnamon are great choices that complement the warm and nutty flavors of the cake. If you prefer a more refreshing option, try pairing it with fresh berries or whipped cream mixed with lemon zest.
For those who enjoy a good cocktail, an Irish coffee would be the perfect match for this dessert. The bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the cake balance each other perfectly.
Irish Caraway Seed Cake is not just limited to dessert-time though, it can be enjoyed at any time of day. A slice can easily act as the perfect breakfast pastry or midday snack to curb those sudden pangs of hunger.
Overall, this versatile cake pairs well with many different accompaniments and can be enjoyed throughout the day in any way.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. You can make the cake up to three days in advance, so you’ll have more time to focus on other details when hosting a party or preparing a special meal.
When storing the cake, be sure to allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container, but make sure it is properly sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in.
To reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the wrap or container and place the cake on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your cake, until it’s heated through.
If you want to keep the cake fresh for longer periods, you can also freeze it for up to three months. To do this, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use it, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as mentioned above.
Remember that this Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe is perfect for celebrations, such as St. Patrick’s Day or any other Irish holiday tradition. It’s also great for tea parties and gatherings with friends and family. With its rich flavor and aroma of caraway seeds, this classic caraway seed cake deserves a place on your menu all year round.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps for making a delicious Irish Caraway Seed Cake, it’s time to make sure that your cake comes out perfectly. Here are some tips that will help to ensure great results every time.
Firstly, be sure to use fresh caraway seeds. These seeds have a distinct flavor and aroma, but they do not stay fresh for long. Check the expiration date on the package or opt for buying in smaller quantities as older seeds may have lost their potency.
When it comes to greasing the cake pan, it’s important to use butter instead of cooking spray. The butter adds flavour and helps the cake release from the pan easily. Also, be sure to grease the bottom and sides of the pan thoroughly so that the cake doesn’t stick anywhere.
Next, when mixing the ingredients together avoid overmixing as it can cause your cake to be tough or rubbery in texture. Be cautious when adding dry ingredients while blending as overmixing can happen quickly once they are added.
It is crucial to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This allows for even heat distribution, resulting in consistent cooking and browning of your cake.
During baking, resist opening the oven door more than necessary as needless air exchange can affect levelling out of batter causing a significant change in texture.
When testing if your cake is ready by inserting a knife/toothpick into it in several areas of your cake- not just one location near the edge. If it comes out clean with no moist crumbs sticking that indicates the cake is done.
Lastly, don’t worry too much about small cracks forming on top of your cake after cooling down as this is normal with baking; however try not to under bake which leads to caving in on top. Experimenting can often lead to different outcomes so give our ingredients or alternate options from our list of substitutions and try creating something new!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this article, here is a list of frequently asked questions related to our Irish Caraway Seed Cake Recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these FAQs will help you get started with the recipe and clarify any doubts or concerns that you may have. So, let’s dive in!
Should you grind caraway seeds?
For a longer shelf life, it is recommended to obtain whole caraway seeds instead of ground ones. If you prefer to use the ground version, it’s best to grind or crush the caraway seeds on your own.
What is the main Flavour of caraway seeds?
These ingredients possess a fragrant and unique flavor – a blend of bitter, sharp, and nutty notes with a hint of sweet and warm undertones.
What Flavours go with caraway seeds?
For this recipe, we’ll be incorporating an array of flavorful herbs into our dish. These include coriander, dill, fennel, garlic, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Each of these herbs bring their own unique taste to the table and when combined, they create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Is caraway seeds same as cumin?
Although caraway and cumin seeds may look alike at first glance, they possess quite different flavors. While cumin has a warm and slightly pungent taste with earthy notes, caraway boasts a unique flavor profile featuring hints of citrus and licorice. Additionally, cumin seeds are lighter in color and less curved than caraway seeds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend this Irish Caraway Seed Cake Recipe for anyone looking to take their taste buds on a journey to Ireland. This amazing cake has everything you could ever want in a dessert – a perfect balance between sweetness and earthiness, and a light, fluffy texture that will leave you wanting more.
By following the step-by-step instructions provided and taking note of the useful tips and substitution options, anyone can make this recipe with ease. And with its long history and traditional roots, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.
So why not add this classic caraway seed cake recipe to your collection of classic Irish treats such as potato cakes and Irish bread? You may discover that the irresistible aroma of caraway seeds spices up even the dullest days!
Irish Caraway Seed Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon ground almonds (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons caraway seeds, plus
- caraway seed, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Grease and line a 7-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until very soft and light. Beat eggs and gradually add into creamed butter mixture, beating constantly.
- Sift flour and baking powder together; add almonds (if using) and caraway seed.
- Add gradually into creamed mixture, beating constantly.
- Turn mixture into prepared pan.
- Scatter a few more caraway seeds on top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Turn out of baking pan, remove paper and cool on a wire rack.
- This cake keeps well in airtight container.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.