Delicious Welsh Honey Cakes Recipe – Learn How Today!
Welcome friends, to my Welsh Honey Cakes recipe! I am excited to share this traditional Welsh recipe that is at once simple and rich in flavor. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have had the pleasure of exploring the amazing range of dishes and flavors that are unique to Wales. Yet, of all the recipes I have encountered, nothing quite captivates the senses like Welsh Honey Cakes or ‘Tiessennau Mel’ as they are known in Welsh.
This delectable honey cake recipe has been passed down through generations of Welsh families and is often served on St David’s Day, commemorating the patron saint of Wales. This dish is officially recognized as a part of the traditional Welsh culinary heritage and is a beloved classic with humble ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, honey, and baking soda. They are easy to make with simple steps that shape and form them into round little cakes. These cakes have a warm spiced fragrance with an irresistible sweet honey-butter flavor that lingers long after each bite.
As you read on, you will discover how to create your own authentic batch of delicious Welsh honey cakes. Once you get started, your kitchen will be filled with a tantalizing aroma that brings back memories while creating new ones. From mixing to serving, I will share every tip and technique to ensure you get perfect results every time. You’ll love how easy it is to make these delicious treats; in no time at all, you’ll become an expert on this classic Welsh staple! So let’s get started with this wonderful journey into the heart of traditional Welsh cuisine with my Welsh Honey Cakes recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for a traditional Welsh treat to curb your sweet tooth, look no further than Welsh honey cakes. These moist and delicious cakes are perfect for any occasion or simply to satisfy your cravings.
What makes these cakes so special? For starters, they are made with pure honey, which gives them a unique flavor and sweetness that is hard to resist. Honey also adds health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, making this an indulgent snack that can also be good for you.
Another reason to love Welsh honey cakes is the simplicity of the recipe. With just a few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking soda, you can easily whip up a batch of these yummy treats in no time. You don’t have to be an expert baker to make them either – this recipe is easy enough for even novice bakers to follow.
One thing that sets these cakes apart from others is the addition of cinnamon, which gives them a warm and spicy flavor. It’s no surprise that cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world – it’s delicious and packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Lastly, Welsh honey cakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Have them as a simple snack or serve them at tea time with a dollop of fresh cream or jam on top. They’re also great for dessert served warm with a scoop of ice cream or topped with some orange blossom honey or lavender-infused whipped cream.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that combines sweet indulgence with natural health benefits, look no further than Welsh honey cakes. They’re delicious, healthy, and perfect for anytime snacking!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients we need to make these traditional Welsh Honey Cakes:
Dry Ingredients
- 4 ounces of self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 ounces of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey (I recommend using Welsh honey for an authentic taste)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of whole milk
Note: If you can’t find Welsh honey, you can use any good-quality honey.
The Recipe How-To
Cream Butter and Sugar
First, I cream 4 oz of softened butter and 3 tablespoons of caster sugar together in a mixing bowl. To cream the butter and sugar, I use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. I mix until the butter and sugar are light and fluffy.
Add Eggs, Vanilla, Honey
Then, I add 2 eggs, one at a time, to the mixture. Each egg is beaten well before adding the next. Next, I add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 4 ounces of honey to the mixture. I whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
Next, I prepare the dry ingredients by sifting together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda into a separate bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
I then slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with adding in small portions of milk. I continually stir this mixture with a wooden spoon as I go until everything is well incorporated.
Preheat Oven and Grease Cake Tin
I preheat my oven to 350°F (180°C). While waiting for it to heat up, I grease an 8-inch round cake tin with a little butter.
Bake
I then pour the cake mixture into the greased cake tin before putting it in the preheated oven. It takes about 20-25 minutes for the Honey Cake to bake completely. To check if it’s fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your Honey Cake is done baking!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this Welsh Honey Cakes recipe. Don’t let yourself be limited by the ingredient list provided, there are always opportunities to experiment and create something new.
First of all, if you are not a fan of honey, try using other types of syrup instead. You can use maple syrup, golden syrup or even orange blossom honey for a different flavor profile. This way you can switch up the taste without changing the overall character of the dish too much.
If you are looking for a more rich and indulgent taste, try adding in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the mixture. This will give a nice texture contrast to the soft and fluffy cake.
You could also try spicing things up with some different spices. Adding in some ground cloves, nutmeg or ginger will give a warm and cozy feeling to the cake. Alternatively, you could add in some lavender to give a fresh and floral taste.
The recipe calls for milk but if you want to make this cake dairy-free, simply swap out the milk for any non-dairy milk substitute like almond or soy milk.
If you are having trouble finding self-raising flour at your local store, don’t worry! You can easily make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every 150g of plain flour.
Moreover, if you don’t have a round cake tin, don’t get bogged down. These cakes can be made into many formats such as Welshcakes which is a flattened and griddled version of these cakes, or even baked as a loaf cake.
Overall this recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients and reap the benefits of creating different variations that suit your palate!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked your delicious Welsh Honey Cakes, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! These cakes are perfect to pair with some tea or coffee, for an afternoon snack or a morning treat. Some bakers like to add a side of fresh berries and whipped cream, which not only enhances the taste and presentation but also adds some extra nutrients.
The honey flavor of the cakes pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as a hot cup of black tea with milk, which balances out the sweetness of the honey. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try pairing these cakes with some Earl Grey tea for a citrusy and floral twist. Another option is to serve them alongside some warm spiced cider or mulled wine during autumnal months.
If you’re looking to make this dessert a little more indulgent, another alternative is to top it with some vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. The rich textures and flavors will perfectly complement the warm and comforting taste of these traditional Welsh Honey Cakes.
Overall, these cakes are versatile enough to be served in any way you desire – as a small snack on-the-go or as part of an elaborate dessert table at your next gathering. No matter how you decide to serve them, one thing is for sure: they are sure to leave everyone wanting more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Welsh Honey Cakes are an excellent make-ahead treat, perfect for those with a busy schedule. They can be made a day or two in advance of serving, and they will still be fresh and delicious. To store the Honey Cakes, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature.
These cakes also freeze well. Cut them into individual portions before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve them, remove the wrapping and let them thaw at room temperature for several hours.
If you want to reheat the cake, do so gently in a low oven preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Make sure you don’t overheat the cakes, as that could dry them out.
To add extra flavor to your Welsh Honey Cakes, you can drizzle some honey on top just before serving or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for some extra sweetness.
Whether you want to make these cakes ahead of time or save leftovers, storing and reheating them is simple and easy. So why not indulge in this traditional Welsh dessert anytime you crave velvety sweetness?
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results when making Welsh Honey Cakes, it is crucial to follow the recipe closely. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to ensure success in creating these delicious treats.
Firstly, when measuring out the ingredients, be sure to use accurate measurements. Measuring cups and spoons are useful tools in achieving precision. Too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the texture and taste of the final product.
Secondly, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before combining them. This helps them to mix together more evenly and reduces the chances of overmixing.
Thirdly, sieve together the flour, cinnamon, and bicarbonate of soda. This process not only helps break up any lumps but also ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Fourthly, creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy before adding other wet ingredients makes a big difference in terms of texture. Be patient during this step; it can take several minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
Fifthly, don’t over-mix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes instead of soft and crumbly ones.
Sixthly, preheating the pan on low heat is essential to prevent the cakes from burning on the outside while still being raw in the middle. The pan should be hot but not smoking when starting to cook the batter.
Seventhly, avoid opening the pan too often while cooking as this will cause heat loss and may result in undercooked or unevenly cooked cakes.
Last but not least, experiment with different types of honey to create unique flavor profiles. Orange blossom honey or lavender honey can add an exquisite flavor to traditional Welsh Honey Cakes.
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section for some common questions and concerns that may arise as you prepare this Welsh Honey Cakes recipe.
What makes a Welsh cake Welsh?
Originating from Wales, Welsh Cakes are a unique treat that can’t easily be compared to other popular baked goods such as cookies, scones, or pancakes. Their distinct flavor and texture set them apart from the rest.
What is the difference between a Welsh cake and a scone?
The Welsh cake is similar to the English scone in shape, but it is flatter and wider, with a diameter of up to 8 centimetres and a thickness of around 1 centimetre. It is typically made with flour, butter or lard, dried fruits, milk, eggs, and nutmeg, just like the scone.
What are traditional Welsh cakes made of?
One of the popular British delicacies is Welsh cakes, which are created by using flour, eggs, milk, butter/lard, currants and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. These cakes are roughly circular, having a diameter of few inches (7-8cm) and thickness of about half an inch (1-1.5cm). Welsh cakes can be savored hot or cold, with or without a sprinkle of caster sugar on top.
What cake is Wales famous for?
Welsh cakes are a delicious and traditional treat from Wales that have been enjoyed since the late 19th century. These cakes are also known as bakestones and are cooked on a griddle with ingredients such as sugar, fat, and other sweet components. If you haven’t tried these delightful cakes before, you’re missing out on a true culinary experience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Welsh Honey Cakes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional British desserts. This recipe has been tried and tested by many chefs, including David Day, and is full of flavor and texture that will delight your taste buds.
With simple ingredients like flour, honey, sugar, butter, and eggs, this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any prior baking experience. Plus, you can always add a personal touch or change up the flavors to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re celebrating St. David’s Day or just looking for a tasty treat to enjoy any day of the year, Welsh Honey Cakes are the perfect choice. Give this recipe a try and savor the wonderful taste of honey that is unique to this recipe.
So don’t let another day go by without trying this delightful recipe. Join the ranks of other home cooks and chefs who have fallen in love with Welsh Honey Cakes. It’s easy to make and offers a delicious taste that you won’t soon forget.
Welsh Honey Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1 -1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 ounces butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F/190C Grease and flour a muffin tin or use liners.
- Stir together flour, cinnamon and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks into sugar and butter, then add the honey in thirds beating well in between.
- Stir in the flour with a little milk as required to make the batter a little softer and mix all together gently.
- Whisk the egg whites until stiff. stir 1/3 of the whites into the batter to lighten the mixture then gently fold in the rest.
- Half fill the cups of the muffin tin and smooth the tops with the back of a wet teaspoon to stop them from crowning too much then sprinkle each with a little bit of sugar (optional).
- Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes. These do brown quickly and are actually browner than a similar cupcake or muffin would be so keep an eye on them so they don't get too brown.
- Leave the cakes in the tin for a few minutes before turning out to cool.
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.