Homemade Dundee Cake Recipe: A Sweet Scottish Delight

Crafting a delightful dundee cake brings pure joy to any home baker seeking a traditional Scottish treat.

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen float through my mind whenever I pull out this cherished recipe.

Packed with candied fruits and almonds, this classic cake offers a rich, comforting experience that warms the heart.

Generations of bakers have perfected this delectable dessert, passing down techniques that make each slice extraordinary.

Nuts and dried fruits create a beautiful texture that melts in your mouth with every heavenly bite.

The unique blend of ingredients promises a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles light up around the table.

FAQ Corner For Bero Dundee Cake

• What is a Dundee Cake?

A traditional Scottish fruit cake originating from Dundee, Scotland, known for its distinctive almond topping and rich fruit content.

• Why are almonds arranged on top of the cake?

The neatly arranged whole almonds create a classic decorative pattern and provide a delightful crunchy texture to the cake’s surface.

• What makes Dundee Cake different from other fruit cakes?

Unlike other fruit cakes, Dundee Cake uses a specific blend of mixed spices and traditionally features whole almonds in a precise geometric pattern on top.

• Is Dundee Cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes, it’s perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, and holidays, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or with a cup of tea.

Why Bero Dundee Cake Is A Classic Favorite

• Craft a Traditional Treat: Bring a slice of Scottish heritage to your kitchen with this classic Dundee cake that connects you to generations of baking tradition.
• Master Stress-Free Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a delightful result every time.
• Create a Stunning Centerpiece: The beautifully arranged almonds on top transform this cake into an impressive dessert perfect for afternoon tea, gatherings, or gifting to loved ones.
• Enjoy Rich Flavor Combinations: Packed with dried fruits, mixed peel, and warm spices, this cake delivers a complex, satisfying taste that tingles your taste buds with every bite.

What You’ll Use In Bero Dundee Cake

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides moisture and helps bind the cake together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients.
• Flour: The primary structure of the cake, giving it a light and soft crumb.

• Mixed Dried Fruits, Mixed Peel: Add a delightful sweetness and chewy texture to the cake.
• Almonds: Provide a crunchy topping and nutty flavor to the traditional Scottish cake.

• Mixed Spice, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the Dundee cake with warm, aromatic notes.

Steps To Make Bero Dundee Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by setting it to 150°C (or 130°C for fan ovens) or Gas Mark 2. Grab a 9-inch round cake tin and coat it with butter, then line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Almonds

Quickly dunk the almonds in boiling water, then set them aside to cool and dry off.

Step 3: Create a Fluffy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, salt, and mixed spice. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix and lose the airiness.

Step 5: Add Fruity Goodness

• Dried fruits
• Mixed peel

Ensure these are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the pre-boiled almonds in a neat pattern across the surface of the cake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2 hours. Keep an eye on it around the 90-minute mark. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely inside the tin. After cooling, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to finish cooling before serving.

Tips To Get Bero Dundee Cake Just Right

• Manage Almond Placement: Arrange almonds in concentric circles for a professional, eye-catching presentation that ensures even toasting.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Lightly coat dried fruits in flour before adding to batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the cake.
• Control Moisture Balance: Check cake's doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Soak dried fruits in brandy or tea overnight to enhance richness and add complex taste dimensions.
• Storage Secret: Wrap cooled cake in parchment and then aluminum foil to maintain moisture and keep fresh for up to a week.

Fun Takes On Bero Dundee Cake

• Gluten-Free Dundee Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Dundee Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, ensuring plant-based ingredients.
• Rum-Soaked Fruit Variation: Soak dried fruits in dark rum overnight before adding to the cake for deeper, richer flavor.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content.

Best Pairings For Bero Dundee Cake

• Elevate Dundee Cake with Sublime Pairings
• Brew Bold Tea Companion: Steep a robust Scottish Breakfast or Earl Grey tea to complement the cake's rich, fruity character. The strong tea cuts through the sweetness and enhances the complex flavors.
• Whisky Warmth Matchmaker: Pour a smooth Scottish single malt whisky, preferably from the Highlands, which mirrors the cake's traditional roots. The whisky's caramel and oak notes dance beautifully with the cake's nutty almond topping.
• Creamy Contrast Delight: Serve alongside a dollop of fresh clotted cream or vanilla custard. The cool, silky texture provides a luxurious counterpoint to the dense, spiced cake, creating a heavenly taste experience.

How To Store Bero Dundee Cake Properly

• Wrap the Dundee cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 7 days, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
• Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Store in a sealed cake tin or container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain freshness.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Dundee Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scottish bakers cherish their beloved Dundee Cake, a rich almond-studded fruitcake from Scotland with deep cultural roots. Packed with candied fruits and whole almonds, this delightful treat promises a delectable journey through traditional Scottish baking that you’ll savor with every sweet, nutty bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) butter, room temperature
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) dark brown sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) plain flour

Dried Fruits:

• 225 grams (7.9 ounces) currants
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) raisins
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) sultanas
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) mixed peel

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) blanched almonds

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch round cake tin by thoroughly greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Briefly blanch whole almonds in boiling water, then drain and set aside to cool completely.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly lighter in texture.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Gently sift together flour, salt, and mixed spice directly into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
6. Delicately fold dried fruits and mixed peel into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even distribution.
8. Meticulously arrange the cooled blanched almonds in a decorative pattern across the top of the cake batter.
9. Place the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C (130°C fan) / Gas Mark 2 and bake for approximately 2 hours.
10. After 90 minutes, carefully check the cake’s progress, covering with aluminum foil if the top begins to brown too quickly.
11. Once baking is complete, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely within the tin.
12. Gently transfer the cooled cake to a wire rack for final cooling and serving.

Notes

• Boil almonds briefly to enhance their flavor and prevent them from burning during baking.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter incorporation and consistent mixing.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Soak dried fruits in brandy or orange juice overnight to add extra moisture and depth of flavor to the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 511
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 149 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg