5 Easy English Cake Recipes You'll Love
Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, whether you're preparing for a celebration or simply enjoying a sweet treat. In this blog, we will guide you through five easy English cake recipes that are not only delicious but also straightforward to make. These recipes cater to various skill levels, ensuring everyone can join in the fun of baking.
British Victoria Sponge Cake
The Victoria Sponge Cake, also known as the Queen Victoria Cake, is a staple in British baking. Here’s how you can make it:
- 4 large eggs
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Jam and whipped cream for filling
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line two 20cm cake tins with baking parchment.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a little flour if the mixture starts to curdle.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, folding gently until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the tins.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
- Allow to cool, then sandwich with jam and cream.
🍰 Note: This cake is traditionally served with a light dusting of icing sugar on top.
Apple Crumble Cake
This recipe provides a delightful blend of fluffy cake and a crunchy topping, with a filling of juicy apples:
- 200g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 175g butter (melted)
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 50g oats
- 50g brown sugar
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20cm springform tin.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add eggs and melted butter, mixing to form a batter.
- Pour half the batter into the tin, then layer the apple slices over it.
- Cover with the remaining batter.
- For the crumble topping, combine oats, brown sugar, and a bit of flour, then sprinkle over the cake.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
🍎 Note: For a richer flavor, sprinkle cinnamon over the apples before covering them with batter.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
A tart and refreshing cake, perfect with tea:
- 225g butter
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1½ lemons
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one by one, followed by flour and lemon zest.
- Pour into the tin and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- While the cake is baking, mix lemon juice with 85g sugar to make the drizzle.
- When the cake is baked, prick it all over with a skewer, then pour over the lemon drizzle.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
This cake, with its rich toffee sauce, is a British comfort food classic:
- 175g pitted dates, chopped
- 200ml water
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 85g butter
- 140g soft light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 175g self-raising flour
- 100g muscovado sugar for the sauce
- 25g butter for the sauce
- 175ml double cream
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Simmer dates and water, then mix in bicarbonate of soda, which will froth up.
- Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs, then fold in flour and the date mixture.
- Pour into a greased 20cm square tin and bake for 30 minutes.
- While baking, prepare the toffee sauce by melting sugar, butter, and cream together.
- Pour half the sauce over the cake when it comes out of the oven.
🥧 Note: This cake can be served warm or at room temperature, with extra sauce on the side.
English Muffins
While not a cake in the traditional sense, English muffins can be a delightful alternative:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 7g dried yeast
- 284ml milk
- 25g caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 40g butter, melted
- Semolina or polenta for dusting
Steps:
- Warm the milk slightly, mix in yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the milk mixture and butter, mix to form a dough.
- Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and flatten slightly. Dust with semolina.
- Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Cook on a griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes each side.
📌 Note: For the best texture, cook English muffins on a griddle or frying pan, rather than baking them.
This collection of easy English cake recipes showcases the diversity and simplicity of British baking. From the classic Victoria Sponge to the comforting Sticky Toffee Pudding, each recipe offers a taste of England's baking heritage. By following these steps, you can master these cakes with confidence, regardless of your baking experience.
Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
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Yes, you can often substitute ingredients. For example, use margarine for butter, but remember it might affect the taste and texture. For allergies or dietary needs, consider using egg replacers or dairy-free alternatives.
What if I don’t have the exact size of baking tins suggested in the recipes?
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If you don’t have the suggested tin sizes, adjust your baking time accordingly. Larger tins will require less time to bake, and smaller tins might need more time. Also, ensure even distribution of the batter to avoid uneven cooking.
How can I make these recipes vegan?
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To make these recipes vegan, replace eggs with commercial egg replacers or flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter or coconut oil for fats. For the cream in fillings or toppings, use coconut cream or vegan whipped cream.