Eccles Cakes – the Classic British Tea Cake!

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 0
Eccles Cakes - the Classic British Tea Cake
in Pastry

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 package puff pastry sheets ( I like the high quality all butter stuff the best )
3 ounces butter
5 ounces light brown sugar
5 ounces mix of sultana 's and currants
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
1 grated orange , rind of
1 egg , lightly beaten
white sugar , for sprinkling ( granulated )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
437
Sugar
29g
Fat
24g
Eccles Cakes are a classic British tea cake that have been enjoyed for centuries as a sweet snack or accompaniment to afternoon tea. They're named after the town of Eccles in Greater Manchester, where they were first created in the 18th century. The filling is traditionally made with a mix of sultanas and currants, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and grated orange rind to give it a zesty flavor. The puff pastry casing is flaky and buttery, making for a satisfyingly crispy texture when you bite into one. This recipe is a tried-and-true classic that's sure to bring a taste of British tradition to your baking repertoire.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3.Add in the light brown sugar, sultanas, currants, cinnamon, nutmeg, and grated orange rind. Stir everything together until well combined.
4.Take the puff pastry and roll it out to about a 1/4 inch thickness.
5.Cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter.
6.Add about 1 tablespoon of the mixture to the center of each circle, then fold up the edges to create a little package.
7.Turn the packages upside down, then press them out again with your rolling pin so that they're flatter and wider.
8.Use a sharp knife to make 2 or 3 angled slits in the top of each package, then brush each package with the beaten egg.
9.Sprinkle a little granulated white sugar over the top of each package.
10.Bake the Eccles Cakes in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

PROS

Eccles Cakes are a classic British tea cake that feature a sweet and slightly spiced filling encased in flaky puff pastry.

They’re perfect for serving at afternoon tea or as a sweet snack any time of day.

This recipe is also relatively simple to make, with just a few steps.

CONS

As Eccles Cakes are a pastry, they are fairly high in calories and fat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

This recipe also requires a fair amount of butter, sugar, and pastry, which can be expensive or difficult to find depending on where you live.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

As Eccles Cakes contain a mix of sultanas, currants, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they offer some nutritional benefits alongside their sweet taste.
These spices have been linked to reduced inflammation and improved digestion, while sultanas and currants are a good source of antioxidants and fiber.

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