Cacen Ddyrnu (Welsh Threshing Cake)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 7

Delicious traditional Cacen Ddyrnu recipe from Wales

by The Chefin Cake

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

1 hr 20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

527

Sugar

43g

Fat

18g

Cacen Ddyrnu, or Welsh Threshing Cake, is a traditional cake from Wales that has been enjoyed for generations. It was originally made to celebrate the harvest and was often served to the workers during the threshing process. The cake is made with simple ingredients, including flour, raisins, currants, sugar, bacon dripping, eggs, baking soda, and buttermilk. The bacon dripping helps to create a tender texture, while the raisins and currants add a delicious sweetness. It is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee and is a beloved part of Welsh cuisine.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a round cake tin.
2.	In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, raisins, and currants.
3.	Add the sugar and mix well.
4.	Melt the bacon dripping in a small pan and then add it to the large bowl, mixing well.
5.	Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then add them to the large bowl, mixing well again.
6.	Dissolve the baking soda in a little buttermilk and then add it to the large bowl, mixing well.
7.	Add enough buttermilk to make a soft batter.
8.	Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake for approximately 1 hour until golden brown on top and cooked through.
9.	Let the cake cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

PROS

Cacen Ddyrnu is a delicious traditional Welsh cake that is perfect for an afternoon treat or a special occasion.

The combination of raisins and currants give the cake a delicious sweetness and the bacon dripping helps to create a tender texture.

It is also an easy recipe to make and uses simple ingredients that are readily available.

CONS

This cake is not particularly healthy, as it contains a lot of sugar and fat.

It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Cacen Ddyrnu is not particularly healthy, the currants and raisins in the recipe do contain some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and iron.
They are also a source of fiber, which can help to support digestive health.
However, due to the high sugar content, it is important to enjoy this cake in moderation.

	1 lb plain flour
	1/2 lb currants
	1/2 lb raisins
	8 ounces sugar
	8 ounces bacon , dripping
	2 -3 eggs , well beaten
	1 teaspoon baking soda
	buttermilk , to mix