How to make a lardy cake

Harrison Clayton June 13, 2021 4

Lardy cake is a traditional British pastry, known for its rich and buttery taste. Originating from the South of England, this delicious treat has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of layers of sweet dough, lard, sugar, and dried fruits. The result is a soft and indulgent pastry that is perfect for any time of the day. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, making a lardy cake is a delightful and rewarding endeavor.

The key to creating a delicious lardy cake lies in the quality of the ingredients. It is important to use fresh and high-quality lard to achieve the best results. Additionally, choosing the right combination of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, will enhance the flavor and texture of the pastry.

Before you start, make sure to set aside enough time for the dough to rise. This fermentation process is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop and improves the overall texture of the pastry. Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to making lardy cake!

Preparation Steps for Making Lardy Cake

Making lardy cake is a delightful baking project that results in a deliciously sweet and indulgent treat. Follow these steps to prepare your own lardy cake at home:

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start making lardy cake, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:

500g of strong white bread flour
10g of instant yeast
10g of caster sugar
10g of salt
300ml of warm water
100g of lard, diced
200g of currants
200g of sultanas
150g of soft butter
200g of light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, caster sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the warm water gradually and mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the currants, sultanas, soft butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and grated nutmeg until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lardy Cake

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape, about 1cm thick.
Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll up the dough tightly from one of the longer sides, forming a log shape.
Cut the rolled dough into slices, about 5cm wide.
Place the slices into a greased baking tin, arranging them tightly together.
Cover the tin with a cloth and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Lardy Cake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the lardy cake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once the lardy cake is baked to perfection, allow it to cool slightly before serving. This delightful treat can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee.

Follow these steps, and you will be rewarded with a homemade lardy cake that is sure to impress your taste buds!

Choosing the Ingredients for Lardy Cake

When it comes to making a delicious lardy cake, selecting the right ingredients can make all the difference. In this section, we will guide you through the key ingredients that will give your lardy cake its irresistible taste and texture.

1. Flour

The foundation of any good lardy cake starts with the right type of flour. For the best results, use strong white bread flour. Its high protein content will give your lardy cake the desired structure and chewiness.

2. Lard

Lardy cake gets its name from the star ingredient, which is lard. Make sure to choose a high-quality lard that is solid and white in appearance. The lard adds richness and moisture to the cake, resulting in a soft and tender crumb.

3. Yeast

Yeast is responsible for the rise and texture of your lardy cake. Use fast-action yeast or easy-blend dried yeast for convenience. Make sure to check the expiration date and store it properly to ensure its effectiveness.

4. Sugar

Sugar not only adds sweetness but also aids in the fermentation process and contributes to the caramelization of the crust. Use caster sugar for better incorporation into the dough and a more even distribution of sweetness.

5. Mixed Spices and Dried Fruit

Adding a hint of mixed spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, can elevate the flavor profile of your lardy cake. Additionally, the inclusion of dried fruit, like raisins or currants, adds bursts of sweetness and texture to every bite.

By carefully selecting the ingredients for your lardy cake, you can ensure that each slice is filled with a combination of rich flavors and irresistible softness.

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

To make a delicious lardy cake, the first step is to mix and knead the dough properly. This will help to develop the gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.

Start by measuring out the ingredients. You’ll need 500g of strong white bread flour, 10g of salt, 30g of caster sugar, 10g of fast-action yeast, and 300ml of tepid water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Make a well in the center and pour in the tepid water. Use your fingers to gradually bring the mixture together, incorporating the flour from the sides of the bowl as you go.

Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing the heel of your hand into the dough and then folding it over. Rotate the dough slightly, and repeat this process for about 10 minutes. This will help to activate the gluten in the flour and give the lardy cake its characteristic lightness.

The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Similarly, if it feels too dry, sprinkle a little water onto the dough and continue kneading.

Once the dough is properly kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. This step is called proving and allows the yeast to further develop the dough.

After the dough has proved, it is ready to be used in your lardy cake recipe. Follow the rest of the recipe instructions to layer the dough with delicious lard, sugar, and spices, before baking it to golden perfection.

Remember, taking the time to properly mix and knead the dough is essential for creating the perfect lardy cake. So don’t rush this step and enjoy the process of creating a delectable treat!

Rolling Out and Cutting the Dough

After allowing the dough to rise, it’s time to roll it out and cut it before baking.

Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare a clean, flat surface for rolling out the dough. Sprinkle a small amount of flour onto the surface to prevent sticking.
Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto the floured surface.
Shape the dough into a rectangle by flattening it with your hands.
Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 2 centimeters thick.
Sprinkle the lard and sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure it reaches all the way to the edges.
Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough into a tight log. Apply gentle pressure as you roll to ensure it stays tightly sealed.
Cut the rolled log of dough into approximately 2 centimeter slices. You should end up with several individual rolls.
Place the rolls, cut side down, into a greased baking dish. They should fit snugly together.
Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes.

Once the rolls have risen, they are ready to be placed in the oven and baked until golden-brown and delicious.

Baking and Serving the Lardy Cake

Once the dough has been made with the ingredients, it needs to be left to prove until doubled in size. This usually takes around an hour, but can vary depending on room temperature.

After proving, the dough is rolled out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape, about 1cm thick. The lard, sugar, cinnamon, and currants are then evenly spread over the dough, ensuring that the edges are covered.

Next, the dough is tightly rolled up, starting from one of the longer edges. This helps to create those delicious layers in the final product. The rolled dough is then cut into individual pieces, approximately 5cm wide.

The pieces of rolled dough are placed onto a lined baking tray, with the cut side facing up. It’s important to leave a little space between each piece to allow for further rising. The lardy cakes are left to prove for another 30 minutes before baking.

While the lardy cakes are proving, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is hot, the tray of lardy cakes can be placed in and baked for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Once baked, remove the lardy cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or cold, and are best eaten fresh.

Harrison Clayton

Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.