🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Dessert
Dundee Cake
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
A truly iconic Scottish fruit cake, the Dundee Cake is celebrated for its rich, buttery texture and generous abundance of dried fruits, including currants, sultanas, and candied peel. Distinctively adorned with a decorative ring of blanched almonds on top, it's a dense, moist, and satisfying cake that perfectly complements a warming cup of tea.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) / Gas Mark 2. Line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking paper, ensuring it stands about 5cm (2 inches) above the rim to prevent spillover as the cake rises.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 200g softened butter and 200g caster sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in colour, typically taking 3-5 minutes. This aeration is key for a light cake.
- 3
Gradually beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture looks like it might curdle, add a tablespoon of the flour mixture to stabilise it.
- 4
Sift 250g plain flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the wet mixture. Add 300g mixed dried fruit (e.g., sultanas, currants, candied peel), and the zest of 1 orange. Gently fold these ingredients together with a spatula until just combined – avoid overmixing.
- 5
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cake tin. Smooth the top gently with the back of a spoon to create an even surface. This will ensure uniform rising and cooking.
- 6
Arrange 50g of blanched almonds in concentric circles or a decorative pattern on the surface of the cake. Press them in lightly so they don't fall off during baking.
- 7
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
- 8
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 15-20 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to firm up before handling. Slice and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dried fruit is best for Dundee Cake and should it be prepared in advance?+
Dundee Cake traditionally features a mix of dried fruits like sultanas, currants, and glacé cherries, often with mixed peel. Soaking the fruit in orange juice or brandy overnight significantly improves the cake's moisture and flavor.
How should the blanched almonds be placed on top of a Dundee Cake, and what is their role?+
Blanched whole almonds are decoratively arranged in concentric circles on top of the cake batter before baking. They provide the cake's signature look, a lovely crunch, and a delicate nutty taste.
What is the typical baking time and temperature for Dundee Cake, and how do I check for doneness?+
Dundee Cake usually bakes for 1.5 to 2 hours at 150-160°C (300-325°F). The cake is done when a skewer inserted into its center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Why might my Dundee Cake turn out dry or crumbly, and how can I prevent this common mistake?+
A common reason for a dry or crumbly Dundee Cake is overbaking. To prevent this, bake only until a skewer comes out clean, and consider brushing the cooled cake with orange juice or a spirit for added moisture.
Mundo Match
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