On a perfect day there will be some freshly
baked treats to greet the children when they come home from school. The
reality is on most days I’ve been too busy to bake and, well, there is always a
piece fruit to fill those hungry tummies.
However on the days when an apple just
won’t do, one of our favourite afternoon treats are these little Welsh cakes. A
traditional snack in Wales, these warm buttery little cakes have the beauty of
being cooked in a frypan. No waiting around for the oven to get hot.
Made with pantry staples, quick to mix and
even quicker to cook, these little treats can be whipped up while the kettle
boils. And they are so easy you could even get the children to help while
you have a cup of tea after your busy day. Afternoon snack and activity
all rolled into one? That sounds like a perfect day!
Welsh Cakes *
Makes about 18 cakes
225g self raising flour
110g butter, diced
75g caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
75g currants or sultanas, or a mixture of
both
1 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of salt
1 egg, beaten
grated zest of half a lemon
a little milk, if needed
a little extra butter for greasing
Sift the flour, salt and cinnamon into a
bowl and add the diced butter.
Rub with your finger tips until the mixture
resembles bread crumbs. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Mix in the sugar, currants, lemon zest and
beaten egg and stir to form a dough, add a splash of milk if too dry. Try
not to work it too much or your cakes will be tough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the
dough to a thickness of about 1.5cm.
Cut into rounds with a 6 or 7cm plain
cutter.
Warm a heavy based frypan over a medium to
low heat.
With a piece of kitchen paper, wipe some
extra butter over the frypan until lightly coated.
Cook each cake for about 4 minutes each
side or until golden brown – check them often to make sure do not burn.
Sprinkle with caster sugar and serve
straight away, traditionally with a pot of tea. Or you can split them like a scone and top them with whipped cream to be fancy.
Apparently they keep in an airtight container for up to four days, but honestly, they've never lasted long enough to test the theory.
(* This post originally appeared on Just B, but it's such a great recipe, I thought I'd share it again.)
They look soo yummy!
ReplyDeleteRowdy Fairy
Thanks! x
Deleteoh how perfect! and with the start of our school year just around the corner this recipe looks like the perfect thing to make.
ReplyDeleteyummy!
They are such an easy recipe to have up your sleeve Rebecca.
DeleteI always forget your school year starts late summer, in the middle of the year...it takes me by surprise when people mention back to school during our winter. xx
Oh these look good. I copied a recipe from the River Cottage Baking handbook. Maybe when the girls are older so I can share them!
ReplyDeleteMake them now Marian, you've got to keep your strength up! xx
DeleteWhen you are after fun party catering desserts, then this sophisticated welsh cakes are the perfect menu for you. I tried this as well but I tweaked it a bit. Using the ingredients I had on hand, I added a personal touch on those cakes. I also created a different presentation to boost the appearance of the cake.
ReplyDeleteRight as a Welsh girl I have to say...these are gorgeous! The recipe is perfect. Best cooked on a griddle or hot plate if you have one but anyway they are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHigh praise indeed! Thanks so much Rachael!
DeleteI just made these this afternoon and they were delicious. And you are right, they were made and on the stovetop in about ten minutes. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you made them Deborah, and that you like the recipe. Thank you!
DeleteThey look like the perfect afternoon tea snack! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's how I like to eat them Naomi!
DeleteThese look delicious - I've never heard of welsh cakes. They are quite unusual like pan fried scones almost. I'll have to try them.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what they are like Elizabeth!
Delete