Welsh Black Cake (homemade cake with nuts and raisins)

Welsh Black Cake - Homemade Cake with Nuts and Raisins

Welsh Black Cake is a homemade cake that skillfully combines the rich flavors of nuts with the subtle sweetness of raisins and dried fruits. This recipe is not just a simple cake; it is a sweet story that has passed through many generations, providing moments of joy at festive meals and beyond. You can enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and its flavor gets even better with each passing day.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts (or a mix of all three)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (optional, such as apricots or figs)
- 1 cup rum
- 125 g butter at room temperature
- 150 g brown sugar
- 5 eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 star anise
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 300 g flour
- 80 g powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: The day before making the cake, soak the nuts, raisins, and dried fruits in rum, along with the star anise. It is ideal to let them absorb the flavors overnight, but if time does not allow, two hours are sufficient to create a flavorful base.

2. Preheating the oven: Before starting the mixing, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking of the cake.

3. Beating the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, mix the room temperature butter with the brown sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes fluffy and the sugar completely dissolves. This step is crucial for achieving a fine texture in the cake.

4. Adding the yolks: Add the 5 yolks one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Continue with the molasses and honey, which will add depth and moisture to the cake.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the cinnamon, ground cloves, and baking powder. These spices will add a special aroma to your cake. Add this mixture to the yolk mixture, alternating with the remaining rum. Make sure everything is well integrated.

6. Adding the nuts and fruits: At this point, you can add the nuts, raisins, and dried fruits to the batter. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.

7. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar until you obtain a firm foam. It is important to ensure that the bowl is completely clean and free of grease to achieve an optimal result.

8. Incorporating the egg whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture, being careful to fold gently with a spatula from the bottom up, to avoid losing air in the mixture. This step will make your cake fluffy and airy.

9. Baking the cake: Pour the batter into a baking pan (a tart or loaf pan is ideal) and level the surface. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center).

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan, then remove it and let it cool on a rack. Welsh Black Cake is served cold, and its flavor becomes even more intense after a few days. It can be stored in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Practical tips:

- Choosing nuts: You can experiment with different types of nuts. Pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a unique touch to your cake.
- Dried fruits: If you choose to add dried fruits, opt for those you like the most. Apricots, figs, or dates are excellent options.
- Serving: Welsh Black Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce. Give it a sophisticated touch with a little whipped cream.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Welsh Black Cake has about 350 calories, and its ingredients provide proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of alcohol? Yes, you can experiment with whiskey or brandy to change the flavor of the cake.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without frosting. You can thaw it slowly in the refrigerator and then serve it.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Adding spices like nutmeg or vanilla can further intensify the cake's flavor.

Welsh Black Cake is not just a recipe, but an opportunity to gather loved ones around the table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or to treat yourself, each bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who savor it. So, put on your apron and let your imagination soar!