Ultimate Mary Berry Dundee Cake Recipe Revealed!

Mary Berry, the queen of baking, has enchanted many with her delightful recipes, and her Dundee cake is a classic that everyone should try. 🍰 This traditional Scottish fruitcake, known for its rich flavor and beautifully intricate design, is a must-have during festive seasons or special occasions. Let’s dive into the ultimate Mary Berry Dundee Cake recipe and uncover the secrets to mastering this delicious treat.

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What Makes Mary Berry's Dundee Cake Unique?

Mary Berry’s Dundee cake stands out due to its rich blend of flavors, quality ingredients, and a few surprising twists that elevate the cake beyond a standard fruitcake. 🍊 The key components include sultanas, currants, and a hint of orange zest. What makes this recipe even more special is the use of almonds on top, giving it a classic finish. Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients

Before we get into the preparation, let’s gather all the required ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Important Note: Remember to take the butter out of the fridge a bit earlier so it softens nicely for easier mixing! 🧈

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to get started on making the ultimate Mary Berry Dundee cake! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow.

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1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). Make sure you have a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin ready, greased and lined with baking paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is crucial for a light cake. ⚡

3. Add the Eggs

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and gradually add them to the butter-sugar mixture. It’s important to mix thoroughly after each addition to prevent the mixture from curdling.

4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and add it to the bowl along with the ground almonds and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined, taking care not to over-mix.

5. Incorporate the Dried Fruits

Next, fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped glacé cherries, orange zest, lemon zest, and the brandy (or rum). Ensure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

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6. Transfer to the Cake Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the almonds on top of the mixture in a decorative pattern before baking.

7. Baking Time

Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to darken too much, cover it with foil.

8. Cooling

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Mary Berry’s Dundee cake is fantastic on its own, but there are some delightful ways to serve it:

1. With Tea or Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with your afternoon tea or coffee. ☕
2. With a Glaze: A simple icing glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Serve with Cheese: The richness of the cake complements a nice cheese platter. 🧀

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Storage Tips

One of the best features of Mary Berry’s Dundee cake is its longevity. Here are some storage tips to keep your cake fresh:

• Cool Completely: Always let the cake cool down completely before storing.
• Wrap It Well: Use cling film or an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you wish to keep the cake for an extended time, refrigerate it! 🍰

Final Thoughts

Making Mary Berry’s Dundee cake can be an exciting experience, combining simple ingredients with traditional techniques to create a timeless dessert. The cake’s flavor deepens over time, making it even more delicious days after baking. Whether for a festive occasion or just a cozy afternoon tea, this Dundee cake is sure to impress!

So, roll up your sleeves and start baking! Who knows, this might just become your new favorite recipe. Happy baking! 🎉

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