How to Make Lardy Cake: Step-by-Step Recipe

Are you looking to indulge in a classic British pastry that is rich, buttery, and absolutely delicious? Look no further than lardy cake! Lardy cake is a traditional treat hailing from England, known for its sweet and savory flavors and soft, sticky texture. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step recipe to help you make this mouthwatering delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Gathering the Ingredients

3. Preparing the Dough

4. Rolling and Layering the Dough

5. Adding the Sweet Filling

6. Shaping and Baking the Lardy Cake

7. Letting It Cool

8. Serving and Enjoying

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Lardy Cake is a traditional British pastry that originated in the southern counties of England. It is a sweet and savory bread-like cake made with layers of dough, butter, sugar, and spices. The name might sound peculiar, but the “lardy” in lardy cakes refers to the traditional ingredient used in the recipe: lard. Lard is a rendered form of pork fat that gives the cake its rich and indulgent flavor.

Gathering the Ingredients

To make lardy cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 250 grams (1 cup) lard, chilled and diced
• 250 milliliters (1 cup) warm water
• 75 grams (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 75 grams (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 75 grams (1/3 cup) currants or raisins
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Extra lard or butter for greasing

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you begin to ensure a smooth baking process.

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the diced lard to the bowl and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually pour in the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Rolling and Layering the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 30×40 centimeters (12×16 inches) in size.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar, brown sugar, currants or raisins, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice (if using) over the buttered dough, ensuring an even distribution.

Adding the Sweet Filling

1. Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape, similar to a Swiss roll.
2. Cut the rolled dough into slices approximately 3 centimeters (1 inch) thick.
3. Grease a deep baking dish or cake tin with lard or butter.
4. Arrange the slices of dough in the greased dish, packing them tightly together to create layers of dough and filling.

Shaping

g and Baking the Lardy Cake

1. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for about 1-2 hours to allow the dough to rise and double in size.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the last 20 minutes of the rising time.
3. Once the dough has risen, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the lardy cake is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the lardy cakes from the oven and let it cool in the dish for a few minutes.

Serving and Enjoying

Lardy cakes is best enjoyed while still warm. Serve slices of this delectable pastry on their own or accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. The lardy cakes can be stored in an airtight container for a few days and can be reheated before serving to retain its softness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use an alternative to lard in the recipe? While lard is the traditional fat used in lardy cakes, you can substitute it with vegetable shortening or butter if you prefer.
2. Can I add different fruits to the filling? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits such as sultanas, chopped apricots, or even candied peel to customize the filling to your liking.
3. Can I freeze lardy cake? Yes, lardy cakes can be frozen. Ensure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature and reheat gently before serving.
4. What is the best way to reheat lardy cake? To reheat lardy cakes, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a few seconds.
5. can I make lardy cake in advance? Yes, you can make the dough and assemble the lardy cakes a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure by making your own lardy cake. With its irresistible aroma and delightful taste, this traditional British treat is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and let’s get baking!