Delia Smith Dundee Cake Recipe

Delia Smith’s Dundee Cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake, famous for its moist, rich flavor and signature almond topping. This cake is packed with dried fruit and spiced with a touch of zest, making it perfect for festive occasions or an afternoon treat with tea. The Dundee Cake is known for its beautiful appearance, decorated with whole almonds in a circular pattern, and has a lovely crumb that’s moist without being overly dense.

What is Delia Smith Dundee Cake?

Delia Smith’s Dundee Cake is a classic Scottish fruit cake filled with sultanas, currants, and cherries, and topped with almonds arranged in a traditional pattern. The cake is gently spiced, with hints of orange zest, and it’s baked slowly to ensure a tender, flavorful crumb. Unlike other dense fruitcakes, Dundee Cake is light yet still rich, making it an ideal treat year-round.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Bread Butter Pudding
• Mary Berry Dundee Cake
• Delia Smith Marzipan

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Traditional Flavor: A timeless recipe with Scottish origins.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful presentation with the almond topping.
• Less Dense Than Regular Fruitcake: Lighter texture, making it enjoyable for all.
• Moist and Flavorful: Packed with fruit, zest, and a subtle warmth.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for making ahead and storing.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• 175g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture.
• 175g Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it brown.
• 3 Large Eggs: Adds structure and lightness.
• 225g Plain Flour: Forms the base of the cake.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
• 50g Ground Almonds: Adds moisture and a nutty flavor.
• 100g Currants: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 100g Sultanas: Adds a sweet, fruity note.
• 50g Glacé Cherries (halved): Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• Grated Zest of 1 Orange: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• 2 tbsp Milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
• Whole Blanched Almonds (for topping): Traditional decoration for the Dundee Cake.

Equipment Needed

• 8-Inch Round Cake Tin: Ideal size for baking Dundee Cake.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
• Spatula: For folding in the fruit and flour.
• Parchment Paper: To line the cake tin.

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Dundee Cake

Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. This may take 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3. Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.

Step 4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder together, then fold them into the mixture along with the ground almonds. Add the milk to loosen the batter slightly if needed.

Step 5. Add the Fruit and Zest

Gently fold in the currants, sultanas, glacé cherries, and orange zest, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6. Spoon the batter into the Tin

Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7. Arrange the Almonds

Place the whole blanched almonds on top of the batter in a circular pattern, pressing them slightly into the surface of the cake.

Step 8. Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 9. Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• Clotted Cream – Adds richness and complements the fruity flavors.
• Whipped Cream – Light and airy, ideal for serving alongside.
• Cup of Tea or Coffee – A traditional pairing with any fruit cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds a creamy contrast.
• Fruit Compote – A dollop of berry compote enhances the flavors.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Dundee Cake

For a perfect Dundee Cake, keep these tips in mind:

• Soak the Fruit (Optional) – For extra moistness, soak the currants and sultanas in a bit of orange juice or brandy before baking.
• Cream Butter and Sugar Well – This adds air to the batter, making the cake lighter.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a skewer into the center to ensure the cake is fully baked.
• Arrange Almonds Gently – Lightly press the almonds into the batter so they stick but remain visible.
• Store for Better Flavor – The flavors of the Dundee Cake improve over a day or two, so consider making it ahead.

Easy Variations of Delia Smith Dundee Cake

Try these variations to make this cake your own:

• Add a Splash of Brandy – Soak the fruit in brandy for added depth of flavor.
• Use Lemon Zest – Swap orange zest for lemon for a different citrus note.
• Incorporate Mixed Peel – Adds a slightly bitter, aromatic taste.
• Add Spices – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Make it Nut-Free – Skip the almonds and use extra flour instead of ground almonds.

Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• Store at Room Temperature – Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Wrap the cake well and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze for Up to 3 Months – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze.

Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Dundee Cake

• Serve at Room Temperature – Dundee Cake is typically enjoyed without reheating.
• Warm Individual Slices – For a cozy treat, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds.
• Toast in the Oven – For a slightly crispy edge, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g

FAQs

Can I Make Delia Smith Dundee Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, Delia Smith Dundee Cake can be made up to a week in advance. In fact, the flavors improve over time, making it ideal for preparing ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

How Do I Prevent Dundee Cake from Being Too Dry?

To keep Dundee Cake moist, avoid overbaking by checking for doneness around the 1-hour 45-minute mark. You can also soak the dried fruit in a little orange juice or brandy before adding it to the batter for extra moisture.

Can I Freeze Delia Smith Dundee’s Cake?

Yes, Delia Smith Dundee Cake freezes well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature for several hours or overnight before serving.

What Can I Substitute for Blanched Almonds in Dundee Cake?

If you don’t have blanched almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans as an alternative topping. For a nut-free option, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a decorative touch.

Final Words

Delia Smith’s Dundee Cake is a timeless treat that brings together the flavors of fruit, nuts, and a hint of citrus. With its beautiful almond topping and rich, moist crumb, this cake is perfect for festive occasions or simply enjoying a cup of tea. A classic Scottish dessert, it’s sure to be loved by all. Enjoy this delightful Dundee Cake!

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