Mary Berry Dundee Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a traditional and irresistibly delicious cake that combines rich fruitiness with a subtle nutty crunch, then Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake recipe is a must-try!

Known for her mastery in classic baking, Mary Berry’s version of this iconic Scottish cake is sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this Dundee Cake delivers a delightful taste of nostalgia with every bite. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, making it an ideal recipe to share with family and friends!

Mary Berry Dundee Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s famous Dundee Cake, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that combine to create a rich, fruity, and fragrant dessert. Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients required:

For The Cake Base

• Butter (unsalted) – 225g: The foundation of the cake’s texture, providing richness and moisture.
• Caster Sugar – 225g: A finer sugar that dissolves easily, helping to create a smooth, light batter.
• Self-Raising Flour – 225g: This flour has added baking powder, which will make the cake rise beautifully without the need for additional leavening agents.
• Ground Almonds – 75g: These lend a slightly nutty, moist texture to the cake while also giving it a bit of density.
• Eggs – 4 large: Eggs provide structure and richness to the cake, ensuring it holds together well.
• Milk – 2 tablespoons: To help bind the mixture and achieve the perfect batter consistency.
• Mixed Peel – 75g: A traditional ingredient that gives the cake a delightful citrusy zing.
• Sultanas – 100g: These small, plump golden raisins add sweetness and chewy texture to the cake.
• Raisins – 100g: They bring a more intense, fruity sweetness, balancing out the other flavors.
• Glacé Cherries – 100g: The characteristic red and green cherries provide not only color but also a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Currants – 75g: These smaller raisins add subtle sweetness and moisture.
• Chopped Almonds – 75g: Adds crunch and texture to the cake, complementing the soft fruit.

For Decoration

• Blanched Almonds – About 12-15 whole almonds: These are used to decorate the top of the cake in a traditional pattern, lending an elegant touch.

Equipment Needed

To make this cake, you won’t need too many specialized tools, but having the right equipment will help ensure that your Dundee Cake turns out perfectly.

1. Mixing Bowls – A Couple Of Medium-sized Bowls For Combining Your Wet And Dry Ingredients. One Large Bowl Will Also Be Useful For Mixing Everything Together.

2. Electric Hand Mixer Or Stand Mixer – A Hand Mixer Makes Light Work Of Beating The Butter And Sugar Together, Ensuring That Your Cake Base Has A Fluffy Texture.

3. Measuring Scales – Accurate Measurements Are Key To Ensuring The Right Texture And Flavor. A Good Set Of Kitchen Scales Is Essential.

4. Spatula – A Rubber Or Silicone Spatula Is Ideal For Folding In The Fruit And Nuts, Ensuring That Everything Is Evenly Distributed Without Overmixing The Batter.

5. 9-inch Round Cake Tin – Typically, A 9-inch Tin Works Perfectly For This Recipe. It Should Be Lined With Baking Parchment And Greased To Prevent Sticking.

6. Baking Paper – This Is Essential For Lining Your Cake Tin And Preventing The Cake From Sticking. It’s Also Useful For Covering The Cake If It Starts To Brown Too Quickly.

7. Cooling Rack – Once The Cake Is Baked, It Needs To Cool Down Properly. A Cooling Rack Allows Air To Circulate Around The Cake, Preventing It From Becoming Soggy.

8. Sharp Knife – Used To Slice The Blanched Almonds To Decorate The Cake, Ensuring They Have A Nice, Neat Shape For A Polished Look.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake

Making Dundee Cake is relatively simple, and the process can be broken down into a few key stages. Follow these steps for a perfect cake every time.

Step 1: Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F (300°F fan). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring that the base and sides are well-covered. This will make it much easier to remove the cake once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cream The Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step as it incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise and ensuring a light, moist texture.

Step 3: Add The Eggs And Almonds

One by one, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the ground almonds. This will help prevent the batter from curdling and provide extra richness to the cake.

Step 4: Fold In The Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour into the mixture and fold it in gently. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to preserve the lightness of the cake. Once the flour is combined, add the milk to bring the mixture together.

Step 5: Add The Fruit And Nuts

Fold in the mixed peel, sultanas, raisins, currants, and chopped almonds. Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter to ensure each slice is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Transfer To The Tin And Decorate

Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Decorate the top of the cake with the blanched almonds in a circular pattern, making sure they are pressed lightly into the batter to prevent them from moving during baking.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Place the tin in the oven and bake for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it-if the cake is browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with a piece of foil.

Step 8: Cool The Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.

Expert Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a moist, flavorful Dundee Cake is the freshness of your dried fruits and nuts. Try to use high-quality, plump sultanas, raisins, and currants. Older fruit can become dry, affecting the final texture of your cake.

2. Soak the Fruit: For an even deeper flavor, you can soak your dried fruit in some dark rum or orange juice for a few hours or overnight. This helps plump the fruit and infuses it with additional flavor, making your Dundee Cake even more indulgent.

3. Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so it’s always a good idea to start checking your cake after around 1.5 hours. A skewer or toothpick should come out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs, when the cake is done.

4. Cooling Time is Crucial: Let the cake cool in the tin before removing it. This gives it time to settle and reduces the risk of it falling apart as you try to take it out.

5. Store it Properly: Dundee Cake can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container, and it often tastes even better after a couple of days as the flavors develop.

Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake is a timeless classic, combining the sweetness of dried fruits, the richness of almonds, and the warmth of citrus peel into one delightful dessert. With its elegant almond decoration and deep, fruity flavors, it’s the perfect cake for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon tea to a festive celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, following the steps outlined here will help you create a beautifully moist, fragrant cake that’s bound to impress.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake

Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake is a classic British fruit cake, known for its rich flavor, tender crumb, and iconic almond topping. While the traditional version is beloved for its careful balance of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of spice, there are several ways to customize this beloved recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few easy recipe variations you can try:

1. Fruit Combinations

   The classic Dundee cake includes a mixture of currants, sultanas, and glacé cherries. However, feel free to experiment with different dried fruits to add new dimensions of flavor.

   Consider swapping in raisins or cranberries for a tart twist or even dried apricots for a softer, sweeter note. For a more tropical feel, try adding dried pineapple or mango for a fragrant, exotic flair.

2. Nuts and Seeds

   The traditional recipe calls for blanched almonds arranged on top, which adds a nice crunch and visual appeal. For a different texture, you could use a combination of hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios instead of or alongside almonds. If you’re aiming for a more health-conscious version, consider adding chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or flax seeds to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.

3. Spices and Flavorings

   The original Dundee cake includes a subtle blend of spices like mixed spice or cinnamon. However, you could expand on this by adding ground ginger, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a more aromatic experience. To further enhance the cake’s flavor profile, consider incorporating a dash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, rum, or whiskey, to bring out a warm, deep undertone.

4. Vegan Dundee Cake

   If you’re catering to a vegan audience, it’s easy to adapt the recipe. Simply substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and the eggs with a suitable egg replacement, such as a flax egg or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).

   You can also use a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk to replace any regular milk. To replace glacé cherries, use a similar-sized dried fruit like chopped dried apricots, or opt for candied ginger for a spicy kick.

5. Sugar Substitutes

   For a more health-conscious version, try swapping refined white sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Coconut sugar has a caramel-like flavor that complements the richness of the dried fruits, while honey and maple syrup will add a touch of natural sweetness. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners might require adjusting the amount of flour or baking time.

6. Gluten-Free Dundee Cake

   If you’re following a gluten-free diet, replacing the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend is a simple switch. Ensure that your flour mix contains a good balance of starch and protein to maintain the cake’s structure.

   You can also add xanthan gum or guar gum to help with texture and binding. For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, try using almond flour, which complements the nutty flavors of the cake.

These variations offer ways to customize Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake to suit any occasion, whether you’re aiming for a healthier version, a vegan alternative, or simply adding your personal touch to this classic treat.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Once you’ve baked your beautiful Dundee cake, you may have some leftovers (though it’s often so good, that’s rare!). Proper storage is key to preserving its flavor, moisture, and texture. Here are some best practices for storing any remaining slices of your Dundee cake:

1. Cool Completely Before Storing

   Allow the Dundee cake to cool completely on a wire rack before wrapping or storing it. If you try to store it while it’s still warm, it could trap moisture inside, making the cake soggy. This step ensures the cake’s texture stays perfect even when stored for a few days.

2. Wrap Well

   Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container. This will prevent the cake from drying out and protect it from absorbing any odors from the surrounding environment.

3. Room Temperature Storage

   Dundee cake can be kept at room temperature for up to one week if properly wrapped. This is ideal if you plan on finishing the cake relatively soon. Just make sure it’s stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which could affect the cake’s texture and flavor.

4. Refrigeration for Extended Freshness

   If you want to extend the life of your Dundee cake, storing it in the fridge is a good option. The cold will help preserve the cake for up to two weeks. However, before serving, allow it to come back to room temperature, as chilled cake can sometimes become dense.

5. Freezing Dundee Cake

   Dundee cake freezes very well, which is perfect if you want to make it ahead of time for a special occasion or if you have leftover cake that you don’t want to waste. Slice the cake before freezing for easier serving later.

   Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature, and it will taste as fresh as the day you baked it.

By following these storage methods, you’ll be able to preserve your Dundee cake’s quality and keep it fresh for as long as possible.

What Goes Well With Dundee Cake

Dundee Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Whether you enjoy it with a beverage, a side dish, or a topping, there are several delightful combinations that complement the cake’s spiced, fruity nature.

1. Tea and Coffee

   The most traditional pairing for a slice of Dundee cake is a warm cup of tea. A strong black tea, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, complements the cake’s richness without overpowering it.

   For a more delicate balance, try pairing it with a herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint. If you prefer coffee, a mild roast will work well, as the coffee’s depth balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream

   Adding a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream to your slice of Dundee cake enhances its richness and adds a smooth, creamy contrast. Clotted cream, with its thick and buttery texture, is particularly indulgent and is a classic choice to serve with fruit cakes in the UK.

3. Cheese

   For an unexpected but delicious pairing, try serving Dundee cake with a small wedge of cheese. A sharp cheese like cheddar or a creamy blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, creating a balanced flavor experience. The salty cheese cuts through the sweetness of the fruit, providing a savory balance that’s perfect for those who prefer more complex combinations.

4. Fresh Fruit

   Fresh, seasonal fruits like berries, pears, or even apple slices work wonderfully with Dundee cake. The juicy freshness of these fruits contrasts the dense, rich texture of the cake and adds a refreshing element. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of cinnamon on the fruit can also enhance the pairing.

5. Brandy or Liqueurs

   A glass of brandy, sherry, or a dessert wine like Madeira pairs wonderfully with Dundee cake, adding another layer of complexity to the experience. If you’ve used a specific liquor in the cake itself, such as rum or whisky, it might be nice to serve the same spirit on the side to bring out those flavors more deeply.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity and elegance in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the many variations, this cake offers endless possibilities for customization, making it suitable for all tastes and dietary needs.

By following best practices for storing leftovers, you can enjoy the cake for days (or even months) to come, keeping it as delicious as when it was first baked. When paired with the right beverages and accompaniments, Dundee Cake becomes a truly luxurious treat, perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it during a holiday gathering, an afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet treat, Dundee Cake offers a delightful balance of flavor and texture that is sure to please. It’s a cake with a long tradition, yet it’s easy to make your own, ensuring that it remains a versatile favorite in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

Mary Berry’s Dundee cake recipe includes a mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, plain flour, ground almonds, baking powder, mixed dried fruit (such as sultanas, currants, and glacé cherries), and a generous amount of chopped almonds. The cake also features a hint of whisky or orange juice for added flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Make Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

From preparation to baking, it typically takes about 2 hours to make Mary Berry’s Dundee cake. The preparation time is about 20-30 minutes, and the cake needs to bake in the oven for around 1.5 hours at 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Fruit In Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

Yes, while Mary Berry’s recipe traditionally uses sultanas, currants, and glacé cherries, you can substitute or add other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries. However, it’s important to balance the moisture and texture to maintain the cake’s integrity.

Why Does Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake Have A Layer Of Almonds On Top?

The layer of whole almonds on top of the Dundee cake is both decorative and functional. It adds a crisp texture and enhances the visual appeal of the cake, giving it that classic Dundee cake look. It also contributes to the overall nutty flavor of the cake.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Mary Berry’s Dundee cake actually improves in flavor if left to mature. You can make the cake up to a week ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature and allow the flavors to develop.

What Is The Best Way To Store Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

To store Mary Berry’s Dundee cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Can I Use Self-raising Flour Instead Of Plain Flour In This Recipe?

No, it’s recommended to use plain flour with baking powder in Mary Berry’s Dundee cake recipe. Self-raising flour could result in an overly light texture, which may not be suitable for the dense, fruit-packed nature of this cake.

Can I Make A Gluten-free Version Of Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

Yes, to make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry’s Dundee cake, simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free. You may also need to adjust the texture slightly depending on the flour blend you use.

What Type Of Cake Tin Is Best For Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake?

Mary Berry’s Dundee cake is traditionally baked in an 8-inch round cake tin. You can also use a slightly smaller or larger tin, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A deep cake tin works best to accommodate the fruit-heavy batter.

How Can I Tell When Mary Berry’s Dundee Cake Is Fully Baked?

To check if Mary Berry’s Dundee cake is done, insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. You can also gently press the top of the cake – if it springs back, it’s fully baked.