Barm Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water 300ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
• 50g (3.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 50g (3.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• Additional flour for dusting Additional flour for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal portions.
6. 6.
   Shape each portion into a round bun and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Cover the buns with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have doubled in size.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
9. 9.
   Bake the barm cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread flour — Using bread flour will give the barm cakes a better texture and rise compared to all-purpose flour.
• Instant yeast — Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Warm water — The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast.
• Butter — Softened butter adds richness and flavor to the barm cakes. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a shiny crust, brush the barm cakes with a beaten egg before baking.
• Experiment with different fillings such as bacon, sausage, or cheese to create delicious sandwich variations.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to the dough.
• To freeze the barm cakes, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

Serving advice

Serve the freshly baked barm cakes warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for making sandwiches with your favorite fillings, such as ham and cheese, roast beef, or grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the barm cakes in half horizontally and lightly toast the cut sides before assembling your sandwich. This will add a nice crunch and extra flavor to your creation.