Dundee Delight

Ingredients

• 250g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 250g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 100g (⅔ cup) currants 100g (⅔ cup) currants
• 100g (⅔ cup) raisins 100g (⅔ cup) raisins
• 100g (⅔ cup) dried cranberries 100g (⅔ cup) dried cranberries
• 100g (⅔ cup) whole almonds, plus extra for decoration 100g (⅔ cup) whole almonds, plus extra for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. 5.
   Stir in the orange zest, lemon zest, currants, raisins, dried cranberries, and whole almonds.
6. 6.
   Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. 7.
   Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. 8.
   Arrange a ring of whole almonds on the surface of the cake.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the whole almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and add a lovely crunch to the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the dried fruits in orange juice or brandy overnight for a more intense flavor.
• Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Serve the Dundee Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Serving advice

Slice the Dundee Cake into wedges and serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert with a drizzle of warm custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a few fresh orange slices and sprigs of mint on the serving platter alongside the cake. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the table.