English Lardy Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 100g (1/2 cup) lard, softened 100g (1/2 cup) lard, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar 150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 100g (2/3 cup) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas) 100g (2/3 cup) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 25g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Spread the softened lard and butter evenly over the dough.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
8. 8.
   Scatter the mixed dried fruits evenly over the dough.
9. 9.
   Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
10. 10.
    Cut the log into slices approximately 1 inch thick.
11. 11.
    Grease a baking dish and arrange the slices of dough in the dish, ensuring they are snugly packed together.
12. 12.
    Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
13. 13.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. 14.
    Bake the Lardy Cake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
15. 15.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lard — Make sure the lard is softened at room temperature before using it in the recipe. This will ensure easy spreading and incorporation into the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the filling.
• Serve the Lardy Cake warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter version, you can drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled Lardy Cake.

Serving advice

Slice the Lardy Cake into individual portions and serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It is best enjoyed warm, allowing the buttery layers to melt in your mouth.

Presentation advice

Present the Lardy Cake on a rustic wooden platter or a vintage cake stand. Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.