Welsh Cakes
Welsh Cakes are traditional, tender griddle cakes packed with dried raisins and warm spices, perfect for teatime or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Add shortening and margarine, then mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in raisins.
- Beat the egg with milk in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir to form a dough.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into rounds using a glass or cutter.
- Cook the cakes on a 350°F (175°C) electric grill or in a thick skillet on the stove until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you prefer, you can use dried cranberries or currants instead of raisins. To prevent sticking, keep your rolling pin and surface lightly floured. Also, ensure your grill or skillet is preheated for even cooking. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Welsh cakes are delightful served warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside Butter Crumb Broccoli or a fruit salad. They can also be enjoyed with a dollop of clotted cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Welsh cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Welsh Cakes contains roughly 232 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Welsh cakes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. This saves time and allows for fresh cakes when guests arrive.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, so adjust the milk if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of lemon zest. These additions will brighten up the taste and add a lovely aroma to your Welsh cakes, making them even more enjoyable.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).