Seed Cake Recipe

Seed Cake Recipe

Seed cake is a popular traditional British cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is known for its tender crumb and delightful nutty flavor from the addition of caraway seeds. Seed cake has been a staple in British households, often served during afternoon tea or as a sweet treat for special occasions.

Fun fact: Caraway seeds have been used in baking since ancient times and were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits when incorporated into cakes and breads.

Here is a classic recipe for seed cake:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Flour
- 6 oz. Dripping (or substitute with butter)
- 6 oz. Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoonsful Caraway Seeds
- 1 Egg
- 2 teaspoonsful Baking Powder
- 1 gill Milk or Water

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature.
2. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and rub in the dripping (or butter) until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Carefully stir in the sugar, caraway seeds, and baking powder until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk (or water) together.
5. Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing to form a dough. Beat for two or three minutes to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
6. Grease a cake tin with dripping and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
8. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and a half or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes.
10. Carefully turn the cake out onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

Seed cake can be enjoyed as is, but it is also delicious served with a spread of butter or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Now, let's explore some other similar recipes that you might enjoy:

1. Scones (No. 1):
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb. Flour
- 1/2 pint Milk
- 1 oz. Butter
- 2 teaspoonsful Baking Powder

Instructions:
- Rub the butter into the flour, stir in the baking powder.
- Make a light dough by adding milk to the dry ingredients.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead briefly, then roll out to about half an inch thick.
- Cut into shapes and place them on a floured tin.
- Bake in a quick oven for approximately ten minutes.
- Serve hot or cold.

2. Scones (No. 2):
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Flour
- 1/2 pint Sour Milk
- 3 teaspoonsful Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoonful Salt

Instructions:
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Make a light dough by adding sour milk.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to half an inch thick and cut into small rounds.
- Bake for about five minutes.

3. Scones (No. 3):
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Flour
- 2 oz. Dripping (or substitute with butter)
- 1 oz. Sugar
- 1/2 pint Sour Milk
- 1 teaspoonful Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 teaspoonful Carbonate of Soda

Instructions:
- Rub the dripping (or butter) into the flour.
- Stir in the sugar, cream of tartar, and soda.
- Make a light dough by adding sour milk.
- Divide the dough into two cakes and shape each into four pieces.
- Brush with milk and place on a floured tin.
- Bake in a hot oven for fifteen to twenty minutes.

These scone recipes are perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or afternoon tea. They can be served with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a truly delightful treat.

Enjoy exploring these traditional British recipes and have fun baking!