Cherry and Sultana Cake: A Fruity Baking Adventure

Welcome to the fruity baking world! Today, we’re making a cake that mixes the sweet taste of cherries with sultanas. This Cherry and Sultana Cake is easy to fall in love with. It’s moist and full of flavor.

Let’s look at the main ingredients. You need butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour, and baking powder. These are very important. Then, there are eggs, milk, and orange rinds. They make the cake extra tasty.

Picture this: the sweet smell in your kitchen as you mix everything together. The mix gets poured into a traybake tin. It’s ready to bake. The excitement starts!

But we’re not finished. After baking, sprinkle demerara sugar on top. Then, bake a little more. You’ll see it turn golden and feel firm to the touch. It’s simply wonderful.

Now, your fruity cake adventure is complete. A lovely, flavorful cake is ready. It’s perfect for any time, whether a celebration or just for you to enjoy.

So, get your ingredients and aprons. Let’s bake this Cherry and Sultana Cake together. Every bite is a delight waiting for you!

Table of Contents

Toggle

Ingredients and Preparation

To make the Cherry and Sultana Cake, you need the right ingredients and steps. Here’s what you’ll need:

225g of butter
225g of caster sugar
275g of self-raising flour
2 tsp of baking powder
4 eggs
2 tbsp of milk
275g of sultanas
Grated rinds of 2 oranges

First, make sure you have all the ingredients for the cake. Then, start making it with these simple instructions:

Put the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, sultanas, and orange rinds in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Grease a traybake tin and add the mixture. Smooth it out.
Heat your oven to 180C/350F/Gas4.
Bake for about 25 minutes.
Take it out, sprinkle demerara sugar on top.
Then, bake 10-15 more minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Let the cake cool in the tin.

You’ll end up with a sweet and moist Cherry and Sultana Cake. It’s perfect for sharing with friends. Or, enjoy it all to yourself as a tasty treat.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

Make your Cherry and Sultana Cake even more delicious with these handy tips and creative serving suggestions.

First, soften the butter and bring the eggs to room temperature before starting the recipe. This will ensure a smoother and more consistent batter.

For an extra burst of flavor, soak the dried fruit in dark rum for at least 12 hours before adding it to the cake. The rum will infuse the fruit with a rich, boozy taste that enhances the overall experience.

To achieve a lighter texture in your cake, opt for self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour. The self-raising flour will give your cake a fluffy and tender crumb that is perfect for this fruity treat.

When it comes to serving, the Cherry and Sultana Cake can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful afternoon snack or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or a spoonful of fruit compote.

To prolong the freshness of your cake, store it in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you have any leftovers or want to save some for later, the cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different variations of the recipe. You can substitute the sultanas with other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. For added complexity, try incorporating bittersweet chocolate chunks or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.

Last but not least, the Cherry and Sultana Cake makes a wonderful gift. Wrap it in greaseproof paper and tie it with a pretty string or ribbon for a homemade present that will surely bring joy to your loved ones.

FAQ

Can I use different dried fruits in the Cherry and Sultana Cake?

Yes, you can replace sultanas with raisins, cranberries, or apricots. This will make the cake more varied.

Can I add other flavors to the Cherry and Sultana Cake?

Sure thing! Trying new flavors can be fun and tasty. You could add bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a bit of vanilla.

How should I store the Cherry and Sultana Cake?

To keep the cake fresh, put it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. Or, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap well before freezing.

How can I gift the Cherry and Sultana Cake?

If you plan to gift the cake, wrap it in greaseproof paper. Then tie it with a pretty string or ribbon. This method looks nice and protects the cake while you transport it.

Can I make the Cherry and Sultana Cake in advance?

Indeed, you can prepare the cake early. Bake and cool it completely. Then, keep it in an airtight container until serving time. The cake will taste even better as its flavors mingle.