James Martin Lardy Cake

Delve into the world of traditional British baking with the James Martin Lardy Cake, a beloved recipe that brings a taste of the countryside to your kitchen. This rich, sweet cake is steeped in history and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for those special occasions or simply as a comforting treat.

James Martin Lardy Cake: A Brief Overview The Lardy Cake, originating from the West Country of England, is a traditional bake known for its rich, spiced, and sweet layers. It's made with a bread dough that is enriched with lard, sugar, and dried fruits, then folded and rolled to create its distinctive layers. Historically, it was a treat enjoyed by farm workers during their mid-afternoon break, providing a much-needed energy boost with its calorie-dense composition.

Ingredients for the Lardy Cake To recreate this classic, you'll need:

• Strong white bread flour (500g)
• Fast-action dried yeast (7g)
• Salt (½ tsp)
• Whole milk, lukewarm (200 ml)
• Lard, melted plus extra for brushing (140g)
• Eggs (2)
• Caster sugar (4 tbsp)
• Dried fruit (300g)
• Cinnamon (½ tsp)
• Demerara sugar for topping (1 tbsp)
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Making the Lardy Cake: Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by mixing the flour, yeast, and salt, then add the milk, melted lard, eggs, and half of the caster sugar to form a dough.
2. After the dough has proved, roll it out and sprinkle with dried fruit, cinnamon, and the remaining sugar before rolling it up and cutting into slices.
3. Arrange the slices in a prepared baking tin, allow for a second proving, and then bake until golden brown.

Storage and Reheating Lardy Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It can also be frozen for longer preservation. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until just heated through.

Nutritional Information As a rich, sweet treat, the Lardy Cake is high in calories, sugar, and fat, making it a delightful indulgence best enjoyed in moderation.

FAQ about the Lardy Cake

• What is Lardy Cake made of? It's a traditional British cake made with strong white flour, yeast, sugar, dried fruit, and lard.
• Where does Lardy Cake come from? It originates from the West Country in England.
• Can I make Lardy Cake without lard? While lard is a key ingredient, substitutes like butter or vegetable shortening can be used but will alter the flavor and texture.
• Can I omit the dried fruit? Yes, but this will change the traditional flavor profile of the cake.

Enjoy your Lardy Cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a true taste of British baking tradition. This cake, with its rich history and delicious flavors, is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

The original recipe inspiration comes from James Martin, renowned for his contributions to British cuisine and baking.

For a detailed recipe and more tips on making the perfect Lardy Cake, visit Effortless Foodie​​, Great British Chefs​​, and The Happy Foodie​​.