Mary Berry Golden Syrup Cake

Name: Mary Berry Golden Syrup Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 100g butter; 75g light brown sugar; 25g caster sugar; 200g golden syrup; 1 egg; 150ml milk; 200g self-raising flour

The Golden Syrup Cake is a delightful British classic that offers a sweet, moist texture with a deep, caramel flavor thanks to the golden syrup. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a staple for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert.

Cultural or Historical Context

Golden syrup, a key ingredient, is a thick, amber-colored form of inverted sugar syrup, made in the process of refining sugar cane juice into sugar. It's celebrated for its rich, toasty flavor and is a beloved sweetener in British cooking and baking, giving this cake its distinctive taste and texture.

Ingredients for the Golden Syrup Cake

Butter: 100g, providing a rich base.
Light brown sugar: 75g, for depth of flavor, with an option to use dark brown sugar.
Caster sugar: 25g, for sweetness.
Golden syrup: 200g, the star ingredient for its unique flavor.
Egg: 1, to bind the ingredients.
Milk: 150ml, for moisture.
Self-raising flour: 200g, to give the cake its structure.

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your loaf tin with baking paper.
Gently melt the butter, sugars, and golden syrup together, then allow to cool.
Beat together the milk and egg.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, then combine with the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter.
Bake until golden and cooked through, with an option to enhance its sticky sweetness by drizzling more golden syrup on top after baking.

Storage and Reheating

This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, making sure it's fully cooled before storing. It also freezes well for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

A serving size typically contains around 311 calories, with 11g of fat, 49g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, 23g of sugar, and 4g of protein. Nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a substitute for golden syrup? While golden syrup is key for the authentic flavor, honey or corn syrup can be used in a pinch, though the flavor profile will differ.
Can I add nuts or fruits? Yes, adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits can introduce interesting textures and flavors to the cake.
Can this cake be made ahead of time? Absolutely, it can be stored or even frozen for later enjoyment.

Original recipe attribution is challenging in this case, as golden syrup cake is a traditional recipe widely shared across various platforms and by numerous authors. However, the recipes provided by Scottish Scran and Effortless Foodie offer excellent guidance on creating this beloved treat.

Enjoy your baking and the delicious, sticky sweetness of a freshly made Golden Syrup Cake!