Mary Berry Parkin Recipe

Mary Berry's Parkin, also known as oatmeal parkin, is a traditional ginger cake from Yorkshire, beloved for its moist and sticky texture and rich, spicy flavor. This cake is a testament to British baking, offering a delightful mix of oatmeal, ginger, golden syrup, treacle, and butter, creating a flavor profile perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea during the afternoon.

Ingredients for the Mary Berry Parkin Recipe

• Medium oatmeal: 100g
• Butter (plus extra for greasing): 200g
• Large egg: 1
• Milk: 4 tbsp
• Golden syrup: 200g
• Treacle: 85g
• Light soft brown sugar: 85g
• Self-raising flour: 250g
• Ground ginger: 1 tbsp

How to Make Mary Berry Parkin

1. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking tin with grease and baking paper.
2. Mix the egg and milk in a separate bowl.
3. Melt the butter, sugar, syrup, and treacle together, ensuring the sugar dissolves fully before removing from heat.
4. Combine the dry ingredients (oatmeal, flour, and ginger) in another bowl and integrate with the melted mixture.
5. Incorporate the egg and milk, mixing well to achieve a smooth batter.
6. Pour the batter into the baking tin and bake until firm, typically around 50 minutes to an hour.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the tin, then wrap it for optimal texture and flavor development.

This cake pairs wonderfully with hot tea, custard, or clotted cream and is known to improve in texture and flavor over time, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert​​​​​​.

Storage and Reheating

For storage, wrap the cooled parkin in baking paper and foil, and it can be enjoyed for up to two weeks. If desired, parkin can be frozen for about a month. To thaw, leave it out at room temperature, keeping it wrapped to retain moisture.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Mary Berry's Parkin offers approximately:

• Calories: 248 kcal
• Fat: 11.4g (Saturated Fat: 6.7g)
• Carbohydrates: 33.3g (Sugars: 18.5g)
• Protein: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

FAQ about the Mary Berry Parkin

Can I use porridge oats instead of oatmeal? Yes, porridge oats can be used as a substitute for oatmeal if ground to a finer consistency.

How long does Parkin last? Wrapped properly, oatmeal Parkin can last about two weeks in a cool, dry place.

Can you freeze Parkin? Yes, oatmeal Parkin can be frozen for about a month, ensuring it's fully cooled before wrapping tightly for storage.

Mary Berry's Parkin recipe is a delightful British classic that combines the warm, spicy flavors of ginger with the rich sweetness of golden syrup and treacle, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates traditional British desserts. Its ability to improve with age also means it's a fantastic option for preparing ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious, moist cake ready to enjoy with minimal effort.