Sultana cake, a classic British treat, is a wonderfully simple cake that’s bursting with sweet, juicy sultanas. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea, a delightful addition to a picnic basket, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe makes creating a perfectly moist and flavorful sultana cake achievable for everyone. So, tie on your aprons, and let’s dive into the delightful world of baking with sultanas!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 275g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 175g (1 1/2 cups) sultanas
Optional Glaze:
- 100g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or water
Tools to Gather:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Preheating
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out of the pan easily.
Step 2: Creaming Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets in the batter, leading to a lighter cake texture.
Step 3: Incorporating the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t overmix at this stage, as it could make the cake tough.
Step 4: Adding Dry Ingredients and Sultanas
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and sultanas until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Baking Time!
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling and Glazing
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk or water until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, helps them emulsify better, resulting in a more cohesive and evenly baked cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Testing for Doneness: To ensure the cake is baked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
- Sultana Substitutes: You can substitute sultanas with other dried fruits like raisins or currants for a slightly different flavor profile.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Sultana cake keeps well for several days. Once completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: My cake turned out a bit dry. What happened?
A: Overbaking is the most common culprit for a dry cake. Make sure to check the cake for doneness with a toothpick and adjust baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze sultana cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Sultana Cake Ingredients
Sultana Cake Baking
More Baking Adventures Await!
Baking a sultana cake is a delightful journey that culminates in a rewarding and delicious outcome. This classic recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to embark on this baking adventure and share your experience with us! Leave a comment below to tell us about your baking triumphs and don’t forget to check out our other tempting recipes on Family Cuisine, like this recipe for Banbury Cake, another classic British treat. Happy baking!
