These whisky Welsh cakes are a slight twist on the classic recipe, and are great for a sweet breakfast or afternoon tea.
This is a recipe for Welsh cakes, also known as bakestones or griddle cakes. Welsh cakes (or Picau ar y maen in Welsh) have been around for over two hundred years.
Traditionally cooked on a bake stone or griddle (hence its other names) they aren’t a million miles away from scones - though these beauties don’t need the clotted cream and jam! And they're a little bit like a pancake too, as they're often cooked in a frying pan.
Often served with a little dusting of caster sugar and a spread of butter, there's no need to overdecorate these scrumptious Welsh treats. Welsh cakes are unapologetically moreish, so forgive yourself if you easily eat them all yourself.
If you can, use Welsh whisky in this welsh cakes recipe, and butter to give them a truly traditional flavour.
Welsh cakes are a great way to celebrate St. David's Day on March 1, along with other traditional baked goods like this Welsh fruited tea bread.
Ingredients
- 45g currants
- 3tbsp whisky (we used Penderyn Myth from Wales)
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1⁄2tsp mixed spice
- 75g caster sugar
- 100g butter, chilled and cubed, plus a little extra for frying
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, beaten
- A little milk
- You will also need: 7.5cm biscuit cutter
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Soak the currants in the whisky overnight, or for at least 2 hrs.
- Put the flour, mixed spice and sugar in a bowl and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles ne breadcrumbs.
- Drain the currants and stir them through the our mixture along withthe lemon zest.
- Make a well in the centre of the mixture, then pour in the egg and mix to form a soft dough.
- If the dough is too dry,add a splash of milk to help it combine.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and carefully roll out to a 1cm thickness.
- Cut out circles using the biscuit cutter – bring any excess dough together, re-roll and cut out more cakes.
- Heat a frying pan or pancake pan on a medium heat and adda small spot of butter to grease the pan. Cook the Welsh cakes for 2-3 mins on each side. They should be golden on each side and just cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat if they begin to brown too quickly.
Top Tip for making Welsh cakes with whisky recipe
Traditionally welsh cakes are made on bakestones or griddle pans so if you have one, be sure to use it to cook your cakes on
Former Assistant Headteacher, Samuel has a BSc in Food from the University of Birmingham and is also Co-Vice Chair of the Guild of Food Writers and a Trustee of 91 Ways CIC. His work has featured in national and international publications including Waitrose Food, Australian Delicious, and the LAD Bible Group. Samuel has also consulted on a number of best-selling food and drink books, and was a nutritional consultant for BBC’s Eat Well for Less.
-
Orange polenta and olive oil cake
This orange polenta and olive oil cake has just a handful of ingredients and will taste even better if you can bake it a couple of days ahead.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Black Forest gateau
Our Black Forest gateau has a rich, luxurious chocolate sponge sandwiched with freshly whipped cream and topped with sweet cherries...
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Maltesers shortbread
Our Maltesers shortbread takes just 20 minutes to bake and use only five ingredients
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Annabel Karmel's trio of vegetables with tomato and basil
Suitable for six months plus, this baby food by nutritional expert Annabel Karmel is made with a whole heap of veggies...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Annabel Karmel's cheesy carrot stars
These flavour-packed cheesy carrot stars by Annabel Karmel are perfect for introducing finger foods to your little one...
By Annabel Karmel Published
-
Steak and salsa wraps
Our steak and salsa wraps are one of those build-you-own suppers the teens in your house will love...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Kate Middleton reveals 'healthy' new snack she's 'going to try' with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
It sounds delicious
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite snack usually requires a 'refined palate' - would your kids choose it?
Princess Charlotte has inherited her love for this grown-up from her mum Kate Middleton
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Feel insecure in your relationship? Check if you recognise these 6 'healthy habits'
If you're feeling insecure in your relationship, take a look at these six healthy habits that those in a secure partnership practice - introducing them could make a difference.
By Lucy Wigley Published