Dundee Cake

Dundee Cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake known for its rich, buttery texture and classic combination of dried fruits, citrus zest, and almonds.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 2½–3 hours Total Time: 3–3½ hours Servings: 10–12 servings

Ingredients

  • 225 g Butter (softened)
  • 225 g Castor Sugar
  • 350 g Plain Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 110 g Raisins
  • 110 g Golden Raisins
  • 110 g Currants
  • 75 g Chopped Glacé Cherries
  • 50 g Chopped Mixed Peel
  • 50 g Ground Almonds
  • Grated Rind of 1 Lemon
  • 1 tsp Cherry Essence or Almond Essence
  • 1/2 cup Thick Curd (yogurt) or 1/2 cup Condensed Milk (egg substitute)
  • 1/2–3/4 cup Milk (as required)
  • 3 tbsp Blanched Almonds (for topping)

Method

  1. Preparation

    • Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
    • Grease and line an 18 cm round cake tin.
  2. Preparing the Dry Fruits

    • In a bowl, combine raisins, golden raisins, currants, glacé cherries, mixed peel, and ground almonds.
    • Mix well and set aside.
  3. Creaming Butter and Sugar

    • Beat butter until soft and creamy.
    • Add sugar and lemon rind, and beat until light and fluffy.
  4. Adding Egg Substitute

    • Add curd (or condensed milk) and mix well until smooth.
  5. Mixing Dry Ingredients

    • Sift flour and baking powder together.
    • Gradually fold into the butter mixture.
    • Add milk as required to form a thick batter.
  6. Combining Fruits and Flavoring

    • Add the prepared dry fruits and essence.
    • Mix gently until evenly combined.
  7. Preparing for Baking

    • Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and level the surface.
    • Make a slight hollow in the center.
    • Decorate with blanched almonds arranged in a circular pattern.
  8. Baking

    • Bake for 2½ to 3 hours or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cooling

    • Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes.
    • Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy Eggless Dundee Cake with tea or coffee, or serve as a festive dessert during special occasions.