Guyanese Dundee Cake Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Guyana

Guyanese Dundee Cake

Guyanese Dundee Cake Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Guyana
Region / culture: Guyana | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1-1.5 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Guyanese Dundee Cake
Guyanese Dundee Cake

Guyanese Dundee Cake is a traditional dessert that is popular in Guyana, a country located in South America. This rich and flavorful cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of citrus, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or as a delicious snack.

History

The Dundee Cake has Scottish origins, but it has been adapted and made popular in Guyana. It is believed that the cake was originally made in the city of Dundee in Scotland, hence the name. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a unique and beloved dessert in Guyanese cuisine.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
  3. Sieve the flour with the baking powder.
  4. Lightly fold in the flour, a little at a time, adding the fruit, nuts, and rind with the last bit of flour.
  5. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch cake pan which has been lined with greased paper. Place split nuts on top.
  6. Bake for about 1 - 1.5 hours in a moderate oven.

Variations

  • You can add a splash of rum or brandy to the batter for a boozy twist.
  • Try using different combinations of dried fruits and nuts to customize the flavor of the cake.
  • For a citrusy twist, you can add orange zest in addition to the lemon zest.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until smooth to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to fold in the flour gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.

- Adding the fruit, nuts, and rind at the end helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

- Keep an eye on the cake while baking to prevent it from overcooking and becoming dry.

Serving Suggestions

Guyanese Dundee Cake is best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar until smooth helps create a light and airy texture.

- Folding in the flour gently ensures a tender crumb.

- Baking the cake in a moderate oven helps it cook evenly and develop a golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have mixed peel, you can use candied orange or lemon peel instead.

- Any combination of dried fruits can be used in place of the mixed dried fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

Guyanese Dundee Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

You can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze for a decorative touch. Garnish with additional nuts or dried fruits for a festive look.

Pairing Recommendations

Guyanese Dundee Cake pairs well with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sherry. It also goes well with a scoop of rum raisin ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Guyanese Dundee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm the slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Guyanese Dundee Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Guyanese Dundee Cake contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Guyanese Dundee Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Guyanese Dundee Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Guyanese Dundee Cake is a good source of Vitamin C from the mixed peel and lemon zest.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Guyanese Dundee Cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Summary

Guyanese Dundee Cake is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich combination of dried fruits, nuts, and citrus, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Guyanese Dundee Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Georgetown, Guyana. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious baking, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But the Dundee Cake was one that she had never shared with me.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe book, looking for something new to try. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper tucked in between the pages. It was a handwritten recipe for Guyanese Dundee Cake, complete with a list of ingredients and instructions on how to make it.

I was intrigued. I had heard of Dundee Cake before, a rich fruit cake that originated in Scotland, but I had never tried making it myself. And the fact that this recipe had a Guyanese twist to it piqued my interest even more. I knew I had to give it a try.

I carefully copied down the recipe, making sure to note all the little details and tips that were scribbled in the margins. The ingredients were simple enough - flour, butter, sugar, eggs, mixed fruits, and a splash of rum. But it was the method of preparation that intrigued me the most. The recipe called for the fruits to be soaked in rum for at least 24 hours before baking, to ensure they were plump and juicy.

I set to work right away, measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together in a large bowl. The scent of the rum-soaked fruits filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. As I poured the batter into the greased cake tin and smoothed it out, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This was going to be something special.

I carefully placed the cake tin in the preheated oven and set the timer. As the cake baked, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, mingling with the fruity notes of the soaked fruits. I watched through the oven door, my heart pounding with anticipation. Would it turn out as delicious as I imagined?

Finally, the timer beeped, and I carefully removed the cake from the oven. It was a beautiful sight - golden brown and studded with colorful fruits, just like the picture in my grandmother's recipe book. I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it, eager to taste my creation.

The first bite was pure bliss. The cake was moist and tender, with a rich, buttery flavor that melted in my mouth. The rum-soaked fruits added a burst of sweetness and a hint of warmth, making each bite a delight for the senses. I couldn't believe I had made something so delicious and satisfying.

From that moment on, Guyanese Dundee Cake became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for every special occasion - birthdays, holidays, family gatherings - and it never failed to impress. Each time I baked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of bakers who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of sharing a recipe.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Guyanese Dundee Cake, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and baking that has been handed down to me. It's a tradition that I cherish and hold dear, a way to connect with my roots and honor the memories of those who came before me.

And as I take another bite of that delicious cake, I know that I will continue to bake and share my love of cooking with others, just as my grandmother did with me. For in every recipe, there is a story waiting to be told, a connection waiting to be made. And in the simple act of baking a cake, we can create something truly magical.

Categories

| Cake Recipes | Guyanese Desserts | Guyanese Recipes | Peanut Recipes |

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