Irish Porter Cake

Authentic Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Traditional and Delicious

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2.5 - 3 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Irish Porter Cake is a traditional dessert that is rich in flavor and history. This cake is made with a combination of flour, currants, raisins, mixed peel, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon, butter, bicarbonate of soda, Guinness or stout, and eggs. The result is a moist and delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Irish Porter Cake has been a staple in Irish households for generations. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century when porter beer was a popular drink in Ireland. The addition of porter beer to the cake batter gives it a unique flavor and moist texture. This cake was often served during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of flour
0.5 lb (227 g) of currants
0.5 lb (227 g) of raisins
0.25 lb (113 g) of mixed peel
0.75 lb (340 g) of brown sugar
2 tbsp of mixed spice (nutmeg and cinnamon)
1 tsp of rind of one lemon
0.5 lb (227 g) of butter
1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda
1 bottle of Guinness or stout
4 eggs

How to prepare

Sift the flour and cut in the butter.
Add the fruit, spice, and peel.
Beat the eggs.
Heat Guinness or other stout and pour it over the bicarbonate of soda.
Pour the stout and eggs over the dry ingredients.
Mix well and beat for 15 minutes.
Bake in a well-greased 9 by 13 pan in a moderate oven at 350°F for 2.5 - 3 hours.
Allow it to cool for a week before cutting.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the Guinness or stout with coffee for a different twist.
Drizzle the cake with a whiskey glaze for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to beat the eggs well to incorporate air into the batter.

- Allow the cake to cool for a week before cutting to allow the flavors to develop.

- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Irish Porter Cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Sift the flour to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Beat the eggs well to incorporate air into the batter.

- Bake the cake in a well-greased pan for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the mixed peel with orange zest.

- Use golden raisins instead of regular raisins.

- Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

Irish Porter Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Irish Porter Cake on a decorative cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Irish Porter Cake with a glass of Guinness or stout for a perfect match. Alternatively, serve it with a glass of Irish whiskey for a true taste of Ireland.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Irish Porter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Irish Porter Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Irish Porter Cake contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Irish Porter Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Irish Porter Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Irish Porter Cake is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

Irish Porter Cake contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Irish Porter Cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins, iron, vitamin C, and calcium. However, it contains allergens such as gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Irish Porter Cake is a traditional dessert that is rich in flavor and history. This moist and delicious cake is made with a combination of flour, currants, raisins, mixed peel, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon, butter, bicarbonate of soda, Guinness or stout, and eggs. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Irish Porter Cake. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in the rolling hills of Ireland. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had acquired this recipe from a dear friend of hers who hailed from the bustling city of Dublin. She had brought it to our small village and shared it with my grandmother, who in turn shared it with me.

The recipe called for a unique combination of ingredients, including rich dark porter beer, dried fruits, and warm spices. I was intrigued by the idea of using beer in a cake, as it was not something I had ever heard of before. My grandmother explained to me that the porter beer added depth and richness to the cake, giving it a unique flavor that was both sweet and slightly bitter.

I watched in awe as my grandmother mixed together the flour, baking powder, and spices, creating a fragrant mixture that filled the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. She then added the butter, sugar, and eggs, blending them together until the batter was smooth and creamy. Finally, she folded in the dried fruits and nuts, their vibrant colors adding a festive touch to the cake.

As the cake baked in the oven, the smell of spices and beer filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, my grandmother removed it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The cake was dense and moist, with a rich, complex flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I still remember the first bite I took of that Irish Porter Cake. The flavors exploded on my tongue, with the sweetness of the dried fruits balancing perfectly against the bitterness of the beer. The warm spices added a comforting touch, making me feel like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket on a cold winter's day.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the cake myself, and she happily obliged. Together, we spent countless afternoons in the kitchen, mixing and measuring, laughing and chatting as we perfected the recipe.

Over the years, I have made this Irish Porter Cake for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the bond we shared over our love of cooking. The recipe has become a cherished tradition in our family, passed down through the generations as a symbol of love, friendship, and good food.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of my youth and the joy that baking this cake has brought me over the years, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for my grandmother, who taught me the art of cooking with patience and love. Gratitude for the friends and family who have shared in the deliciousness of this cake. And gratitude for the simple pleasures of life, like a slice of Irish Porter Cake enjoyed with a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.

I may have learned many recipes from various places and people over the years, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart. The Irish Porter Cake will forever be a reminder of the love and joy that cooking can bring, and the memories that can be shared over a simple slice of cake.