Traditional English cakes and bakes

English cakes and bakes include anything from fruit cake to pastries, biscuits to crumble pudding and are perfect for dessert or served along with a cup of tea.

One of the key ingredients used in many English baking recipes is dried fruit. Britain has a good variety of dried fruits including glacé cherries, raisins, currants, sultanas and dried mixed peel. They are versatile ingredients and have a good shelf life. Whether you are making Eccles cakes, rock cakes, mince pies, Christmas cake, hot cross buns or fruit loaf they are certainly going to be among your list of ingredients.

Honey and golden syrup are also common pantry ingredients. Golden syrup is traditionally used in recipes such as brandy snaps and flapjacks but honey can be substituted instead.

Ground spices are also used in many English recipes. Nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and ground mixed spice are often used to complement the flavours of dried or fresh fruits.

Several cakes and pastries are named after the town or area where they originate such as Eccles cakes and Bakewell tart. There are also Chorley cakes, Chelsea buns, Yorkshire parkin, Bath buns, and more. They can be made the traditional way but many variations exist too.

And when it comes to summer and autumn the English like to make the most of seasonal fruits. Crumble pudding is a classic dessert and is often made using summer or autumn fruits such as apples, pears, rhubarb, gooseberries or plums. This versatile recipe can be made using either fresh, frozen or tinned fruits. And when Bramley apples are in season they are perfect for making baked apples. They can be prepared in just a few minutes and taste great too.

I have chosen only a selection of popular English cakes and bakes to give you a taste, but there are many more for you to try including Victoria sponge, Battenberg cake, custard pie, scones, Swiss roll and crumpets to name just a few.

Why not take a look to see which you would like to try first. Then pop the kettle on and enjoy a slice of one of these iconic English bakes along with a cup of tea.

1

Cherry Bakewell tart

This frangipane tart takes it's name from the Derbyshire town of Bakewell. It is topped with fresh cherries and almonds and is typically served cold as a dessert or a teatime treat.

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2

Mini iced Bakewell tarts

These are miniature versions of the popular Bakewell tart. They are finished with icing and are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

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3

Eccles cakes

Eccles cakes have a spiced dried fruit filling wrapped inside a flaky pastry case and take their name from the Lancashire town of Eccles.

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4

Vanilla slices

Vanilla slices have homemade custard which oozes from between two layers of pastry. They are topped with icing and are a popular British treat.

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5

Brandy snaps

These golden lacy tubes are simply delicious either on their own, filled with brandy cream or coated in chocolate.

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6

Flapjacks

Flapjacks are perfect to make with children either at school or at home. You can easily create your own version by swapping or adding ingredients of your choice.

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7

Rock cakes

Rock cakes are made using dried fruit and sweet spices, are a close relation to scones and are simple to make.

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8

Lemon drizzle cake

This citrusy sponge cake is topped with a sticky lemon drizzle, is typically served cold and is one of many people's favourites.

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9

Fruit bread

Fruit bread is delicious served toasted with butter, either for breakfast or as a snack. In this easy no-knead bread recipe you can make your own loaf with minimal effort.

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10

Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are soft, lightly spiced, fruity bread rolls. They are traditionally eaten around Easter and are delicious served toasted and buttered.

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11

Fruit crumble

Fruit crumble is a popular dessert served with custard, cream or ice cream. It is ideal for using seasonal fruits and is quick and easy to make.

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12

Baked apples

Baked apples are filled with dried fruits and spices, can be prepared in minutes and are a perfect autumn dessert.

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13

Mince pies

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without mince pies! They are simple to make and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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14

Christmas cake

Christmas cakes are fruit cakes soaked in alcohol and can be made months in advance or at the last minute. They can be enjoyed on their own, covered with icing and marzipan or with a slice of cheese.

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