Description: Porter Cake is a traditional Irish fruitcake made with porter beer, which imparts a rich and deep flavor. Packed with dried fruits and warming spices, this cake is moist and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serving Size: 10-12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) porter beer
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 cups (300 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1/2 cup (80 g) mixed candied peel
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin with parchment paper.
Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, combine the porter beer, brown sugar, and butter. Heat gently until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the mixed dried fruits and candied peel to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Combine Mixtures:
- Once the fruit mixture has cooled, add it to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Add the beaten eggs, lemon zest, orange zest, orange juice, and whiskey (if using) to the mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Porter Cake is a wonderful representation of traditional Irish baking, with the porter beer providing a unique depth of flavor that complements the dried fruits and spices. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat during colder months. Its rich taste and moist texture make it a delightful addition to any baking repertoire and a great feature for a cooking channel looking to explore traditional recipes with a twist. Enjoy a slice with a hot beverage and savor the taste of Ireland!