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PORTER CAKE

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!