Welsh Cakes
These Welsh Cakes are ultra-flaky, tender, and simply melt-in-your-mouth irresistible. If this is your first time hearing about Welsh Cakes, you should know that their taste is between scones, shortbread, and pancakes. They are truly amazing.
Why This Welsh Cakes Recipe Stands Out
I love a good tea-time treat, and these Welsh Cakes are just that. Here’s why we love this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry already.
- Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy treat to prepare.
- No Oven Needed: These Welsh Cakes are cooked on a griddle or skillet, so you don’t even need to turn on the oven.
- Versatile: They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and they can be served plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter – The chilled and cubed unsalted butter is the primary source of fat in this recipe. It helps to give the cakes their signature flaky texture and buttery flavor.
- Raisins – Raisins add a natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the Welsh cakes. They are a classic addition to this recipe, but you can also use currants or sultanas if you prefer.
- Egg and Milk – The egg and milk are used to bind the dough together and to add a bit of moisture. Be sure to use a large egg and whole milk for the best results.
Substitutions And Variations
Welsh cakes are a traditional treat that are a staple in every Welsh household. Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations to make them more delicious:
- Sugar: If you prefer your Welsh cakes on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the amount of sugar. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute.
- Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg gives them a warm and cozy flavor. You can adjust the quantities based on your personal preference.
- Fruit: Instead of raisins, try using currants, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots.
How to Make Welsh Cakes
Step 1
Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Add butter and rub into the mixture until a breadcrumb-like consistency forms.
Step 2
Add the egg and mix well. Then, add the milk and form the dough into a ball. On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into rounds.
Step 3
Heat a greased griddle or pan on medium-low heat. Place the rounds on the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. While warm, dust with sugar.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at my favorite prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Make the Dough in Advance: The dough for Welsh cakes can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions to make the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
- Freeze the Welsh Cakes: Once the Welsh cakes are completely cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container.
What To Serve With Welsh Cakes
- Welsh Cakes are traditionally served on their own, with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
- If you’d like to jazz them up a bit, you could spread them with a little butter or jam.
- They can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a more decadently dessert-like treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welsh cakes, also known as “picau ar y maen” in Welsh, have been a traditional treat in Wales for centuries. They are a type of griddle cake and are often associated with traditional Welsh teatime.
If they are turning out crumbly, it’s likely because the dough is too dry. Make sure you’re not overworking the dough after adding the milk, and consider adding a little extra milk if the dough seems too dry. You want the dough to come together without being too wet or too crumbly.
Welsh cakes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Related Recipes
- English Scones – These scones come out tall, golden brown, with crisp edges, while from the inside fluffy and light.
- Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles – With a few simple ingredients, these fluffy buttermilk waffles are a breeze to whip up. The recipe is so easy and fail-proof, even for beginners.
- Crepes From Scratch – If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s both elegant and delicious, crepes are the perfect choice.
Please Review and Rate
If you have tried this Welsh Cakes Recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!
Welsh Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoon raisins
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- In a bowl, add all the dry ingredients and whisk well. Add the butter and rub either between your fingertips or by using a fork until you get breadcrumbs like texture.
- Add the egg and mix well then add the milk. Form into a ball.
- Flour your working surface. Roll the dough to a ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or even a glass will do to cut the rolled dough into rounds.
- Heat a griddle or a pan, keep the heat to medium low. Grease the pan with butter and place the welsh cakes on the pan and leave to cook. Each side might take 3 to 4 minutes to cook.
- Remove from pan and while warm, dust with castor sugar or confectioners sugar.
Notes
- Welsh cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
- Welsh cakes are traditionally made with raisins, but you can also use currants or sultanas for a slightly different flavor.
- If you don’t have a griddle, a heavy-based frying pan will work just as well. Keep the heat low and don’t rush the cooking process.
- Welsh cakes are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of clotted cream and jam for a real treat.
- Don’t skip the step of dusting them with sugar. This adds a nice touch of sweetness and a little extra texture.
Nutrition
They are like pancakes! These look really beautiful and delicious, Muna.
These are similar to pancakes but I personally like welsh cakes more than pancakes 🙂
I’m obsessed with this!!! Absolutely obsessed! I gotta make these! Thank you for sharing this morning perfection!
Thank you Mila 🙂