Quick & Easy English Cake: A 5-Minute Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight

Every home baker dreams of a simple yet spectacular cake that comes together in minutes and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This traditional English cake is exactly that – a foolproof recipe that guarantees a moist, tender crumb and delightful flavor in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

US Measurements

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons candied fruit

Metric Measurements

  • 2 eieren
  • 100g suiker
  • Snufje zout
  • 120ml olie
  • 120g yoghurt
  • 180g bloem
  • 10g bakpoeder
  • 2 eetlepels citroensap
  • 3 eetlepels gekonfijt fruit

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and continue mixing.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients Gradually incorporate oil, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently.
  4. Add Candied Fruit Carefully fold in candied fruit, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Bake Transfer batter to a 26x10cm (10×4 inch) greased baking dish. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Approximately 250-300 per slice
  • Protein: 4-5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35-40g
  • Fat: 12-15g
  • Fiber: 1g

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 slices

Expert Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter
  • Don’t overmix to keep the cake tender
  • Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center
  • Let cake cool completely before slicing

Variations and Substitutions

  • Fruit Variations: Replace candied fruit with fresh berries
  • Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut yogurt
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend
  • Flavor Additions: Add vanilla extract or orange zest

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q2: What if I don’t have candied fruit? Use dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts as alternatives.

Q3: How do I keep the cake moist? Store in an airtight container and avoid over-baking.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar? Reduce to 80g, but it might affect texture and sweetness.

Q5: What size pan can I use? A 9×5 inch loaf pan or 8-inch square pan works well.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Room Temperature: 2-3 days in airtight container
  • Refrigeration: Up to 5 days
  • Freezing: Wrap well, freeze up to 3 months

Enjoy this delightful English cake that proves delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated!