Black Bun
A rich, dark, fruit-filled cake traditionally eaten on Burns Night and Hogmanay. It's characterized by its dense texture, abundance of dried fruits, and a hint of whisky or brandy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 125 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 125 g Dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Black treacle (molasses)
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 150 g Currants
- 150 g Raisins
- 150 g Sultanas
- 75 g Candied peel(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Whisky or brandy
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking parchment, ensuring the lining comes up the sides.
💡 Tip: Double lining the tin with parchment helps prevent the dense cake from burning. - 2
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, mixed spice, and cinnamon.
💡 Tip: Sifting ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices. - 3
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the black treacle and beaten eggs until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure eggs are added gradually to prevent the mixture from curdling. - 4
Add the dried fruits, candied peel, whisky/brandy, orange zest, and lemon zest to the wet ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- 5
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. - 6
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 7
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The Black Bun is best made a few days in advance to allow the flavors to mature.
- ✓Store wrapped tightly in parchment paper and then in an airtight container.
- ✓Traditionally, it's served in thin slices.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
- A small amount of ground ginger can be added for extra warmth.