Courting cake, also known as spoon cake, is a traditional Southern dessert that has been passed down through generations. This flavorful cake is believed to have originated in the 19th century and was often served at social gatherings and events as a way to woo potential suitors. The name "courting cake" derives from its reputation as a love-inducing confection that could charm and entice the affections of others. Its simple ingredients and ease of preparation make it a popular choice for bakers of all skill levels, and its delicious taste and charming presentation continue to captivate hearts to this day.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ENGLISH NORTH COUNTRY STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM COURTING CAKE
A divine and decadent three tiered strawberries and cream gateau, enough to melt any man's heart! There is another recipe for this on Zaar, but this is the recipe that I know and love; this recipe has family connections; my mother has an old black and white photograph, taken in 1920, of my grandparents seated by my grandmother's courting Cake! The tradition is that the cake was baked by the young ladies for their betrothed, one would assume as some sort of culinary test maybe? The tradition was particularly prevalent in the north of England, hence the name of my cake. You can use bruised or very ripe strawberries for use in the filling, I buy mine at the end of the season when there is a glut - reserving the best ones for the top of the cake! The cake is also known as a Betrothal Cake in some parts of Great Britain.
Provided by French Tart
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 1 Courting Cake, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 180C/350F/gas 4.
- Grease and line with baking parchment, three 7" or 8" round Victoria sandwich tins.
- Cream the butter, vanilla extract and sugar together until pale and fluffy - this is very important, it captures air and keeps the cake light and moist!
- Add the beaten eggs gradually, mixing well each time. Lightly sieve in the flour - again gradually - and then add enough milk to make the cake mixture a dropping consistency.
- Divide the mixture between the three cake tins - giving them a gentle shake to level them, and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until well risen and a pale golden brown. Turn the cakes out and leave to cool on a wire rack.
- Whip the cream until thick and holding soft peaks and add the vanilla extract if using.
- Sandwich the cakes together with the cream and sliced strawberries - reserving at least 8 for the top of the cake.
- Place the cake on an atractive cake or gateau serving platter/stand and sprinkle the icing sugar over the top of the cake.
- Decorate with the reserved whole strawberries.
- N.B. you can also decorate the top of the cake with the whipped cream - but this is not traditional!
COURTING CAKE
Steps:
- -Grease and flour three 7" round cake tins. -Cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. -Gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition. -Fold in flour, and add just enough milk to give a soft dropping consistency. -Divide mixture evenly between the cake tins and bake 375' for 25-30 minutes, until top springs back lightly when touched. Cool on wire racks. -Whip cream until it just holds its shape. Sandwich the layers together with the cream and berries, saving a few for decoration. -Sprinkle top with confectioner's sugar and decorate with the remaining berries.
Tips:
- Select the right pan: Use a 10-inch tube pan with a removable bottom for best results. Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender cake.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition: This will help prevent the batter from curdling.
- Sift dry ingredients together before adding to the batter: This will help ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevent lumps.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients: This will help prevent overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven: This will help ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
- Use a toothpick to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting: This will help prevent the frosting from melting.
Conclusion:
Courting cake is a classic Southern dessert that is sure to impress your sweetheart. With its moist, tender crumb and sweet, creamy frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Follow these tips to make the perfect courting cake:- Use high-quality ingredients.
- Follow the recipe carefully.
- Don't overmix the batter.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
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