Calling all lovers of dense, moist, and flavorful cakes! Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the world of steamed currant cakes. These delectable treats, often referred to as "spotted dogs" or "plum cakes," have a long history and are enjoyed in various cultures worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a novice yearning for a comforting and satisfying dessert, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect steamed currant cake.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
STEAMED SPONGE CAKE
If this is baked in an oven, the texture is quite different. This is a sweet cake.
Provided by Jim
Categories Desserts Cakes Sponge Cake Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Arrange a large bamboo steamer or a large vegetable steamer over simmering water. Make sure it is large enough to hold a 10 inch tube pan.
- In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. In a medium bowl, beat together egg yolks, milk and vanilla. Quickly fold into whites until no streaks remain. Sift together flour and baking powder, then quickly fold into egg mixture. Pour batter into 10 inch tube pan.
- Place the pan into the steamer. Steam for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 103 mg, Fat 2.5 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 69.9 mg, Sugar 18.4 g
SPOTTED DICK WITH BRANDIED CURRANTS
Whether you call it spotted dick, spotted dog, or spotted Richard, this steamed currant pudding is one of the most beloved British desserts. Martha plumps the "spots" of dried fruit with brandy for an extra pop of flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Creme Anglaise:In a medium saucepan, bring milk, cream, and vanilla seeds and pod to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt. While whisking, slowly add about half the hot milk mixture to temper, then return to saucepan with remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing with a flexible spatula to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Pudding:In a small saucepan, heat currants and brandy until warm; let stand at room temperature until most of the brandy has been absorbed, 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, set a round wire rack in bottom of a large stockpot. Set a 2 1/2-quart ovenproof bowl on rack. Fill pot with enough water to come about three-quarters of the way up sides of bowl. Remove bowl; dry, butter inside, and set aside. Cover pot and bring to a boil.
- Butter a 10-inch parchment round; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in cold butter until pieces are no larger than small peas. Stir in eggs, cream, lemon zest and juice, and currant-brandy mixture until combined.
- Transfer batter to prepared bowl. Place parchment round, buttered-side down, over bowl and top with foil to seal. Fold a long piece of foil into thirds and center bowl on foil. Pull ends of foil to top edge of bowl and carefully lower pudding into boiling water. Fold ends of foil down into pot and cover pot. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; steam until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center of pudding registers 180 degrees, about 1 hour 15 minutes, occasionally adding boiling water to maintain level, if necessary.
- Using foil sling, transfer pudding to a wire rack. Let cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of bowl to loosen; invert pudding onto a serving plate. Serve warm with creme anglaise.
MOM'S CURRANT CAKE
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Yield Makes 1 loaf
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat. Stir in molasses. In a medium bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition. Stir in the cream mixture, then the currants. Add the dry ingredients and beat to combine.
- Pour into prepared pan, and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
CHINESE STEAMED CAKE
Although real Chinese dinners usually end with a piece of fruit, Western influence has caused a few changes. This cake uses Chinese techniques to make a French inspired, and extremely moist, sponge cake.
Provided by Kevin Ryan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Arrange a large bamboo steamer or a large vegetable steamer over simmering water. Make sure it is large enough to hold the baking pan. Line a 9 inch square pan with waxed paper.
- Separate the eggs. Place the yolks in a large bowl along with the sugar and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture has increased about three times in volume. Whisk together the flour and the baking powder; sift this over the egg mixture, and fold in gently. Blend in the extract.
- Whip the egg whites in a clean bowl to stiff, not dry, peaks. Fold into yolk base. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth out to edges. Rap the pan on the counter to get rid of large air bubbles.
- Place the pan into the steamer. Cover the top of the steamer with a kitchen towel, and place the lid on top; the towel will absorb any steam that collects on top from dripping onto the cake. Steam for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioner's sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 193 calories, Carbohydrate 37.6 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Fat 2.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 55.8 mg, Sugar 23.6 g
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Currants: Select plump and juicy black currants for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Preparing the Currants: Rinse the currants thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel before using.
- Measuring the Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure the flour accurately. This will prevent adding too much flour, which can result in a dry cake.
- Mixing the Batter: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake.
- Steaming the Cake: Use a steamer or a colander placed over a pot of boiling water to steam the cake. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the colander or steamer.
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving. This will help the cake to set and prevent it from falling apart.
Conclusion:
Currant cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a special treat. Steaming the cake results in a moist, tender texture and allows the natural flavors of the currants to shine through. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Experiment with different types of currants and add-ins to create your own unique variation of this classic cake. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or a more modern twist, this steamed currant cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
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