Teresa's Recipes
Gur Cake
Gur Cake is a charming traditional Irish dessert that celebrates the art of resourcefulness in the kitchen. This delightful cake transforms stale bread into a sumptuous treat, seamlessly blending plump raisins, aromatic spices, and the rich sweetness of jaggery (gur) with the soothing essence of hot tea. Each slice offers a taste of Irish heritage, evoking memories of simpler times and cherished family gatherings. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is a testament to the ingenuity of home cooking, showcasing how humble ingredients can create something truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 batch (enough to line an 8-inch square baking tin) Pastry dough
- 1 cup Raisins
- 1 teaspoon Mixed spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1 cup Gur (jaggery), grated
- 1 cup Hot brewed tea
- 4 cups Stale bread, crumbled
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 18g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line an 8-inch square baking tin with pastry dough, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, soak the crumbled stale bread in the hot brewed tea for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes soft and mushy.
- Once the bread has softened, add the grated gur, mixed spice, and raisins to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is evenly moist.
- Spread the bread mixture evenly over the base layer of pastry in the baking tin.
- Cover the filling with another layer of pastry dough, sealing the edges well to lock in the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for at least 30 minutes before lifting it out using the overhanging pastry. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating chopped nuts or a splash of whiskey into the filling.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.