Chelsea Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Satisfying Dessert for All Occasions
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category: Dessert
Servings: 8
Description:
This classic Chelsea Cake recipe is a delightful and slightly indulgent treat, perfect for any special occasion or a cozy afternoon snack. A soft, buttery yeast dough filled with raisins, sugar, and cinnamon, it forms a spiral that bakes to a golden-brown perfection. This recipe has been recently adopted, and as I try it out, I’ll be sharing any tweaks or changes to make it even better. With its combination of rich flavors and satisfying texture, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 3 tsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 4 cups |
| Margarine (melted) | 7 tbsp |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Butter (softened) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar (for filling) | 1/2 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 566.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 43.1 mg |
| Sodium | 180.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 89.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g |
| Sugars | 33.4 g |
| Protein | 10.2 g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough
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Begin by gently warming the milk in a saucepan or microwave until it reaches a comfortable temperature, around 110°F (43°C). Pour the warm milk into a small bowl.
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Add a pinch of sugar to the warm milk and then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Allow the yeast to activate by letting it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This is a crucial step to ensure the dough rises properly.
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After 5 minutes, gently stir the yeast mixture to combine, making sure there are no clumps of yeast.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and the remaining sugar. This will help to evenly distribute the sugar throughout the dough and prevent any lumps.
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Melt the margarine in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Once melted, add it to the flour mixture along with the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form.
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Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Don’t overwork the dough, but make sure it has a good texture.
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Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
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While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. This mixture will be spread over the dough once it’s rolled out.
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Set the filling aside, ready for when the dough is ready to be assembled.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches in size.
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Melt the butter and brush it generously over the surface of the dough.
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Sprinkle the prepared filling evenly over the dough, making sure it is well-distributed.
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Now, carefully roll up the dough, starting from one long edge, into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into strips that are roughly 2 inches in width.
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Arrange the dough strips into a flan tin or a round baking dish. Curve the remaining strips into a spiral shape on top of the rolled dough. This will create a beautiful and rustic spiral effect when baked.
Step 5: Let It Rise and Bake
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Cover the assembled dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up and fill out the baking dish.
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, place the tin into the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake has risen beautifully.
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After baking, remove the Chelsea cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The cake will be soft and fluffy inside with a lovely cinnamon-sugar flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips & Tricks:
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Rising Time: Make sure you give the dough enough time to rise. This will ensure a light, airy texture. If you’re in a rush, you can let it rise in a warm oven (around 100°F) to speed up the process.
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Butter Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine.
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Add-ins: Feel free to customize your Chelsea Cake by adding other dried fruits, such as currants, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots.
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Topping Ideas: For an extra special touch, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk over the top of the cake once it’s cooled. This will add a slight sweetness and shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The Chelsea Cake is a fantastic dessert that combines the best elements of a yeast dough with sweet, spiced fillings. It’s versatile, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, with a soft, slightly sticky interior and a crisp exterior. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this cake is bound to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients and the hands-on method make it an enjoyable recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Enjoy your homemade Chelsea Cake, and remember, baking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own!
