Tottenham Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that hails from the North London area, particularly Tottenham. Known for its vibrant pink icing and simple sponge base, this cake has a rich history tied to the local community. Traditionally, it was made with leftover sponge and sold cheaply, making it accessible to the working class. Today, Tottenham Cake is enjoyed by many as a nostalgic nod to London’s past.
In this article, we’ll explore a couple of traditional and modern takes on the Tottenham Cake, along with tips for making it at home.
Traditional Tottenham Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g icing sugar
- A few drops of red food coloring
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4).
- Prepare the baking tin: Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm baking tin with parchment paper.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the flour: Sift the flour over the butter mixture and gently fold it in, being careful not to knock out too much air. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
- Prepare the icing: Mix the icing sugar with a few drops of red food coloring and enough water to make a smooth, spreadable icing. Traditionally, the icing is a vibrant pink, but you can adjust the color to your preference.
- Ice the cake: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the top of the cooled cake (optional). Then, pour the pink icing over the top and allow it to set before cutting the cake into squares.
Modern Twist: Lemon Tottenham Cake
For those looking to add a citrusy twist to the classic recipe, the Lemon Tottenham Cake offers a refreshing variation.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g icing sugar
- A few drops of yellow food coloring
Instructions:
- Follow the base recipe: Start by following the base recipe for Tottenham Cake, but add the zest and juice of a lemon into the batter before folding in the flour.
- Bake and cool: Bake as per the traditional method and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Lemon icing: Mix the icing sugar with a few drops of yellow food coloring and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty icing. Spread over the cooled cake and allow it to set.
Vegan Tottenham Cake
For a dairy-free and egg-free version of the Tottenham Cake, here’s a simple vegan recipe.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 200g dairy-free margarine
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea water)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g icing sugar
- A few drops of red food coloring
Instructions:
- Prepare the batter: Cream together the dairy-free margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the aquafaba, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold and bake: Sift the flour over the margarine mixture and gently fold it in. Pour the batter into a greased and lined baking tin and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.
- Vegan icing: Mix the icing sugar with red food coloring and almond milk to create a smooth, vegan-friendly icing. Spread over the cooled cake and allow it to set.
Tips for Perfect Tottenham Cake
- Butter vs. Margarine: For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter in the traditional recipe. For the vegan version, a good quality dairy-free margarine works well.
- Jam Layer: While traditional recipes don’t always include it, a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam adds extra flavor and moisture to the cake.
- Icing Consistency: The icing should be thick enough to set but still spreadable. If it’s too thin, add more icing sugar; if too thick, add a drop more water or milk.
Internal Linking Opportunities
When writing a blog about Tottenham Cake recipes, consider linking to the following related articles to enhance user experience and improve SEO:
- Ultimate Blackberry Cheesecake Recipe: Rich, Creamy, and Delicious: Link this article when discussing other British desserts or when talking about variations on traditional cakes.
- Make Perfect Earl Grey Cookies at Home: Perfect for linking when discussing traditional British flavors or afternoon tea accompaniments.
- The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Brine Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Every Time: Useful when discussing traditional British Sunday roasts and how Tottenham Cake might be a sweet finish to the meal.
Conclusion
Tottenham Cake is more than just a simple sponge; it’s a piece of London’s culinary history. Whether you’re making it the traditional way or giving it a modern twist, this cake is sure to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Try one of the recipes above, and don’t forget to explore the other delicious recipes linked throughout this article.