Porter cake – recipesshubb

Traditional Porter Cake Recipe – Moist, Spiced & Full of Flavor

Porter Cake is a classic British fruitcake known for its deep, rich flavor, soft texture, and subtle notes from porter beer. Unlike many dense fruitcakes, this cake is moist, tender, and lightly spiced, making it perfect for afternoon tea, holidays, or any time you want a dessert that feels comforting yet sophisticated.

The combination of porter beer, dried fruits, and warming spices creates a complex flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is straightforward, produces a beautifully textured cake, and keeps well, making it perfect for gifting or preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups (225 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
1 cup (150 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, or figs)
½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup (120 ml) porter beer

For optional glaze or topping:

2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp water or porter beer

Equipment Needed

8-inch (20 cm) round or square cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Spatula
Saucepan (if preparing glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Fruit and Nuts

If your dried fruits are a little dry, soak them in a few tablespoons of porter beer or warm water for 10–15 minutes. This ensures the fruits stay plump and moist during baking. Drain any excess liquid before adding to the batter.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, helping create a tender cake.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and avoids clumps.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Add the porter beer slowly, mixing gently until fully incorporated.

Fold in the soaked dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a deep, rich color and a slightly firm top.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

7. Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the cake sets properly and prevents it from being too soft or sticky when sliced.

8. Optional Glaze

For a light finish, mix 2 tablespoons powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon water or porter beer to create a thin glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.

9. Serve

Slice the cake into generous pieces. Porter Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine. For a festive touch, serve with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone.

Tips for the Best Porter Cake

Choose a good porter beer: Dark, malty porters work best as they enhance the cake’s rich flavor.
Use quality dried fruits: Fresh, plump fruits give the best texture and flavor.
Optional soaking: Soaking the fruit in beer or a splash of brandy gives extra moisture and depth.
Make ahead: Porter Cake improves with age. Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for 2–3 days to let the flavors meld.
Freezing: Fully baked cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Porter Cake is the perfect balance between rich and light, with moist fruit, tender crumb, and warming spices that make it a comfort dessert for any occasion. Unlike overly heavy fruitcakes, it’s easy to slice, share, and enjoy without overwhelming the palate.

The use of porter beer adds a subtle malty depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the dried fruits and spices, while keeping the cake tender and moist. This makes it an excellent holiday treat or a weekend baking project.

Variations

Chocolate Porter Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
Citrus Infusion: Add 1 tsp grated orange or lemon zest for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Conclusion

This Traditional Porter Cake is a moist, spiced, and deeply flavorful dessert that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or cozy afternoons. With minimal prep and a simple baking process, you can create a cake that tastes elegant, rich, and comforting. The combination of porter beer, dried fruits, and warming spices makes this cake a timeless favorite.