We’ve always been captivated by the Maid of Honour cake a classic English treat with roots in Tudor history. Originating from Richmond this delicate almond-filled pastry whispers tales of royal intrigue and timeless flavors that make it a favorite in our kitchen.
Today we’re excited to share our take on this recipe blending tradition with simple steps so you can whip up these charming cakes at home. Whether you’re a baking novice or a pro our guide promises a rewarding experience full of sweet nostalgia.
Ingredients
In our simplified recipe for the Maid of Honour Cake—a traditional English treat with Tudor roots—we start by assembling the key ingredients. These components bring together the cake’s signature almond-rich filling and buttery pastry, ensuring a delightful blend of textures and flavors that evoke its historical charm.
We organize the ingredients into pastry and filling categories for clarity, listing them in the order they are typically used during preparation. Note any prep specifics for accuracy.
Pastry Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour: Sifted, as the base for our flaky pastry.
- 100g unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed, to create a tender, crumbly texture.
- 50g granulated sugar: For a subtle sweetness in the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk: Beaten, to bind the pastry mixture.
- A pinch of salt: To enhance the overall flavor.
Filling Ingredients
- 150g ground almonds: Finely ground, forming the nutty heart of the filling.
- 100g caster sugar: For balanced sweetness that complements the almonds.
- 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten, to add richness and structure.
- 100g curd cheese or ricotta: Softened, providing a creamy, traditional element.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Finely grated, for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure, to infuse warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 tbsp raspberry jam: For the base layer, spread thinly to add a fruity contrast.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Maid of Honour Cake to life after preparing the pastry and filling ingredients, we need a selection of essential tools that ensure precision and ease in baking. These items help us achieve the cake’s signature buttery crust and almond-rich center with minimal fuss.
Basic Baking Essentials
We recommend gathering the following core tools, organized by their primary function in the recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for combining dry ingredients like flour and wet ones like eggs and butter. This keeps our workspace organized and prevents cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of accurate cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons (1 tsp, 1 tbsp, etc.) to measure flour, sugar, and other components precisely, ensuring the pastry dough and filling turn out flawlessly every time.
- Rolling Pin: A sturdy wooden or silicone pin for rolling out the pastry dough to the perfect thickness—about ⅛ inch—to fit into baking tins without cracking.
Preparation and Baking Tools
For the hands-on steps of assembling and baking, these tools are indispensable:
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter or egg wash onto the pastry edges, helping create a golden, flaky finish that enhances the cake’s traditional appeal.
- Baking Tins or Muffin Tray: A 12-cup muffin tin or individual tart tins (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter) for shaping the cakes. We suggest non-stick versions to easily release the baked goods and preserve their delicate structure.
- Whisk and Wooden Spoon: A medium whisk for beating eggs and sugar in the filling, and a spoon for gentle stirring to avoid overworking the almond mixture, which keeps the texture light and airy.
Additional Utensils
To complete the process smoothly, include these for finishing touches:
- Grater or Zester: A fine grater for the lemon zest, infusing the filling with a vibrant, citrusy aroma that complements the raspberry jam’s tartness.
- Oven and Timer: A standard oven preheated to 350°F, paired with a reliable timer, to bake the cakes evenly for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a perfect golden brown.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for letting the cakes cool post-baking, allowing air circulation to prevent sogginess and maintain the crisp pastry base.
By having these tools ready, we streamline our baking process for the Maid of Honour Cake, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to bake delicious Maid of Honour Cakes. Our method ensures a perfect balance of buttery pastry and almond-rich filling for an authentic, nostalgic treat.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s organize and prep our ingredients for smooth baking. Start by measuring and preparing each component as follows:
- For the pastry, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl and cut in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs for that flaky texture.
- Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, and a pinch of salt to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined to form a dough that feels smooth and pliable under your hands.
- For the filling, grate the zest from 1 lemon and set it aside, then whisk 2 eggs in a separate bowl until they are light and frothy, evoking a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Measure out 1 cup of ground almonds, 1/2 cup of caster sugar, 1 cup of curd cheese or ricotta, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of raspberry jam, ensuring the jam’s sweet-tart flavor will shine through in every bite.
This preparation sets the stage for efficient assembly, helping us achieve the cake’s signature crisp exterior and creamy center.
Make the Filling
With our ingredients prepped, we now create the luscious almond filling that defines the Maid of Honour Cake. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ground almonds and 1/2 cup of caster sugar, mixing thoroughly to form a base with a nutty, sweet foundation.
- Beat in 2 eggs one at a time using a whisk, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated for a smooth, velvety consistency that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Fold in 1 cup of curd cheese or ricotta, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the grated zest from 1 lemon, stirring gently until the mixture is creamy and aromatic, with hints of vanilla and citrus that will tantalize your senses.
- Finally, swirl in 1/4 cup of raspberry jam for a burst of fruity contrast, creating a filling that’s richly textured and flavorful, ready to elevate the pastry shell.
This step ensures our filling is perfectly blended, delivering the cake’s traditional charm with every spoonful.
Assemble the Cakes
Now we bring everything together to form our Maid of Honour Cakes, layering flavors and textures for a delightful result. Roll out the pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness, then use a round cutter to create circles that fit into your muffin trays or baking tins.
- Press each pastry circle into the tins, ensuring the edges are neat and the base is even, forming a buttery cradle that will hold the filling securely.
- Spoon the prepared filling into each pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for rising, so the almond-rich mixture settles perfectly against the crisp pastry for a harmonious bite.
- If desired, add a small dollop of raspberry jam on top of the filling in each cake for an extra layer of visual appeal and taste, creating a glossy finish that hints at the tart sweetness within.
This assembly process guarantees a professional look and even baking, making our cakes as beautiful as they are delicious.
Bake the Cakes
Finally, we bake our assembled cakes to golden perfection, transforming the raw ingredients into a warm, aromatic dessert. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the filled tins on the middle rack for optimal heat distribution.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling sets with a slight wobble, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of toasted almonds and vanilla.
- Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes, allowing the pastry to firm up while retaining its flaky crunch and the filling to achieve a soft, creamy interior.
Monitor the baking time closely to prevent over-browning, ensuring each cake emerges with the ideal texture and flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Maid of Honour cake preparation and fit it into busy schedules, we can make key components ahead of time without compromising the cake’s signature butteriness and almond-rich flavor. This approach ensures fresh, authentic results while saving time on baking day.
Preparing the Pastry Dough in Advance
We recommend making the pastry dough up to 2 days ahead for optimal texture. Follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, egg yolk, and salt as detailed in our ingredients section.
- Knead until smooth, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 1 month. If freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use to maintain its pliable consistency.
Making the Almond Filling Ahead
The almond filling can be prepared in advance to preserve its creamy, flavorful profile. Here’s how we do it:
- Mix the ground almonds, caster sugar, eggs, curd cheese or ricotta, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the filling’s nostalgic, historical charm.
Assembling and Storing the Cakes
For even more convenience, we can assemble the cakes partially ahead:
- Roll out the pastry dough and line your baking tins as per our baking instructions.
- Fill the pastry cases with the almond filling and add the raspberry jam topping.
- Cover the assembled tins loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours or freeze for up to 1 week. When ready to bake, allow frozen assemblies to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours.
Storage Tips for Best Results
To keep our Maid of Honour cake at its peak, follow these guidelines:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastry Dough | Refrigerate or Freeze | Up to 48 hours (fridge) or 1 month (freezer) | Let it reach room temperature before rolling to avoid cracking. |
| Almond Filling | Refrigerate | Up to 24 hours | Stir well before using to restore creaminess. |
| Assembled Cakes | Refrigerate or Freeze | Up to 12 hours (fridge) or 1 week (freezer) | Bake directly from thawed state for golden perfection. |
By planning ahead, we ensure that every bite of our Maid of Honour cake delivers its traditional English delight with minimal effort on the day.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this classic recipe
It’s a simple way to bring historical flavors into our modern kitchens
Baking it connects us to tradition and creates joyful moments
Give it a try and make it your own special treat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maid of Honour cake?
The Maid of Honour cake is a traditional English dessert with Tudor origins from Richmond. It’s known for its rich history, buttery pastry, and almond-rich filling, often featuring flavors like lemon zest and raspberry jam. This charming treat combines nostalgia with modern appeal, making it perfect for home bakers looking to recreate a piece of English heritage.
What ingredients are needed for the Maid of Honour cake?
The recipe divides ingredients into pastry and filling. For the pastry, you’ll need all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg yolk, and a pinch of salt. The filling includes ground almonds, caster sugar, eggs, curd cheese or ricotta, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and raspberry jam. These simple components create a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
What tools and equipment are required to bake the Maid of Honour cake?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups, a rolling pin, and baking tins. These items help ensure precision in preparing the dough and filling, making the process easy for bakers of all skill levels. They allow you to achieve the cake’s signature buttery crust and creamy center without needing advanced equipment.
How do I prepare the Maid of Honour cake?
Start by making the pastry dough with flour, butter, sugar, egg yolk, and salt until smooth. Prepare the almond filling by mixing ground almonds, sugar, eggs, cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla. Roll out the pastry, fill it, add raspberry jam on top, and bake until golden. Monitor baking time closely for the perfect texture and flavor.
Can I make the Maid of Honour cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components in advance. Make the pastry dough up to 2 days ahead and the almond filling up to 24 hours ahead to enhance flavors. You can also partially assemble the cakes and store them. This planning saves time while keeping the cake fresh and delicious for your baking day.
How should I store the Maid of Honour cake?
Store the baked cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to a month and thaw before serving. Always cover them to preserve the buttery pastry and almond filling’s texture.
What tips can help me bake the perfect Maid of Honour cake?
Use cold butter for a flaky pastry, mix the filling until creamy, and don’t overbake to keep the center moist. Roll dough evenly for uniform cakes and add jam for extra flavor. Monitor oven temperature and let cakes cool before serving. These simple tips ensure a delightful, nostalgic treat every time.