Old English Spice Cake with Currant Hard Sauce

Name: Old English Spice Cake with Currant Hard Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, unsalted; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup milk; 3 cups flour, unbleached all-purpose; 1/4 cup water hot; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons caraway seeds; 1 each lemon zest; 1 each orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ground; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 1/2 teaspoon mace; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup butter unsalted; 1/4 pound cream cheese; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup raisins, seedless yellow; 1/4 cup currants

Servings: persons

1 cup butter, unsalted
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
3 cups flour, unbleached all-purpose
1/4 cup water hot
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons caraway seeds
1 each lemon zest
1 each orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ground
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter unsalted
1/4 pound cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins, seedless yellow
1/4 cup currants

1
Powder saffron, work into butter.
2
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, one at a time.
3
Add vanilla and caraway.
4
Sift together dry ingredients.
5
Add dry ingredients to batter alternately with milk.
6
Mix in zest.
7
Pour into greased, floured sheet cake or cupcake pan.
8
Preheat oven and bake at 350F (180C) (175C) for about 1 1/4 hrs.
9
Check after 1 hour.
10
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then on rack.
11
Serve with dollop of Currant Hard Sauce.
12
CURRANT HARD SAUCE:
13
Powder saffron, work into chilled cream cheese.
14
Cream together butter and cheese.
15
Beat until light and fluffy.
16
Mix in remaining ingredients and chill.
17
Serve at room temperature.

1710

kcal

Calories

Fat

204

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup butter, unsalted, 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, and more.

Yes, Old English Spice Cake with Currant Hard Sauce falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!