Soul Cakes are a traditional Scottish treat enjoyed during Halloween and All Saints' Day. These lightly spiced, sweet, and crumbly cakes are often shared as an offering to the spirits. The custom of giving soul cakes dates back centuries and is a lovely way to celebrate the season.
Recipe Summary
Preparation
30 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Instructions
1
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, mixed spice, and ground ginger.
3
Step 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
4
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk together.
5
Step 5
Pour the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add the remaining milk.
6
Step 6
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 12 circles.
7
Step 7
Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet and decorate each with a small piece of candied peel in the center.
8
Step 8
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the soul cakes are lightly golden.
9
Step 9
Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your homemade soul cakes!
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Soul Cakes and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Easy difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 30 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for 12 servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.