Delicious Cornish Hevva Cake Recipe | Currant-Filled Biscuit Good with Tea
Ahh, the irresistible scent of a freshly cooked Cornish Hevva Cake. Warm and sweet, it’s a favorite among tea-time treats! A classic recipe passed through generations for centuries, this dense currant-filled biscuit-like cake is an essential part of the English culture. So why not make your own? Its warm currants tantalize your taste buds, and its sugary-sweet top layer that begs to be crumbled between your fingers makes it perfect for dunking in a cup of tea. This is my family’s traditional Hevva Cake recipe, so you can experience the delight of watching (and eating) these little treats as they come alive in your kitchen! But don't take my word on it; get some flour in those hands and start baking!
From the humble beginnings of a fishing village, Cornish Hevva Cake now stands as an iconic pastry in the United Kingdom and beyond. Its history is one that spans centuries, linked to both the past and present. The fishing net motif imprinted on its top is like none other, embodying tradition, culture, and taste all in one unique cake. Although it may be hard to find a true Cornish Hevva Cake outside of its origin, you are lucky because my recipe is authentic, and you’re in for a truly special experience. To experience its blend of fruity sweetness and dense yet crumbly texture marks a culinary journey through time, a simple pleasure that truly captures the spirit of Cornwall’s beloved tradition. So let us share a piece of this treasured treat with friends and family as we travel through time together.
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The flavors of these hevva cakes are delicious and remind me of Christmastime.
I love the dense texture of these hevva cakes, making it a perfect breakfast for dunking into your favorite cup of freshly brewed tea.
This recipe can easily be made in any shape and size you like. However, it is commonly baked into one giant cake loaf, but I prefer the individual-sized portions.
Delicious Cornish Hevva Cake Recipe | Currant-Filled Biscuit Good with Tea
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F.
- Place the flour, sugar, and spices into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and turn the mixer on medium to low speed.
- Dice up your butter into small 1/2-inch pieces and add them to the mixer.
- Let the butter slowly incorporate until it starts to form small pea-sized pieces, and then add in the dried currants, followed by the heavy cream.
- Let the dough mix until it all combines and comes together into a big ball.
- Take 12 small 4x4x1-inch stainless steel round cake molds and divide the dough evenly.
- Place the molds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Compact the dough evenly among the molds as tightly as possible, and then score the tops with a knife to create that fishing net appearance.
- Sprinkle the top of each one with a tablespoon of turbinado sugar and then bake them in the molds for 45 minutes.
- Let the hevva cakes cool completely before removing them from the molds.
Notes
Flour Substitutions: I use European flour in my cooking and baking. I find it easier to work with; the flavor is better and easier on the stomach.
Butter: Salted European butter works best in this recipe. European butter melts slower, resulting in a better dough as these rolls bake.
Size: If you do not have any 4-inch sized molds, you can; alternatively, you can bake the whole thing as one large hevva cake on a sheet pan instead. The baking time may vary.
Measurements: This recipe will eventually be converted into grams.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
733.64Carbs
102.78 gCholesterol
92.99 mgFat
34.12 gFiber
3.39 gNet carbs
99.38 gProtein
8.3 gSat. Fat
21.23 gSodium
208.1 mgSugar
53.09 gPlease note that the nutritional information on this website is calculated using online tools and may need to be more accurate. Use it as a rough guide only. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by relying solely on this data. You are responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information you use is accurate and useful. For more information, click here.
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