This Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake Recipe is a rich and moist fruitcake, which includes sultanas and glacé cherries. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hour and 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Dundee Cake Recipe Ingredients
- 225g softened butter
- 225g soft light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 280g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp milk
- Zest of 1 orange
- 225g sultanas
- 175g currants
- 60g glacé cherries, halved
- 60g chopped blanched almonds
- 50g whole blanched almonds, for decoration

How To Make Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake Recipe
- Preheat and prep tin: Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C Fan. Grease and double-line a deep 20cm round cake tin.
- Make the batter: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Mix dry and wet: Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold gently. Stir in the milk and orange zest.
- Add fruit and nuts: Fold in the sultanas, currants, glacé cherries, and chopped almonds.
- Prepare to bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, level the top, and decorate with whole almonds arranged in a circle.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips
- Can I soak the fruit beforehand? Yes, soaking the fruit in orange juice or tea adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Why double-line the cake tin? It helps prevent the cake edges from overbaking and keeps the cake moist.
- How to store Dundee cake: Wrap tightly in parchment and foil, and store in a tin for up to 2 weeks.
- Can I freeze Dundee cake? Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
- How to keep the almonds from sinking: Place them gently on the batter after it’s been smoothed and just before baking.
What To Serve With Dundee Cake
Dundee cake is delicious on its own or with:
- A cup of tea or coffee
- A dollop of clotted cream
- A slice of sharp cheddar cheese
- Warm custard

How To Store Dundee Cake
Refrigerate: Not necessary unless in very warm climates. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.
Freeze: Wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Dundee Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use mixed dried fruit instead of sultanas and currants?
Yes, mixed dried fruit is a suitable substitute and adds variety.
Why is my cake dry?
It may have been overbaked. Use a skewer to test and remove as soon as it comes out clean.
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, but reduce or omit the baking powder.
Is this cake suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. It stores well and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Curry Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham And Leek Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: American4
servings10
minutes2
hours300
kcalA rich and fruity traditional Scottish cake decorated with almonds — perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
225g softened butter
225g soft light brown sugar
4 large eggs
280g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp milk
Zest of 1 orange
225g sultanas
175g currants
60g glacé cherries, halved
60g chopped blanched almonds
50g whole blanched almonds
Directions
- Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
- Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs.
- Sift and fold in flour and baking powder. Add milk and zest.
- Fold in sultanas, currants, cherries, and chopped almonds.
- Spoon into tin, level, and decorate with whole almonds.
- Bake for 1 hour 45 mins to 2 hours. Cool before serving.
