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Holidays & Special Occasions

Twelfth Night Cake (Twelfth Night Cake)

sjfegan

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10
Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
  • 225g (1 cup) Butter, softened
  • 200g (1 cup) Sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 150g (1 cup) Dried currants or raisins
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 240ml (1 cup) Milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder (or a traditional leavening)
  • 1 whole dried bean, wrapped and hidden in the batter

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a round cake tin.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a separate bowl.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in the dried currants or raisins, and tuck the wrapped bean into the batter.
  7. Pour into the prepared tin.
  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  9. Let cool before serving, with whoever finds the bean in their slice traditionally named 'king' or 'queen' of the Twelfth Night festivities.

Introduction: A rich, spiced fruitcake baked to mark Twelfth Night, the festive close of the Christmas season in colonial America, traditionally containing a hidden bean or pea.

Cultural Background: Twelfth Night, marking the end of the twelve days of Christmas, was celebrated with particular festivity in colonial America, especially in the Southern colonies, this rich cake at the centre of the celebration, its hidden bean naming a ‘king’ or ‘queen’ of the festivities for the night.

Tips: Wrap the hidden bean securely (traditionally in a small piece of cloth or paper) so it can be found safely without being swallowed. Let the cake cool fully before slicing for the cleanest presentation.

Variations: Use a dried pea instead of a bean, another traditional option for the hidden token. Add a little citron or other candied fruit, if available, for extra festivity.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Not applicable — served at room temperature.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 320 kcal, 6 g protein, 12 g fat, 48 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: What is Twelfth Night?

A: The evening marking the end of the twelve days of Christmas, traditionally celebrated with feasting and festivity, particularly prominent in colonial Southern celebrations.

Q: What happened to the person who found the bean?

A: They were traditionally named the ‘king’ or ‘queen’ of the Twelfth Night festivities, a playful tradition adding excitement to the celebration.

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