Imagine a cake that’s steeped in tradition, crowned with toasted almonds, and bursting with juicy dried fruits, that’s the Dundee Cake. Originating from Scotland, this beloved fruitcake is traditionally made for celebrations and festive gatherings, especially around Christmas and Hogmanay. But truth be told, its rich flavor, tender crumb, and citrusy sweetness make it a treat any time of year.
Making a Dundee Cake is like stepping into a Scottish kitchen of old: the warm aroma of butter and brown sugar fills the air, the citrus peel adds a bright zing, and the almonds on top give it that classic, rustic charm. With this recipe, you don’t need to be an expert baker, the steps are straightforward, and the results are impressively elegant.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for subtle warmth)
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- ½ cup chopped glace cherries
- 2 tbsp candied orange peel
- 2 tbsp candied lemon peel
- 3 tbsp orange juice or brandy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- ¼ cup whole blanched almonds
Kitchen Tools
- 8–9 inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper or butter for greasing
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
How to Make Dundee Cake
1. Prepare the Fruit
Place mixed dried fruits, cherries, and candied peel in a bowl. Pour orange juice or brandy over them and stir. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to plump up, this gives the cake extra moistness and depth of flavor.
2. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F / 160°C. Grease your cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender, airy crumb.
4. Add Eggs & Flavoring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract for aroma.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the Fruits
Gently fold in the soaked dried fruits and citrus peel. Be careful not to overmix, you want the cake light, not dense.
7. Decorate & Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and arrange whole almonds in concentric circles, this classic design gives Dundee Cake its iconic look.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through.
8. Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy! Dundee Cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, and the flavors actually improve over time.
Tips for Perfect Dundee Cake
Soak fruits — plumping fruits ensures a moist, flavorful cake.
Low & slow baking — baking at a lower temperature prevents the cake from drying out.
Almond arrangement — classic design isn’t just for looks; almonds lightly toast during baking for aroma.
Optional glaze — brush the top with warm apricot jam for a shiny finish.
Fun Variations
- Brandy Dundee Cake – Add 3–4 tbsp brandy to the batter for extra richness.
- Cranberry & Orange Dundee Cake – Replace some dried fruits with cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Nutty Dundee Cake – Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with almonds on top.
Dundee Cake feels like a heritage dessert, cause it combines fruity sweetness, citrus brightness, and nutty elegance. Whether it’s a festive centerpiece, a tea-time treat, or a gift for someone special, this cake delivers comfort, tradition, and flavor in every bite.
Baking it yourself fills the kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma, and the first slice melts in your mouth, proving that classic recipes never go out of style.
