Parkin Cake

Story behind the dish

There’s something truly comforting about the warm, spicy aroma of a freshly baked Parkin Cake wafting through the kitchen. Originating from the North of England, this traditional ginger-flavored treat has been delighting families for generations—perfect for chilly days when you crave a bit of hygge. The rich blend of treacle, golden syrup, and warming ginger makes it a cozy indulgence, and the best part? It actually improves with age, becoming wonderfully soft and sticky after a few days. Baking this cake feels like a warm hug—one slice at a time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) milk
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) golden syrup
• 3 oz (2/3 cup) black treacle
• 3 oz (1/3 cup) brown sugar
• 1 cup (3.5 oz) oatmeal
• 2 cups (10 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C), or 300°F (140°C) if using a fan oven. Grease a deep 8-inch (22 cm) square cake tin and line it with baking parchment.
2. Beat the egg and milk together in a small bowl with a fork until combined.
3. Gently melt the butter, golden syrup, black treacle, and brown sugar together in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the oatmeal, self-raising flour, and ground ginger until evenly combined.
5. Mix in the beaten egg and milk until the batter is smooth and glossy.
6. Pour the mixture into your prepared cake tin, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to an hour, or until the cake feels firm to the touch and a little crusty on top.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin, then wrap it in parchment paper and foil. It's best enjoyed after 3-5 days, as it will become softer and stickier over time—up to two weeks if stored properly.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra ginger kick, sprinkle a little extra ground ginger on top before baking or serve with a drizzle of fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Parkin cake is perfect served in thick slices alongside a cup of steaming tea or a glass of cold milk—comfort food at its finest.

Closing thoughts

Baking a Parkin Cake is like creating a little piece of Northern tradition right in your home. Its rich, spicy warmth and its evolving texture make every bite a nostalgic journey—one that many will find irresistible. The wait makes it all the more rewarding, as this cake’s flavors deepen and develop, offering a sweet hug that’s simply worth every minute. Happy baking!