Irish Porter Cake

Irish Porter Cake

Cáca Portair (KAW-ka POR-ter)

Porter Cake

Prep Time 30 min + soaking
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
12
🔥 Calories 332 kcal

A dark, moist fruit cake enriched with Irish stout, warming spices, and a generous measure of dried fruits soaked until plump and boozy.

Nutrition & Info

320 kcal per serving
Protein 4.0g
Carbs 52.0g
Fat 12.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

deep 8-inch cake tin mixing bowl saucepan

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cake stand

Garnishes: dusting of icing sugar

Accompaniments: cup of tea, Irish whiskey

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak dried fruit in Guinness overnight or simmer together for 10 min and cool.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a deep 8-inch cake tin with baking parchment.

  3. 3

    Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.

  4. 4

    Fold in flour, mixed spice, baking soda, and citrus zests.

  5. 5

    Stir in the soaked fruit with all the stout liquid, and walnuts if using.

  6. 6

    Pour into tin and bake 1.5-2 hours until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in tin completely.

💡

Did You Know?

Porter cake improves with age — many Irish bakers wrap it in parchment and foil and store it for weeks, occasionally feeding it with a spoonful of whiskey.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • deep 8-inch cake tin
  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan

Garnishing

dusting of icing sugar

Accompaniments

cup of tea, Irish whiskey

The Story Behind Irish Porter Cake

Porter cake emerged in 19th-century Ireland when porter and stout were the everyday drinks. Frugal bakers discovered that stout added moisture, depth, and a malty sweetness to fruit cakes, creating a distinctly Irish celebration cake.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed christmas, celebrations, tea time 📜 Origins: 19th century

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