Soul Cakes are a delightful Halloween tradition with deep-rooted origins. In medieval Britain, people went “souling” on All Souls’ Day, November 2nd, going door to door, singing for the souls of the deceased. In return, they received these small, spiced, and sweet cakes. This recipe connects you with that historical tradition and offers a delicious treat for Halloween or All Souls’ Day.
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Snack Dessert |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Serving Size | 12 cakes |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup currants or raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the currants or raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add this mixture to your dry ingredients. If the dough is too dry, you can add another tablespoon of milk. Mix until the dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cakes, or you can shape them into rounds by hand. Draw a cross on the top.
- Place the cakes on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a pale golden color.
- Once baked, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool.
- When the cakes are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy your homemade Soul Cakes as a connection to this historical tradition.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Feel free to use mixed dried fruit instead of currants or raisins for added flavor.
- Add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
Tips or Variations:
- These Soul Cakes are traditionally simple, but you can customize them to your taste by experimenting with flavors and shapes.
- Share your Soul Cakes with friends and family on All Souls’ Day or Halloween as a sweet, historical treat.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- While Soul Cakes have their roots in medieval Britain, similar customs of giving soul cakes or similar treats to the deceased are found in various other cultures.
Allergen Checklist:
- This recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it is suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans.
