Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe is a traditional British dessert made with almond filling inside delicate puff pastry shells.
The combination of buttery pastry and sweet almond batter creates a truly delicious treat that is both light and flavourful.
Inspired by stories of its rich history, I decided to make this cake to experience its unique taste firsthand. Now, I will guide you through each step of preparing this classic recipe.
Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe
The Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe is a classic British dessert known for its unique combination of flaky puff pastry shells filled with a rich, almond flavoured custard.
Its main speciality lies in the delicate balance of textures the crisp, buttery pastry perfectly complements the smooth, subtly sweet almond filling, enhanced by a refreshing hint of lemon zest.
Traditionally served at tea time, this cake offers a nostalgic taste of English heritage, making it a charming and elegant treat that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
How To Prepare Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert / Afternoon Tea Cake
Cuisine: British (Traditional English Cake)
Yield: 24 small cakes
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Grater (for lemon zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tray or baking sheet (to hold puff pastry shells)
- Spatula or spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
- 4 oz butter, melted
- 2 oz ground almonds (almond meal)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g self-raising flour (about ¾ cup)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, for dusting
- 24 small round puff pastry shells (1 to 2 inches in diameter, baked or pre-made)
How To Make Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe?
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the puff pastry shells on a baking sheet or pop them into a muffin tin this helps them hold their shape while baking.
Step 2: Soften The Breadcrumbs
Warm up the whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just warm, not boiling. Stir in the breadcrumbs and let them sit for about 5 minutes so they soak up the milk.
Step 3: Make The Almond Filling
In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Whisk it all until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the milk and breadcrumb mixture to the almond mixture, stirring it in well. Then sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, folding everything gently until you have a smooth batter.
Step 5: Fill The Pastry Shells
Spoon a generous tablespoon of batter into each puff pastry shell, filling them almost to the top without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake And Serve
Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Fat | 7.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
➤ Ground almonds supply fiber that supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
➤ Eggs contain essential nutrients like choline, important for brain development and function.
➤ Whole milk provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
➤ Lemon zest adds natural antioxidants that combat inflammation and promote skin health.
➤ Butter offers fat soluble vitamins such as A and K, which support vision and bone health.
Hot Tips
➣ Use fresh lemon zest to brighten the almond custard and enhance the overall flavor.
➣ Ensure the puff pastry shells are evenly sized for consistent baking and presentation.
➣ Gently fold the ingredients to keep the custard light and airy.
➣ Let the tartlets cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
➣ Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution and a golden, crisp crust.
Serving Suggestions
Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe taste wonderful when served warm or at room temperature. They go well alongside tea or coffee, creating a delightful treat.
Sprinkling powdered sugar on top adds a delicate sweetness and attractive finish. Fresh fruit, such as berries, or a small spoonful of whipped cream can enhance the flavor and texture.
These cakes are a charming choice for afternoon snacks or as part of a dessert selection, offering a light and tasty option.
What Makes This Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe Special?
This Maid of Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe stands out because of its delicate balance between the crisp puff pastry and the rich, moist almond filling.
The subtle lemon zest adds a fresh brightness that enhances the overall flavour. The combination of simple ingredients creates a classic yet sophisticated treat that feels both comforting and elegant.
Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these small cakes offer a delightful texture contrast and a charming presentation that makes them truly memorable.
Storage And Shelf Life
Store Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They remain best consumed within three days for optimal flavour and texture.
Refrigeration can extend shelf life up to five days but may cause the pastry to lose some crispness. For longer storage, freeze the cakes without powdered sugar.
Thaw them gently at room temperature and reheat briefly to restore crispness before serving. Proper storage preserves the delicate almond filling and flaky pastry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Maid Of Honour Cakes?
Maid of Honour Cakes are traditional British almond filled pastries made with puff pastry shells and a sweet almond batter.
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry Shells?
Yes, using pre made puff pastry shells saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I Add Jam To The Cakes?
Yes, adding a small spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam inside the shells before filling adds extra flavour.
Are These Cakes Gluten Free?
No, the recipe uses self raising flour which contains gluten, but you can try gluten-free flour as a substitute.
Can These Cakes Be Frozen?
They can be frozen after baking. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for best taste.
Conclusion
I had an easy and enjoyable time making this delicious Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe, and the success was truly satisfying.
I hope this Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe inspires you to try it yourself because it’s simple to prepare and tastes amazing. I’m sure you will love the results as much as I did.
Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe you make, please let me know how delicious it turned out I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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Maid Of Honour Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Grater (for lemon zest)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tray or baking sheet (to hold puff pastry shells)
- Spatula or spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 ml whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs
- 4 oz butter melted
- 2 oz ground almonds almond meal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g self-raising flour about ¾ cup
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Confectioners’ powdered sugar, for dusting
- 24 small round puff pastry shells 1 to 2 inches in diameter, baked or pre-made
Instructions
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the puff pastry shells on a baking sheet or pop them into a muffin tin this helps them hold their shape while baking.
Step 2: Soften The Breadcrumbs
- Warm up the whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just warm, not boiling. Stir in the breadcrumbs and let them sit for about 5 minutes so they soak up the milk.
Step 3: Make The Almond Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Whisk it all until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Add the milk and breadcrumb mixture to the almond mixture, stirring it in well. Then sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, folding everything gently until you have a smooth batter.
Step 5: Fill The Pastry Shells
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of batter into each puff pastry shell, filling them almost to the top without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake And Serve
- Bake the cakes for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2.5 g | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Sugars: 4 g | Fat: 7.5 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sodium: 60 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”