As the crisp December air settles in and Bonfire Night approaches, there’s no better way to enjoy the festivities than with a slice of traditional Yorkshire Parkin. This Bonfire Night Parkin Recipe is the perfect treat to complement the crackling bonfires and fireworks that light up the night sky. In this post, we’re going to walk you through how to make the best Bonfire Night Parkin Cake that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
What is Parkin?
Parkin is a classic Yorkshire cake, traditionally made with oatmeal, treacle, and ginger. It’s dense, sticky, and full of flavor, making it the ideal comfort food for chilly evenings. This recipe is the perfect way to embrace the cozy vibes of Bonfire Night with its deep, warm spices and sweet syrupy taste.
Ingredients for Your Bonfire Night Parkin Recipe
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 225g of medium oatmeal
- 100g of plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 150g of unsalted butter
- 100g of dark brown sugar
- 175g of golden syrup
- 175g of treacle
- 1 large egg
- 200ml of milk
How to Make Bonfire Night Parkin
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tin
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper. This will ensure that your parkin cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the medium oatmeal, plain flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together so that the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Syrup
In a saucepan, melt the butter, dark brown sugar, golden syrup, and treacle over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted and everything is combined into a smooth syrupy mixture. This step is essential to achieving the rich, moist texture that Parkin is famous for.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the syrup has cooled slightly, add it to the dry ingredients along with the egg and milk. Stir everything together until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps, and everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Bake the Parkin
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it out evenly. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. The Parkin should be firm to the touch, and a skewer should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your Bonfire Night Parkin is baked, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Parkin is best enjoyed after it has rested for at least a few hours (or even overnight), as this allows the flavors to develop further. The longer it sits, the stickier and more flavorful it becomes.
Tips for the Perfect Bonfire Night Parkin Recipe
- Let It Mature: Parkin tastes even better after a day or two. Store it in an airtight container to allow the flavors to meld and become even richer.
- Serve with a Cup of Tea: This traditional Yorkshire cake pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea. It’s a great snack for Bonfire Night celebrations!
- Add a Twist: Some people like to add a bit of grated orange zest or a handful of chopped dried fruit to their Parkin for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment!
Read More Cake Recipes:
Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe: Perfect for the Holiday Season
The Best Moist Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
Why Make This Bonfire Night Parkin Recipe?
This Yorkshire Parkin Cake is a Bonfire Night classic and a must-have for your celebrations. With its rich flavor, perfectly spiced warmth, and deliciously sticky texture, it’s the perfect way to keep warm on a chilly November evening. Whether you’re attending a Bonfire Night party or hosting your own, this cake will be the star of the show.
Enjoy your Bonfire Night Parkin, and stay warm with every bite!
