British Welsh Cakes are traditional Welsh griddle cakes made with buttery flour, sugar, warm spices, and dried currants. Cooked gently on a hot griddle until golden on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside, these classic cakes have a wonderfully rich, lightly spiced flavour and a delicate crumb.

Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, a cosy snack, or a traditional British baking spread, Welsh Cakes are quick and simple to prepare. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea, and enjoy this beloved Welsh treat straight from the griddle.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 5 people

Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Traditional Welsh recipe.
• Buttery and tender texture.
• Lightly spiced with warm flavours.
• Filled with sweet dried currants.
• Quick to cook on a griddle.
• Perfect with afternoon tea.
• Simple pantry ingredients.
• Delicious warm or at room temperature.

How to Make British Welsh Cakes

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and salt.

Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Stir in the sugar and currants.

2. Add the Egg and Milk

Beat the egg with the milk.

Gradually add the mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Avoid overmixing.

3. Roll the Dough

Lightly flour a clean work surface.

Roll the dough to approximately ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness.

4. Cut the Cakes

Use a round cookie cutter to cut the dough into small circles.

Gather the scraps, gently reroll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.

5. Heat the Griddle

Heat a heavy skillet or traditional griddle over medium-low heat.

Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of butter.

6. Cook the Welsh Cakes

Place the cakes onto the hot griddle.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Adjust the heat if they brown too quickly.

7. Finish and Cool

Transfer the cooked Welsh Cakes to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool slightly.

Dust lightly with caster sugar if desired.

8. Serve

Serve the Welsh Cakes warm or at room temperature with tea, butter, or your favourite preserves.

Tips for Perfect Welsh Cakes

• Keep the butter cold when rubbing it into the flour.
• Do not overwork the dough.
• Roll the dough evenly so the cakes cook at the same rate.
• Keep the griddle at medium-low heat to prevent burning.
• Cook in batches without overcrowding the pan.
• Dust with caster sugar while still slightly warm.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Lemon Welsh Cakes

Add finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus flavour.

Cinnamon Welsh Cakes

Replace the mixed spice with ground cinnamon for a simple warm spice flavour.

Chocolate Chip Welsh Cakes

Replace some of the currants with mini chocolate chips.

Orange Welsh Cakes

Add orange zest and a small amount of orange extract for a fragrant variation.

What to Serve with Welsh Cakes

• English breakfast tea
• Earl Grey tea
• Butter
• Strawberry jam
• Raspberry jam
• Clotted cream
• Honey
• Lemon curd
• Fresh berries

How to Store Leftover Welsh Cakes

Allow the Welsh Cakes to cool completely.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Warm gently in a skillet or microwave before serving if desired.

Can Welsh Cakes Be Frozen?

Yes.

Allow the cakes to cool completely before freezing.

Place them in a freezer-safe container with baking paper between layers.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature and gently warm before serving.