Sultanas cake is a timeless British favourite—moist, subtly sweet, and packed with juicy sultanas. Whether served with a cup of tea or enjoyed as a comforting slice after dinner, this classic bake holds a special place in many UK households. The good news? Baking a perfect sultanas cake at home is not only achievable, but surprisingly simple when done with the right technique and ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making the ideal sultanas cake—from choosing quality ingredients to mastering the baking process. Follow this recipe, and you’ll be turning out bakery-worthy cakes from your own kitchen.
What Makes a Great Sultanas Cake?
The key characteristics of a perfect sultanas cake are:
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Moist crumb texture
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Even distribution of sultanas
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Golden-brown crust
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Well-balanced sweetness
Achieving all these elements requires care with ingredient preparation, baking times, and of course, the right mixing methods. Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients designed for a standard 2lb loaf tin:
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200g self-raising flour
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200g unsalted butter, softened
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200g caster sugar
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3 medium eggs
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250g sultanas
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp milk
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½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
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A pinch of salt
Preparing the Sultanas
Before baking, soak the sultanas in warm water or tea for 15–20 minutes. This helps plump them up, preventing them from drying out during baking. Drain and pat dry before folding into the batter.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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2lb loaf tin or round cake tin
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Baking parchment
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Cooling rack
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Sieve and spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional). Line your cake tin with baking parchment or grease it well with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, giving the cake a light texture.
3. Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.
4. Mix in Flavourings
Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cinnamon if using. These add depth and balance the richness of the cake.
5. Sift and Fold
Sift the flour and salt into the mixture. Fold gently with a spatula to preserve the air you’ve beaten in.
6. Add the Sultanas
Toss the sultanas in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
7. Adjust Consistency
If the batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it slightly. The texture should be soft and drop easily off a spoon.
8. Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overmix. Once you’ve added flour, fold gently to avoid a dense cake.
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Keep ingredients at room temperature. This ensures even mixing.
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Check your oven temperature. Too hot and the cake will brown too fast on top.
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Use fresh sultanas. Older, dry sultanas can make the cake chewy.
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Store properly. Wrap in clingfilm or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 5 days.
Variations to Try
While the traditional recipe is perfect on its own, you can customise your sultanas cake in small ways:
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Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
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Mix in other dried fruits like currants or glacé cherries for added sweetness.
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Top with a light lemon glaze for an elegant finish.
These small additions can elevate the flavour without overpowering the essence of a classic sultanas cake.
When to Serve Sultanas Cake
This cake is wonderfully versatile and fits many occasions:
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Afternoon tea with friends
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A cosy dessert with custard or cream
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Packed in lunchboxes
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Holiday gatherings or Sunday roasts
It’s a simple pleasure that brings comfort with every slice, and its long shelf life makes it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to bake the perfect sultanas cake is a rewarding experience. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of technique, you can create a rich, moist cake that tastes as good as anything from a bakery.
Whether you’re new to baking or looking to perfect an old favourite, this recipe is your go-to guide. Enjoy your cake warm with a cup of English tea or serve it as a family favourite for any special moment.
Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find yourself returning to this classic again and again—it’s a true staple of British baking.