A Traditional Northern Bake
Spelt Yorkshire Parkin is a moist, sticky ginger cake from northern England. It combines warming spices, golden syrup, and hearty spelt flour. Perfect for tea time or dessert, it keeps soft for days. The spelt flour adds a nutty, wholesome flavour. It’s simple to make and fills the kitchen with aroma.
Why This Cake Works
Spelt flour creates a tender, dense crumb. Golden syrup and treacle give moisture and stickiness.
Spices add warmth and depth of flavour. The cake improves in flavour the next day. It stores well and is ideal for sharing.
Spelt Yorkshire Parkin
Description
Traditional Yorkshire parkin made with spelt flour, golden syrup, treacle, and warming spices. Moist, sticky, and full of flavour, this classic ginger cake is perfect for tea time, family gatherings, or gifting. Easy to prepare and keeps well for several days.
Ingredients
Parkin Mixture
Instructions
Preheat oven.
- Heat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20 cm square tin.
Mix dry ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine spelt flour, oats, baking powder, and spices.
Heat wet ingredients.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle. Stir until smooth.
Combine mixtures.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients. Add milk and stir until smooth.
Bake.
- Pour batter into prepared tin. Bake for 35–40 minutes until firm and golden.
Cool.
- Allow to cool completely in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve.
- Slice into squares and enjoy. The cake improves after resting overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Potassium 180mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Additional Notes
- Golden syrup and treacle provide sticky texture.
- Use fresh spices for best flavour.
- The cake keeps moist for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Optional Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute milk with plant-based milk for vegan option.
- Add 50 g chopped crystallised ginger for extra warmth.
- Use maple syrup instead of golden syrup.
- Sprinkle oats on top for decoration.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight tin at room temperature.
- Wrap slices in foil for gifting.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
