Traditional Flavour, Simple Method
Spelt Black Bun is a classic Scottish cake, packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices, all encased in a crisp spelt pastry. It’s a festive treat for Hogmanay or any winter celebration. This recipe keeps the preparation clear and manageable, giving reliable results every time.
Why You’ll Love It
The spelt flour gives a nutty, wholesome flavour while the pastry stays crisp. The dark fruits and spices infuse deep, warming notes. Despite its rich ingredients, the method is straightforward, letting you enjoy a traditional cake without fuss. Slice it thinly — a little goes a long way.
Spelt Black Bun: Scottish New Year Cake
Description
A classic Scottish New Year’s cake with spelt flour pastry and a rich, fruity, spiced filling. Perfect for Hogmanay or winter celebrations. Easy method with reliable, festive results.
Ingredients
Spelt Pastry
Fruity Spiced Filling
Instructions
Prepare filling.
- Mix all dried fruits, nuts, sugar, spices, and zest in a bowl. Add brandy or whisky and soak for 30 minutes.
Make pastry.
- Combine spelt flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in cold butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually until dough holds.
Roll pastry.
- Roll out two-thirds for the base to fit a 20cm (8-inch) round tin. Reserve remaining for the top.
Fill bun.
- Place pastry in tin. Press filling evenly. Cover with remaining pastry and seal edges.
Chill.
- Chill for 30 minutes before baking to keep pastry firm.
Bake.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes until golden. Cool in tin for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
Rest.
- Wrap in parchment and store at room temperature for at least 24 hours to develop flavour.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 110mg5%
- Potassium 320mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 6g12%
* 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
- The bun improves with a day of resting.
- Slice thinly — rich and filling.
- Can be wrapped in foil and kept for up to 1 week.
Optional Substitutions & Variations
- Use raisins instead of sultanas.
- Add 25 g chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Replace brandy with orange juice for alcohol-free version.
- Use pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty note.
