An Eccles Cake is a small, round pie, similar to a turnover, filled with currants and made from flaky pastry with butter, sometimes topped with demerara sugar.
You may be familiar with Eccles cakes if you enjoy sweets and British food. These tiny, spherical cakes have flaky dough and are filled with raisins and currants that have been spiced.
They are a well-liked and favored pastry in the UK. Yet, there are a few possibilities you might try if you’re seeking for something that resembles an Eccles cake. We’ll look at a few delectable Eccles cake substitutes in this article.
What Are Eccles Cake?
Let’s examine Eccles cakes in more detail before moving on to the alternatives. The traditional dessert known as Eccles cakes was invented in the UK town of Eccles, which is close to Manchester. They have flaky pastry exteriors and are filled with a blend of currants, raisins, butter, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A little, round cake is often made by folding the crust over the filling. In the UK, Eccles cakes are a common snack that are frequently served with a cup of tea.
However, Eccles cakes are a Lancashire food tradition, with similar cakes found in other parts of the County of Lancashire. Traditionally these cakes are eaten with Lancashire cheese. Named after the town of Eccles in Lancashire, the cake was first sold commercially by James Birch at his shop in the town center in 1793.
Alternatives to Eccles Cakes
Here are the list of similar to An Eccles cake:
1. Chorley Cakes
Chorley cakes are a similar pastry to Eccles cakes, and they also originate from the North West of England. Like Eccles cakes, they are made of flaky pastry and filled with a mixture of currants and raisins. However, Chorley cakes are typically less sweet than Eccles cakes and are often served with a slice of Lancashire cheese.
2. Banbury Cakes
Banbury cakes are another traditional British pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes. They are made of puff pastry and filled with a mixture of currants, raisins, candied orange peel, and spices. Banbury cakes are typically oval-shaped and are often served with a cup of tea.
3. Irish Fruit Buns
Irish fruit buns are a sweet, fruity pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes. They are made of a sweet dough that is filled with a mixture of currants, raisins, and mixed peel. Irish fruit buns are often served for breakfast or as a snack, and they are a popular pastry in Ireland.
4. Scones
Scones are a classic British pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes. They are made of a sweet dough that is typically flavored with currants, raisins, or other dried fruits. Scones are often served with jam and clotted cream and are a popular pastry for afternoon tea.
5. Fruit Pies
Fruit pies are another alternative to Eccles cakes that you can try. They are typically made of a sweet pastry that is filled with a mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices. Popular fruit pies in the UK include apple pie, cherry pie, and mince pie.
6. Danish Pastries
Danish pastries are a popular pastry in Denmark, but they are also enjoyed in the UK and other countries around the world. They are made of flaky pastry and are often filled with a mixture of fruit and cream. Danish pastries come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a delicious alternative to Eccles cakes.
7. Fruit Strudel
Fruit strudel is a pastry that originated in Austria but is now enjoyed in many countries around the world. It is made of a thin, flaky pastry that is filled with a mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices. Fruit strudel is often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and is a delicious dessert or snack.
8. Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts are a classic dessert that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their fruit filling. They are made of a sweet pastry crust and filled with a mixture of fresh or canned fruit, custard, and whipped cream. Fruit tarts come in a variety of sizes and flavors and are a popular dessert in many countries around the world.
9. Fruit-filled Empanadas
Empanadas are a traditional pastry that originated in Latin America, but they are now enjoyed in many countries around the world. They are made of a flaky pastry crust and are typically filled with savory or sweet ingredients. Fruit-filled empanadas are a delicious alternative to Eccles cakes and are often filled with a mixture of fruit, sugar, and spices.
10. Apple Turnovers
Apple turnovers are a classic pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their flaky pastry crust and fruit filling. They are typically made of puff pastry and filled with a mixture of diced apples, sugar, and spices. Apple turnovers are often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and are a popular dessert in many countries.
11. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a sweet pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their sweet, spiced filling. They are made of a sweet dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Cinnamon rolls are often topped with a sweet glaze and are a popular breakfast pastry in many countries.
12. Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin pies are a classic dessert that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their sweet, spiced filling. They are made of a sweet pastry crust and filled with a mixture of pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Pumpkin pies are often served as a dessert during the fall and winter months and are a popular dessert in many countries.
13. Brioche
Brioche is a French pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their buttery, flaky texture. It is made of a sweet dough that is enriched with butter and eggs and is often flavored with sugar and spices. Brioche is a delicious alternative to Eccles cakes and is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
14. Sticky Buns
Sticky buns are a sweet pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their sticky, sweet filling. They are made of a sweet dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Sticky buns are often topped with a sticky glaze and are a popular breakfast pastry in many countries.
15. Mince Pies
Mince pies are a traditional British pastry that is similar to Eccles cakes in terms of their fruit filling. They are typically made of a sweet pastry crust and filled with a mixture of mincemeat, which includes dried fruit, sugar, and spices. Mince pies are often served during the Christmas season and are a popular dessert in the UK and other countries.
FAQs
Yes, Eccles cakes are a traditional British pastry that is popular in the UK.
Yes, there are many vegan alternatives to Eccles cakes that use plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil and almond milk.
Yes, Eccles cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Yes, Eccles cakes can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Eccles cakes, there are plenty of alternatives to try. From fruit tarts to cinnamon rolls, there are plenty of delicious pastries that offer a similar flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast pastry or a delicious dessert, there is sure to be an option that suits your tastes.
