As Halloween approaches, many of us think of costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. But did you know that one of the oldest Halloween traditions involves a humble baked good known as Soul Cakes? These small, spiced cakes have deep roots in medieval Europe, particularly in England and Ireland, where they were traditionally made for All Souls’ Day and All Hallows’ Eve (the precursor to modern Halloween). Soul cakes were given to “soulers,” typically children and the poor, who would go door-to-door singing and praying for the souls of the departed.
In this article, we’ll provide an authentic soul cakes recipe so you can revive this delicious, historical treat in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to add a traditional touch to your Halloween or simply enjoy a spiced, buttery cake, this recipe will transport you back to the origins of the holiday.
1. Authentic Soul Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Set aside the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric hand mixer or beat it by hand with a wooden spoon.
Add the egg yolks: Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until the dough begins to come together.
Add the milk: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk to moisten the dough. If the dough seems too dry, you can add an additional tablespoon of milk.
Add the currants or raisins: Fold in the currants (or raisins) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Soul Cakes
Shape the dough: Lightly flour your hands and scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly into rounds, about ½ inch thick.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 6: Mark and Bake the Soul Cakes
Mark the cakes: Traditionally, soul cakes were marked with a cross on the top. You can use the back of a knife to gently score a cross into each cake. This is optional but adds an authentic touch.
Bake: Place the soul cakes in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool the cakes: Remove the soul cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional sugar sprinkle: If desired, sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar while the cakes are still warm for added sweetness.
2. Tips for Making Authentic Soul Cakes
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground or high-quality spices. The warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice is key to the authentic flavor of soul cakes.
Swap the Currants: If you don’t have currants, you can substitute with raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots.
Make Ahead: Soul cakes keep well for a few days in an airtight container, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Add a Glaze: For a modern twist, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cakes for added sweetness.
3. Variations of Soul Cakes
While the traditional recipe is simple and spiced, you can easily adapt soul cakes to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Vegan Soul Cakes: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and replace the egg yolks with applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Gluten-Free Soul Cakes: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
Pumpkin Soul Cakes: Add ¼ cup pumpkin purée to the dough for a seasonal twist. You may need to reduce the milk slightly to compensate for the added moisture.
Honey-Glazed Soul Cakes: Brush the still-warm cakes with a light glaze made from honey mixed with a bit of water for a sweet finish reminiscent of medieval recipes.
4. How to Serve Soul Cakes
Soul cakes can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any time of day. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them:
With Tea or Coffee: These lightly spiced cakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon snack.
For Breakfast: Serve soul cakes alongside a hearty breakfast, perhaps with a bit of butter or jam.
As a Halloween Treat: Incorporate soul cakes into your Halloween festivities by offering them as a traditional snack.
This authentic soul cakes recipe is a delicious way to connect with the history of Halloween and All Souls’ Day. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and spices, these small cakes are rich in both flavor and tradition.
So why not try baking a batch of these spiced, buttery cakes this Halloween season? You’ll not only savor a piece of history but also enjoy a delicious, timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
