Traditional St Fagans Welsh Cake Recipe – Mary Berry’s No Lard Version

Why You’ll Love This St Fagans Welsh Cake Recipe

This St Fagans Welsh cake recipe is more than just a bake — it’s a taste of living history. Passed down through generations and famously revived by institutions like St Fagans National Museum of History, it captures the soul of traditional Welsh cooking. Whether you’re a Mary Berry fan or simply a home baker searching for comfort food, these cakes are:

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Made with simple pantry staples
• Cooked on a griddle — no oven required
• Easily adaptable for dietary preferences

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Welsh Cakes

To achieve the authentic texture and flavour of the traditional St Fagans Welsh cake recipe, keep these tips in mind:

• Use cold butter: Rub it into the flour until you have breadcrumbs—this creates a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Don’t overmix: Treat it like scone dough—light handling is key.
• Use a griddle, bakestone or thick skillet: This ensures even heat distribution and a golden finish.
• Turn just once: Flip the cake once bubbles form and the underside is golden brown.

What You’ll Need

Welsh Cakes Ingredients

• Self-raising flour – 1½ cups (175g)  Optional substitutes: All-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder)
• Baking powder – 1 level tsp  Gives an extra lift even with self-raising flour — essential for fluffiness
• Butter, chilled and cubed – 3 oz (85g) Use unsalted; for a dairy-free version, try plant-based butter like Flora or Naturli.
• Caster sugar – ¼ cup (60g) Subs with Granulated sugar, though caster sugar dissolves better in dough.
• Currants  – ¼ cup (50g). Prefer it plain? Skip them — perfect for “Welsh cakes without raisins” fans. You can also try chocolate chips or chopped dried apricots.
• Ground mixed spice – ½ level tsp. Optionally, you can omit.
• Egg – 1 medium egg Helps bind; for egg-free, try 1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water.
• Milk (or as needed) – 1 tsp Use just enough to bring the dough together — don’t over-wet.

Why This Version Has No Lard

Traditionally, lard was used for richness and affordability. But today’s cooks may choose butter for many reasons:

• Vegetarian-friendly alternative

• Lighter taste and texture

• Readily available in most households

Mary Berry often leans toward butter for ease and consistency—and it works beautifully in this adapted recipe.

Variations: Yes, Even Welsh Cakes Without Raisins

For readers looking for Welsh cakes without raisins, this recipe is incredibly flexible:

No Raisins? Swap with chocolate chips, chopped dried apricots, or sultanas.

Zest It Up: Add lemon or orange zest for brightness.

Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a splash of oat milk.

These ideas capture niche traffic from users with dietary tweaks in mind.

Instructions: How to Make St Fagans-Style Welsh Cakes

1. Rub in the butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the self-raising flour and baking powder (if using). Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add sweetness & spice: Mix in the sugar, mixed spice (if using), and currants.
3. Form the dough: Beat the egg and stir it into the mixture. Add just enough milk to bring the dough together into a soft but not sticky ball.
4. Roll & cut: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to around 5mm  (¼ inch) thick. Use a 6–7cm cutter to shape into rounds.
5. Cook on a griddle: Heat a heavy-based frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease with some oil and cook the cakes in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Serve & enjoy: Sprinkle with caster sugar while warm. Delicious served fresh, either plain or with butter and jam.

Saving Welsh Cakes For Later

Serving Suggestions

Turn your St Fagans Welsh cake recipe into a tea-time centrepiece:

• Serve warm with a pat of butter or a spoonful of raspberry jam.
• Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar for festive flair.
• Pair with English Breakfast tea or, for a twist, clotted cream and lemon curd.

More Welsh & Tea Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Explore more traditional bakes perfect for teatime:

• Bara Brith (Mary Berry) – Classic Welsh tea bread soaked in tea and packed with fruit.

• Hot Cross Buns – Spiced buns with raisins and candied peel, ideal for festive gatherings.

• Rock Buns (Mary Berry) – Quick, rustic bakes with a crunchy crust and soft fruit-studded centre.

• Fruit Scones – Fluffy, buttery scones with dried fruit — perfect with clotted cream.

Health Info

Nutritional Tips