Allotment Cake Recipes

ALLOTMENT CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line 4 x 20cm cake tins with baking parchment (or use 2 and make the carrot sponges first, then the courgette layers).
• Start by making the carrot layers. Put the sugar, eggs and oil in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk, beat until incorporated. Sieve the flour and all the dry ingredients into the same bowl, then gently fold in before adding the carrot, a pinch of salt and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
• Divide the carrot cake mixture between 2 of the prepared cake tins and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for a few mins, then turn out onto wire racks when cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, make the courgette layers. Put the sugar, eggs and oil in a large bowl and use a hand whisk to combine. Sieve in the dry ingredients and fold in, then add the courgettes and mix together.
• Pour the courgette cake mixture into the remaining 2 cake tins and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden brown. Leave to cool in the tins, then turn out onto wire racks to cool fully.
• To make the frosting, tip the butter into a large bowl and beat with an electric hand whisk until smooth. Add the cream cheese and beat again. Sieve in the icing sugar and beat until combined.
• Layer up the cakes alternately, spreading a little frosting between each layer as you go. Cover the whole cake with the rest of the frosting and serve. Will keep for 2 days in an airtight container.

COLA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Combine the cake mix and cola in a large bowl. Use a hand whisk to mix ingredients until light and smooth, about 3 minutes. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
• Bake cake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Allow cake to cool before cutting.

THIRTY DAY FRIENDSHIP CAKE

Steps:

• Day One: In a large glass jar or bowl, combine 2 cups of the starter with 1 can of the sliced peaches and their juice (each slice chopped into 4 pieces). Add 2 1/2 cups of the white sugar and stir once every day for 10 days. When not stirring mixture, keep it covered with a paper towel, foil, or a loose lid. Let sit at room temperature. Don't refrigerate it or cover it airtight. A pan of water underneath the jar or bowl will keep the ants out.
• Day Ten: Add 1 can of chunk pineapple and its juice. Cut each chunk of pineapple in half. Stir in 1/2 cup of white sugar. Stir once everyday for 10 days. The color should change, and the mixture should foam when stirred.
• Day Twenty: Slice each cherry in half, and stir in. Add 2 1/2 cups of the white sugar. Stir once every day for the final 10 days. The cherries will give the juice back its pinkish color.
• Day Thirty: Drain fruit and reserve it and the liquid. The fruit will be used in the cake. Pour the liquid into 3 glass or ceramic pint jars. One for you to start your next cake, and two for friends. Cake must be started within 3 days after receiving the starter, or you should freeze the starter to use at a later date. Do not use plastic or metal containers to store liquid!
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9x13-inch baking pans.
• It's best to mix the two cakes separately. Combine 1 box of the cake mix, 1 box of the instant vanilla pudding, 2/3 cup of the vegetable oil, and 4 of the eggs. Stir, then add 1/2 of the drained reserved fruit from the starter. Stir, then add 1 cup of the golden raisins, 1 cup of the chopped nuts and 1 cup of the coconut. Stir until all ingredients are combined. The batter will be stiff. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Repeat for cake number two.
• Bake cakes at in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes.

SARA JANE'S OATMEAL CAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, stir oats into boiling water. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar and shortening until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; stir just until moistened. Mix in the soaked oats. Pour into the prepared pan, and spread evenly.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Turn the oven to the broil setting and let it heat up.
• In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, heavy cream, coconut and vanilla. Spread over the top of the cake. Broil for a few minutes, just until the coconut is lightly browned.