Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (2024)

A rich and moist Irish Porter Cake is all you need to please your sweet tooth on St. Patrick’s Day! Made with dried fruit, hearty spices and porter beer, this cake is traditionally served during the holidays but easy enough to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack whenever you feel like it.

Love Irish recipes? Make sure to also check out my Homemade Irish Cream and my Guinness Chocolate Cake!

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (1)

An Irish Cake made with Porter Beer

Forget the dry, overly sweet fruit cakes you’ve had in the past.

This porter cake is coming to this site to prove that fruit cakes CAN be delicious! Especially when they are made with beer.

Don’t like beer? Then this recipe is not for you. While the alcohol will cook off, the cake does have a distinct, bitter-like, porter flavor.

I find that that’s what makes this cake so enticing. The deep and caramelized notes of the porter beer balances out the sweetness and spiciness, adding complexity to this recipe!

Serve it with a cup of strong black coffee or, why not, with more beer. Cheers!

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (2)

What is Irish Porter Cake

Porter cake is a traditional Irish fruit cake made with porter ale.

In Ireland, this cake is typically baked a few weeks before Christmas and then kept in an airtight tin. To keep it from drying out, a small amount of whiskey, brandy or ale would be poured on the cake weekly until ready to serve.

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (3)

Grocery List

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BUY:

  • 3 cups dried fruit: I used a combination of golden raisins, dried currants and dried cherries. You can also use candied peel if you can find it.
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 orange
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 sticks of butter
  • 1 bottle (12 fl oz) porter ale

PANTRY ESSENTIALS:

Ingredients I’m assuming you already have in your pantry. But, if not, make sure to buy them as well!

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground all spice
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground coriander
Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (4)

What is the difference between a stout and a porter?

While both names are often used interchangeably, there is a historic difference between a stout and a porter.

Back in eighteen century London, a pub bartender came up with what is now a porter by mixing lighter beers with aged ales. The results were a dark, medium-bodied, malty beer that quickly took off, inspiring brewers to start brewing and selling it.

As more breweries started making porters, new recipes – with different ingredients and alcohol content – emerged and the stout was born as a stronger version of a porter.

Nowadays, however, there are porters that are stronger than stouts, and stouts that are weaker than porters, so it is really hard to differentiate between the two.

Beer snobs will tell you that the kind of malt used to brew them is different. Porters use malted barley and stouts are made from unsalted roasted barley, which gives them the coffee flavor that is characteristic of stouts.

Even that rule can’t be trusted 100%, as craft brewers are always experimenting and coming up with new recipes!

That all being said, for the purpose of this cake recipe, we can say that they are basically the same thing! So if you can’t find porter ale at your store, feel free to grab a bottle of stout instead.

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (5)

How to make Porter Cake

This Irish cake is very easy to make, no special equipment needed.

It is also easily customizable, so you can use whatever dried fruit you have on hand as well as omit or substitute the spices you don’t like.

Porter cake is traditionally made with mixed spice, which is a British blend of sweet spices, similar to pumpkin pie spice here in the United States. You will see that I’ve broken down the spice blend into individual spices in the recipe, but you can use pumpkin pie spice (or mixed spice if you can find it) if it’s easier.

Generally, this cake does not include nuts like other fruit cakes do, but you could add that as well if you love them! Whatever floats your boat.

Recommended tools and equipment: saucepan, wooden spoon, fine mesh sieve, mixing bowl, springform pan, parchment paper.

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (6)

Here’s how I make porter cake. As always, you will find the printable (and more complete) version of the recipe at the end of this post!

  1. Combine butter, citrus zest, beer and sugar in a saucepan. Cook until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Add the dried fruit. Cook for 3 minutes then remove from heat and let it come to room temperature. By that time, the fruit should be plumper, juicier, and softer.
  3. Sift all the dry ingredients into a bowl.
  4. Add the reserved liquid mixture. Add the eggs. Mix until combined.
  5. Transfer the batter to a 9-inch springform pan.
  6. Bake until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

    Optional: While the cake is still warm, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of porter ale over it. It will help keep it moist!

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (7)Olivia’s Tip: While you can eat the cake right away, it is traditional to not cut into it for at least 2 to 3 days. The cake tastes better as it matures.
Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (8)

How long does porter cake keep and how to store it

As I mentioned earlier, this cake keeps for several weeks when stored in an airtight container.

Most recipes will even instruct you to wait a day or two before removing from the cake pan and cutting into it. That is almost never possible at my house though, so I can attest that the freshly baked cake is also very delicious!

If you choose to wait a few days before cutting, make sure to not skip the step of drizzling beer on the warm cake, to keep it moist.

And if you plan on keeping it for a long time, I’d do what is called “feeding the cake” and drizzle beer (or whiskey) on it every week, turning the cake to ensure the liquid penetrates everywhere. This process keeps your cake moist and intensifies the flavors.

Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Please comment and leave a 5-star rating below. You can also take a photo andtag me on Instagramwith #oliviascuisine.

Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (9)

Irish Porter Cake

Servings: 10 to 12

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

author: Olivia Mesquita

course: Cakes

cuisine: Irish

A rich and moist Irish Porter Cake is all you need to please your sweet tooth on St. Patrick’s Day! Made with dried fruit, hearty spices and porter beer, this cake is traditionally served during the holidays but easy enough to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack whenever you feel like it.

4.32 from 22 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • Zest of one orange
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 bottle, 12 fl oz porter ale (or stout)
  • 3 cups mixed dried fruit
  • 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground all spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3 eggs, beaten

Instructions

  • Combine the butter, brown sugar, orange and lemon zest and beer in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, over medium-high heat, stirring until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.

  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the dried fruit. Cook for 3 minutes. Then, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray or grease with butter.

  • Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices into a large bowl. Pour the fruit liquid mixture and mix to combine. Gradually add the eggs, mixing until incorporated.

  • Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.

  • Optional: pour 1/4 cup of stout over the cake while the cake is still warm. It will absorb it and become even moister!

  • Allow the cake to cool for 20 minutes in the pan before unmolding and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Serious Eats.
  • Make ahead: The cake tastes better (and more intense) if you wait 2-3 days to unmold and cut into it. If you plan on doing that, don’t skip drizzling the warm cake with extra beer to keep it moist.
  • Feeding the cake: If you plan on waiting several weeks before cutting into your cake, make sure to feed it by drizzling ale (or whiskey) weekly on both sides. Keep the cake in an airtight tin until ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for several weeks. You can also freeze it, tightly wrapped with foil or in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months.

Author: Olivia Mesquita

Course: Cakes

Cuisine: Irish

Other Irish Recipes You Might Like

  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (10)
  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (11)
  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (12)
  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (13)
  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (14)
  • Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (15)
Traditional Irish Porter Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine (2024)

FAQs

What is the national dessert of Ireland in Ireland? ›

The national dessert of Ireland is the traditional Irish apple pie. This delicious dessert is made with sweet, tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery pastry crust. How is Irish apple pie different from other apple pies? Irish apple pie is often made with a lattice crust on top, giving it a distinctive appearance.

What is Porter cake made of? ›

Sift the flour, nutmeg, spice mix, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Rub in the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, raisins, and candied citrus peel. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl and stir in the porter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.

What is a soldier cake? ›

Soldiers Cake is a fruit cake and this recipe contains instructions for sealing the cake in a tin. That, and the name, suggests it was intended to be packaged up and sent to those serving overseas. During the Second World War, 575,799 Australians served overseas, 39,429 were killed and 66,563 were wounded.

What is Ireland's national dish? ›

Irish Stew is a thick, hearty dish of mutton, potatoes, and onions and undisputedly the national dish of Ireland.

What do Irish people eat for dessert? ›

Traditional Irish Desserts
  • Irish apple cake. Irish apple cake is known for its simplicity and rich flavors, making it a cherished dessert for many. ...
  • Porter cake. ...
  • Carrageen moss pudding. ...
  • Barmbrack bread. ...
  • Soda bread. ...
  • Irish cream liqueur brownies. ...
  • St. ...
  • Irish potato candy.
Feb 20, 2024

What is Elvis Presley cake? ›

An Elvis Presley cake is a single-layer classic yellow cake that's topped with a pineapple glaze. Much like a poke cake, the syrup and juices of the pineapple will seep into the cake through fork holes, resulting in a decadent, ultra-moist cake.

What is a godfather cake? ›

A two-tier Godfather themed cake featuring all hand-modeled and edible elements from the classic movie. The cake is lemon chiffon with a delicious raspberry butter-cream filling, covered in dark chocolate ganache and LMM fondant.

What is a Jake cake? ›

A favorite from many years ago, named after Amy's son Jake. It's a pillowy, heavenly angel food cake made with fresh egg whites, cane sugar, a little flour, and lots of vanilla extract and beans.

What is the Irish cake tradition? ›

Probably the best known Irish Halloween tradition is the making of Barnbrack. This is a type of fruit cake which is eaten during Halloween. The tradition is that there is a ring, a coin and a piece of cloth baked in the cake.

What is the rag in Irish cake? ›

Each item, when received in the slice, was supposed to carry a meaning to the person concerned: the pea, the person would not marry that year; the stick, would have an unhappy marriage or continually be in disputes; the cloth or rag, would have bad luck or be poor; the coin, would enjoy good fortune or be rich; the ...

What is Irish Christmas cake made of? ›

These Irish delicacies often are filled with spices and fruits. Irish Whiskey can be used to make these fine deserts as well. These cakes take on twist on a basic chocolate cake. They include marzipan frosting and items of holiday decor of course, such as mistletoe!

Why is it called funeral cake? ›

Why is it called funeral cake? meant not only to provide refreshment for mourners, but also to be a token of remembrance and comfort. special funeral cakes has all but disappeared.

What is a JFK cake? ›

JFK's Wedding Cake Specifications:

Seven-inch, three-layer cake. Features white cake, raspberry preserves, raspberry frosting and vanilla buttercream. Serves eight people. Ships frozen on dry ice.

What is cake bomb? ›

WHAT IS A CAKE BOMB®? Cake Bombs® are miniature flavored cakes with the. flavor in the cake base as well as the glaze.

What is Ireland's national drink? ›

Over the last three centuries, Guinness has become a legendary part of Irish culture, celebrated as Ireland's national drink. And with over 8,000 years still left on the original St. James Gate brewery lease, there's still a lot more of 'the black stuff' to make and enjoy.

What is black pudding in Ireland? ›

Black pudding is a distinct regional type of blood sausage originating in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is made from pork or occasionally beef blood, with pork fat or beef suet, and a cereal, usually oatmeal, oat groats, or barley groats.

Does Ireland have a national fruit? ›

No official national fruit.

What is the national breakfast of Ireland? ›

All full Irish breakfasts include some or all of the following: Bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and perhaps some cooked leftover potatoes made into a hash or a bubble and squeak. There will also be toast, butter, marmalade, and lots of tea to drink.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 6024

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.