TWELFTH NIGHT CAKE Befana doughnut, English recipe, Twelfth Night dessert, easy yeast dough with raisins and almonds.
The twelfth night cake is the English Befana doughnut, filled with raisins and almonds, simple and delicious, very soft and fragrant, it was very popular, a yeast dessert to prepare for the Epiphany holiday, but also simply for breakfast whenever you want.
The twelfth night cake, also known as the Twelfth Night dessert, is a traditional English preparation associated with the Epiphany and the end of the Christmas holidays. It is a soft, fragrant, and simple to make yeast dessert, perfect for those looking for a typical recipe to prepare at home without difficulty.
This English Befana doughnut stays soft for a long time, is easy to store, and is a great alternative to the classic Italian Epiphany desserts, perfect for those looking for an easy recipe, a homemade yeast dessert, or an original idea to celebrate the Epiphany with an international touch.
Join me in the kitchen today, there’s the twelfth night cake.
Published
January 5, 2017 21:38
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very affordable
- Rest time: 4 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Epiphany
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3.4 oz milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp fresh yeast
- 1.4 tbsp butter
- 2.5 oz sugar
- 1.8 oz almonds
- 1.8 oz raisins
- 1.8 oz candied fruit
- Port wine
- 1 orange zest
- 1 lemon zest
Steps
Soak the raisins with chopped almonds in wine for about half an hour.
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast with the milk, let it rest for 30 minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients, butter, egg, sugar, flour, almonds, raisins, and candied fruit.
Knead well, form a ball, and let it rise in a bowl covered with plastic wrap until doubled in size, about 4 to 6 hours.
Once risen, take the dough, form a loaf, close it into a doughnut shape, decorate with almonds and let rise for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, do a toothpick test in several places, it should come out dry.
Bon appétit
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TWELFTH NIGHT CAKE Befana doughnut
This version originates from my basic recipe for sweet yeast doughs, a proven and versatile base, enriched with raisins and almonds, classic ingredients of the original twelfth night cake.
The name Twelfth Night cake comes from the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, during which this traditional English cake was prepared and shared with family. In the original English twelfth night cake recipe, candied fruit is often present, which I chose to omit.
USEFUL TIPS
Raisins can be soaked in warm water, rum, or tea to make them softer and more aromatic
Almonds can be replaced or combined with sliced almonds or almond granules
The cake stays soft for 2-3 days under a cake dome
Also perfect as a Christmas breakfast cake or winter yeast cake
Ideal recipe for those looking for traditional foreign desserts, easy English recipes or different Befana desserts.
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FAQ TWELFTH NIGHT CAKE doughnut
What is the Twelfth Night Cake Befana doughnut?
The Twelfth Night Cake doughnut is a traditional English dessert prepared for Epiphany, also known as the Twelfth Night dessert or Befana doughnut. It is a soft, yeast cake enriched with raisins, almonds, and sometimes candied fruit, symbolizing the end of the Christmas holidays.
Why is it called the Twelfth Night dessert?
It is called that because it is prepared and consumed during the twelfth night after Christmas, coinciding with the Epiphany. In England, it represents the last day of the Christmas holidays and a moment of family sharing.
Is it difficult to make?
No, it is an easy yeast dough, suitable even for those without much experience with yeast desserts. Just follow the rising times and use simple ingredients to get a soft and fragrant doughnut.
Can candied fruit be removed or replaced?
Yes, candied fruit can be easily removed or replaced with raisins, almonds, citrus zest, or chocolate chips, making the dessert more suited to everyone’s taste.
When is it eaten?
Traditionally, it is eaten on Epiphany day, but it is also perfect in the following days as a breakfast or snack dessert, accompanied by tea, milk, or coffee.
How is the Twelfth Night Cake Befana doughnut stored?
It stays soft for 2-3 days if kept under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap. It can also be frozen once cooked and cooled.
Is the Twelfth Night Cake Befana doughnut similar to our panettone or pandoro?
It is a yeast dessert like panettone and pandoro, but simpler and more homemade, without long processes. It has a soft and compact texture, ideal for those looking for an alternative Christmas dessert.
