Staffordshire Oat Cake: The Sweet Baking of Oat Aroma

The Staffordshire oat cake is like a rustic and warm country spirit, with oats as the protagonist. In the magical world of baking, it weaves a unique melody of deliciousness, perfectly combining the natural aroma of oats with the sweet taste of the cake.

To make this cake, first carefully prepare the ingredients for the cake body. Put oatmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar one by one into a large bowl. The mixer dances merrily to fully blend and evenly mix these dry ingredients. Then, cut the butter into small pieces and add them to the oatmeal. At this time, fingers or the mixer become dexterous artists, gently kneading the butter into the oatmeal until a coarse crumbly texture forms. This process is crucial. Those pearl-like butter grains will turn into crispy strands during baking, adding a unique texture to the cake. Next, after beating the eggs evenly in a small bowl, slowly pour them into the oatmeal and continue to stir to allow the egg liquid to embrace the dry ingredients closely. Finally, slowly add milk and keep stirring until a soft and elastic dough emerges.

Meanwhile, making the topping is also a lot of fun. Brown sugar and oatmeal meet in a small bowl and the mixer blends them evenly, as if telling a sweet and rustic story. The addition of cinnamon powder is like a dexterous fragrant brushstroke. With a gentle wave, it infuses the topping with a unique aroma, making it more enticing.

The assembly process of the cake begins with preheating the oven to 180°C, which is a key prelude. Smear a layer of butter on a 20-centimeter cake pan, like creating a smooth stage for the cake. Pour the cake dough into the pan. The spoon acts like a baton, evenly distributing the dough to make it spread smoothly. Then, sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the cake like snowflakes, giving it a sweet and crispy coat.

When it's time to bake, the cake is put into the oven preheated to 180°C and a wonderful transformation is about to occur. During the baking time of about 30 - 40 minutes, the high temperature in the oven is like a warm embrace, allowing the cake to gradually expand and color. Until the surface of the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean without any residue, it indicates that the cake is fully cooked and the internal texture is just right.

Finally, take the cake out of the oven and wait patiently for at least 10 minutes of cooling time. During this period, the aroma of the cake becomes more intense and the taste gradually settles. The cooled Staffordshire oat cake, whether as an energetic start to breakfast or a sweet companion for afternoon tea, can immerse every taster in the baking charm of this country flavor with its unique oat aroma, the combination of crispiness and softness, and the charming fragrance of cinnamon. During the making process, remember to knead the butter into the oatmeal until it forms a coarse texture and set the oven temperature accurately. These are the key secrets to making this delicious cake and allow us to perfectly replicate the unique flavor of the Staffordshire oat cake.