How to make Parkin (Dark Gingerbread)

How to make Parkin (Dark Gingerbread)

Parkin is a dark ginger cake made in Yorkshire and traditionally eaten on bonfire night but makes a nice teatime or packed lunch treat at anytime.

It is made with Oatmeal which is/was a popular cereal crop in the colder and wetter Northern climate of the Dales.

Ideally, keep it for a while before eating, a few days even.

Parkin (Dark Gingerbread)

Recipe by 'The Best of James Herriot'Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

157

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4oz (110g) Self Raising Flour

  • 1 tsp (5g) Bicarbonate of soda

  • 1 tsp (5g) Ground Ginger

  • Pinch of salt

  • 4oz (110g) Oatmeal

  • 4oz (110g) Dark Treacle

  • 2 oz (60g) Butter

  • 2 oz (60g) Sugar

  • Egg

  • 2 tbsp (40 ml) milk

Directions

  • Mix together the flour, ginger, bicarb of soda and a pinch of salt.
  • Stir in the oats
  • Melt the treacle in a pan on a low heat together with the butter and sugar. Don’t boil.
  • Pour the melted liquid into the dry ingredients and mix well together with the egg and milk to soften the mixture.
  • Pour into a well greased 6 or 8in (15-20cm) tin or use parchment paper.
  • Bake for about an hour at 170C (325F) Gas Mark 3 until firm in the centre.

Notes

  • Check to see it is done by inserting a probe or knife into the centre to see if it comes out dry
  • Cut into squares once it has cooled
  • Can be eaten straight away but improves if left for a day or so to become a bit more ‘sticky’

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